36 weeks pregnant: Baby and body development.

The 36th week of pregnancy feels like the transition into the final stage for many expectant parents. The birth is noticeably drawing nearer, the body becomes calmer, but at the same time more alert. Many thoughts now revolve around arriving, letting go and everything that will soon be allowed to begin anew. Your daily life often adapts to this feeling quite naturally. You become more mindful, reassess your priorities and listen even more closely to what your body is telling you.

Your baby is now also deeply engaged in the final preparations. It is gathering strength, continuing to gain weight and often already settling into the birth position. Every movement is deliberate, every moment of contact between you especially close. Many parents describe this phase as deeply bonding, almost like quietly getting in tune with one another. You are closer than ever before.

The 36th week of pregnancy invites you to deepen your trust even further. Trust in your body, in your baby and in the natural process that you will soon experience together. In this article, you will find all the important information about your baby’s development, the changes in your body and helpful tips for this special week.

Your baby at 36 weeks of pregnancy:

• Size and weight: Your baby is now about 47 to 48 centimetres long and weighs around 2.6 kilograms. It continues to gain weight steadily and build up valuable fat reserves that it will need after birth.
  
  
• Size comparison: Your baby can now roughly be compared to a honeydew melon. This image helps many people to better visualise its current size in the womb.
  
  
• Movements are becoming calmer: There is now very little room in your belly. The movements often feel slower and stronger. You are more likely to feel pushing, stretching or distinct pressure than quick kicks.
  
  
• Preparing for childbirth: Many babies turn head-down into the pelvis this week. This position facilitates a natural birth and shows that your baby is actively preparing for birth.
  
  
• Mature organs: Most organs are now fully developed. Above all, the lungs and digestive system are becoming increasingly independent and are almost ready for life outside your womb.

Your body at 36 weeks pregnant:

• Uterus and fundal height: Your uterus is slowly reaching its highest point. The fundus is still well above the navel, which can cause a strong feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen.
  
  
• Downward pressure: As your baby moves lower into the pelvis, you will often feel more pressure in your lower abdomen. At the same time, breathing may become a little easier, as there is less pressure on the diaphragm.
  
  
• Increasing exhaustion: Many expectant parents are getting tired more easily now. Your body is doing an enormous amount and preparing intensively for the birth. Periods of rest are particularly important now.
  
  
• Braxton Hicks contractions and lightening contractions: Irregular contractions are common during this phase. They help your body prepare for labour and guide the baby further into the pelvis.
  
  
• Continued high iron requirement: This week, your baby still needs plenty of iron. Continue to ensure you eat a balanced diet to support your reserves.
  
  
  

Baby’s development in the 36th week of pregnancy

Your baby is now about 47 to 48 centimetres tall and weighs approximately 2.6 kilograms. It continues to gain weight and build up important fat reserves, which will help it regulate its body temperature after birth.

The space in your belly is now very limited. That’s why the movements are changing too. Instead of lots of little kicks, you’re more likely to feel strong stretching, pushing or distinct pressure. Firm kicks or little bumps that show from the outside are perfectly typical at this stage.

Your baby’s sucking muscles are now well trained. Your little one regularly practises sucking and swallowing by taking in amniotic fluid. This swallowing is important for the development of the digestive system. In the process, the so-called meconium collects in the intestines—the first waste product to be excreted after birth.

Many babies settle into their final birth position in the 36th week of pregnancy. The head moves down into the pelvis and is ideally positioned head-first. This position supports a natural labour. Because of the baby’s position in the womb, the movements often feel particularly strong now, even though they become less frequent.

This week, your baby is mainly spending its time gathering strength and continuing to prepare for birth. Each day brings you one step closer to arriving together.