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36 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Size, Symptoms and What to Do

Week 36 is in the third trimester, month 9 of pregnancy. Here's how big your baby is, what's developing, what you may feel and what to do this week.

Week 36 · 3rd trimester · month 9
About the size of a leek
about 18.5 in (47 cm) · 6.1 lb (2,750 g) (head to heel)

Your baby this week

The lungs are likely mature enough for your baby to breathe without help after birth. Sucking and digesting milk are ready to go.

At 36 weeks your baby's lungs are likely mature enough to breathe without help after birth, and sucking, swallowing and digesting are ready to go. Many babies drop lower into the pelvis, often a few weeks before birth in a first pregnancy; breathing may get easier, but the pressure on your bladder grows. If your baby is breech, this is when your provider may discuss turning the baby (external cephalic version). Visits are usually weekly from now on, and the group B strep swab is often done this week. Learn the signs of labor: regular, strengthening contractions, waters breaking and bloody mucus.

By the numbers

Week 36 covers days 252 to 258 counted from the first day of your last period, which is 90% of a 40-week pregnancy. About 28 days remain until a 40-week due date. Since last week, an average baby gains about 7.8 oz (220 g). By date of conception, your baby is about 34 weeks old.

Pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period, so conception happens around week 2. Your due date is 280 days (40 weeks) from that day, and an early ultrasound may adjust it.

Your body

If your baby drops lower into your pelvis, breathing may get easier, but bathroom trips get even more frequent.

Tests and to-dos this week

Group B strep screening, a quick swab of the vagina and rectum, is done between 36 and 37 weeks. Checkups are usually weekly from now until birth.

  • Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine · weeks 27–36 · vaccine

    Recommended during each pregnancy, preferably early in this window.

  • RSV vaccine (September–January) · weeks 32–36 · vaccine

    Or your baby can get an RSV antibody shot after birth instead; ask your provider which option fits.

  • Group B strep (GBS) test · weeks 36–37 · test

    A vaginal and rectal swab, between 36 0/7 and 37 6/7 weeks per ACOG.

  • Weekly visits · weeks 36–40 · visit

Tips for the third trimester

  • From 28 weeks, go to sleep on your side; if you wake on your back, just roll over.
  • Pack your hospital bag and agree with your provider on when to head in.
  • Call right away, even at night, if your baby moves less or differently.
  • Know the signs of labor: regular, strengthening contractions, your water breaking or a bloody show.

Call your provider or labor and delivery right away if you have:

  • your baby is moving less or differently than usual
  • your water breaks, especially if the fluid is green, brown or smells bad
  • bright red bleeding or constant, severe belly pain
  • a severe headache, vision changes, pain under the ribs or sudden swelling
  • intense itching, especially on the palms and soles

In an emergency, call 911.

Last week and next week

Last week (35): Your baby is getting chubbier.

Next week (37): Your baby is practicing facial expressions like squinting and frowning.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the baby at 36 weeks?

About the size of a leek: about 18.5 in (47 cm) · 6.1 lb (2,750 g), measured head to heel. These are rounded averages, and every baby grows at their own pace.

How many months is 36 weeks pregnant?

36 weeks is in month 9 and the third trimester. About 4 weeks (28 days) remain until a 40-week due date. Months are approximate; providers count weeks and days.

What does it mean when the baby drops?

Your baby's head settles lower into your pelvis. In a first pregnancy it often happens a few weeks before birth; in later pregnancies, often not until labor starts. It doesn't mean labor is about to begin.

Sources

Last reviewed: November 14, 2026 · Kitpebble editorial team

This page is for general information. It isn't medical advice or a diagnosis and doesn't replace your OB-GYN or midwife. Sizes are rounded averages. Our editorial policy

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