Week 36 of Pregnancy

Countdown to Baby Begins

You've officially entered the final stretch of your pregnancy. At 36 weeks, you're likely feeling a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anticipation, perhaps even a little anxiety—as your due date inches closer. This week marks a significant milestone: your baby is almost full term, and your body is actively preparing for labor and delivery. With just a few weeks (or even days) left, it's time to focus on the final preparations while tuning in to your body's subtle—and not-so-subtle—signals. Whether this is your first child or you're a seasoned parent, each pregnancy is unique, and Week 36 holds special meaning.

Physically, you may feel the weight of pregnancy more than ever—literally and figuratively. You're likely attending weekly prenatal visits, discussing your birth plan, and maybe even feeling stronger Braxton Hicks contractions. Emotionally, this is a time to reflect, prepare, and perhaps release some of the idealized images of labor we've all seen on television. Our goal this week is to offer you both practical guidance and emotional insight, so you feel informed, empowered, and ready to welcome your baby into the world.

Your Baby: Gaining Weight and Final Touches

By 36 weeks, your baby is approximately 19 inches long and weighs around 6½ pounds—about the size of a head of romaine lettuce. If you're carrying twins or multiples, they may weigh slightly less, usually around 5 pounds each, but they are likely just as developed. Your baby's skin is smoothing out thanks to increasing fat stores, their circulatory and immune systems are functioning, and they are practicing important reflexes like sucking and grasping.

Most of your baby's systems are mature enough to function outside the womb, with the exception of the lungs and liver, which will continue developing over the next couple of weeks. Your baby's head might be starting to move downward into your pelvis—a process called lightening—especially if this is your first pregnancy. While your baby could technically arrive at any time now, they're still considered preterm until Week 37. So, every extra day they stay cozy inside contributes to their growth and readiness for life outside.

Your Body: Preparing for Labor and Vital Screenings

At this point, you're likely seeing your doctor or midwife weekly. One critical assessment during this time is the Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening—a standard and important test typically performed between 35 and 37 weeks. GBS is a common bacterium that can reside in a healthy woman's vagina or rectum without causing any symptoms. However, during childbirth, it can be transmitted to the baby and may lead to serious complications such as meningitis, pneumonia, or sepsis.

The screening itself is quick and painless: your provider uses a vaginal and rectal swab to collect a sample. If you test positive, don't worry—this does not mean you or your baby are sick. It simply means you'll receive IV antibiotics during labor, which greatly reduces the risk of passing GBS to your baby. This week may also bring increased pelvic pressure, more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions, trouble sleeping, and a general sense of fatigue. These are all normal signs that your body is preparing for the big day.

Your Health: Safe Sleep Starts Now

If you haven't finalized your baby's sleep space, this is your week to do it. Choosing the right crib is more than a design decision—it's a matter of safety. Cribs manufactured in the U.S. after 1991 must meet strict federal safety regulations, but going a step further can offer added reassurance. Look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) Certification Seal, which indicates that the crib has undergone independent safety testing according to standards from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

When shopping, ensure the crib:

• Has slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
• Has a firm, snug-fitting mattress
• Does not have a drop-side rail
• Is free of decorative cut-outs or sharp edges
• Comes with sturdy hardware and clear instructions

Also consider starting your baby's layette this week—washing newborn clothes, crib sheets, and swaddles in fragrance-free detergent. Creating a clean and safe sleep environment now gives you peace of mind when you bring your baby home.

Reality Check: What TV Doesn't Tell You About Labor

Let's be honest: TV and movies have done a disservice to pregnant women everywhere. They've portrayed labor as an overly dramatic, sudden, and neatly packaged process. One minute your water breaks in a comedic gush, and the next you're pushing out a squeaky-clean baby under soft lighting. The reality? Labor is often slower, messier, and much more unpredictable.

In truth, only about 10–15% of women experience their water breaking as the first sign of labor. More often, it begins with cramping, lower back pain, or regular contractions. Sometimes, your provider will even break your water manually in the hospital to encourage labor progression. The overall process, especially for first-time moms, can last several hours or even more than a day, and may involve a lot of waiting, monitoring, and emotional ups and downs.

Pushing can last a few minutes or several hours, and while an epidural can help with pain, it might make pushing less intuitive due to reduced sensation. Also, not every delivery goes as planned—some labors stall, and a cesarean section becomes the safest option. Lastly, prepare for your newborn to look nothing like the clean, round babies seen on screen. Expect vernix, blood, a misshapen head, and lots of crying—and still, your baby will be the most beautiful sight you've ever seen.

Tips & To-Do's: Focus, Finish, and Feel It All

Tips:

• Don't panic if you're not "nesting." Everyone's prep looks different.
• Practice deep breathing and pain management techniques—labor prep starts now.
• Keep your hospital contact list and transportation plan easily accessible.
• Make space for self-care: naps, gentle stretching, or talking to a friend.

To-Do List:

• Write in your pregnancy journal – Document your feelings, physical changes, and hopes for labor and delivery.
• Finalize your hospital bag – Include comfy clothes, ID, birth plan, baby's going-home outfit, toiletries, and snacks.
• Install your car seat – Hospitals usually require a properly installed infant seat before discharge.
• Deep clean and declutter your home – Especially areas your baby will spend time in.
• Stock up on postpartum supplies – Think pads, nursing bras, soothing sprays, and baby care basics.
• Read up on early labor signs – Know when to call your provider or head to the hospital.

Looking Ahead: Almost There

Week 36 is more than just another number—it's a meaningful threshold. You're on the edge of one of the most transformative moments in your life. While the final days of pregnancy can feel physically taxing and emotionally intense, they are also full of beauty, reflection, and anticipation. Continue trusting your body, your instincts, and your support system. You're not just counting down the days—you're preparing for one of the greatest chapters of your life.