Week by Week Pregnancy: 36 Week Pregnant

At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is approximately 47.4 cm long from head to heel. That's roughly the length of a large romaine lettuce. Your baby continues to gain weight and build up fat stores, while the lungs and other organs prepare for life outside the womb.

There are around 4 weeks until your estimated due date. Many babies are now in a head-down position, and some have started moving lower into the pelvis. However, this does not necessarily mean labour is about to begin.

Your baby's movements may feel different as space becomes more limited. You might notice strong pushes, stretches and rolls rather than larger movements. Your baby should not move less simply because there is less room.

36 weeks pregnant at a glance: Your baby is approximately 47.4 cm long and continues to gain weight. Many babies are head down by this stage, and there are around 4 weeks until your estimated due date.

Contents

• What Does Being 36 Weeks Pregnant Mean?
• How Is Your Baby Developing at 36 Weeks?
• How Big Is Your Baby at 36 Weeks?
• What Does a Baby Look Like at 36 Weeks?
• Should Your Baby Be Head Down at 36 Weeks?
• What Should Baby Movements Feel Like at 36 Weeks?
• How Is Your Body Changing at 36 Weeks?
• Common Symptoms at 36 Weeks Pregnant
• Is Leaking Colostrum Normal at 36 Weeks?
• Preparing for Birth at 36 Weeks

36 Weeks Pregnant: At a Glance

Topic	At 36 Weeks
Pregnancy stage	36 weeks
Trimester	Third trimester
Baby's length	Approximately 47.4 cm
Baby's estimated weight	Approximately 2.6 kg
Size comparison	About the length of a large romaine lettuce
Lung development	Continuing to mature
Baby's position	Often head down, although other positions are possible
Movements	Your baby's usual movement pattern should continue
Time until estimated due date	Approximately 4 weeks

What Does Being 36 Weeks Pregnant Mean?

At 36 weeks pregnant, you are approaching the final weeks of the third trimester. Although your baby's major organs have developed considerably, the remaining weeks are still important for growth and maturation.

Your baby's lungs are approaching the maturity needed for breathing outside the womb. However, babies born at 36 weeks are still considered late preterm and may need additional support with breathing, feeding or maintaining their body temperature.

You may also notice physical changes as your baby grows and potentially moves lower into your pelvis. Pressure around your ribs may ease, while pressure on your bladder and pelvis may become more noticeable.

How Is Your Baby Developing at 36 Weeks?

Your baby continues to gain weight and prepare for life after birth at 36 weeks. Increasing fat beneath the skin gives the body a rounder appearance and will help your baby maintain their body temperature after birth.

The lungs are well developed but continue to mature. A substance called surfactant helps keep the tiny air sacs in the lungs open, supporting breathing after birth.

Your baby's sucking and swallowing skills are also developing. The digestive system is preparing to process milk, while your baby continues to swallow amniotic fluid inside the womb.

Brain and nervous system development will continue throughout the remaining weeks of pregnancy and after birth.

How Big Is Your Baby at 36 Weeks?

At 36 weeks, your baby measures approximately 47.4 cm from head to heel and may weigh around 2.6 kg. These are approximate figures, and individual babies grow at different rates.

For a simple visual comparison, your baby is roughly the length of a large romaine lettuce. Food comparisons are intended to make size easier to imagine rather than provide precise medical measurements.

If an ultrasound scan is performed, your baby's estimated weight is calculated using measurements rather than direct weighing. Your maternity team considers these findings alongside your stage of pregnancy, previous measurements and overall growth pattern.

Baby size at 36 weeks:
Length: Approximately 47.4 cm
Estimated weight: Around 2.6 kg
Size comparison: A large romaine lettuce

What Does a Baby Look Like at 36 Weeks?

At 36 weeks, your baby is looking increasingly like a newborn. Continued fat accumulation makes the face, arms and legs appear fuller.

Some of the fine hair, known as lanugo, that previously covered your baby's body may have disappeared. The white, protective coating called vernix caseosa may still be present on the skin.

With less space available inside the womb, your baby usually remains curled up with the arms and legs bent. You may therefore feel strong pushing or stretching sensations against different areas of your abdomen.

Should Your Baby Be Head Down at 36 Weeks?

Most babies are in a head-down position by 36 weeks. This is known as cephalic presentation and is the most common position for vaginal birth.

Your baby's head may have started moving lower into the pelvis, a process known as engagement. This can happen before labour begins, particularly during a first pregnancy, but it does not mean labour will necessarily start immediately.

If your baby is still breech at around 36 weeks, your midwife or doctor may discuss options with you. Depending on your circumstances, these may include external cephalic version (ECV), a procedure used to try to turn a breech baby into a head-down position.

What Should Baby Movements Feel Like at 36 Weeks?

At 36 weeks, you should continue to recognise your baby's usual pattern of movement. Although the movements may feel different as your baby grows, they should not become less frequent simply because there is less room.

You may feel kicks, stretches, rolls and strong pushing sensations. Every baby has an individual pattern, and there is no fixed daily number of movements that applies to all pregnancies.

If your baby is moving less than usual, you cannot feel your baby moving or their usual pattern has changed, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day or delay seeking advice by eating something sugary, drinking a cold drink, changing position or using a home Doppler.

How Is Your Body Changing at 36 Weeks?

At 36 weeks, your growing baby and changes in position can make physical symptoms more noticeable. Your centre of gravity has shifted, and everyday activities may require more effort.

If your baby begins moving lower into your pelvis, pressure beneath your ribs may ease and breathing may feel slightly more comfortable. However, additional pressure on your bladder can mean needing to pass urine more frequently.

Backache, pelvic discomfort and difficulty sleeping are also common. Braxton Hicks contractions may become more noticeable as your uterus prepares for labour.

Common Symptoms at 36 Weeks Pregnant

Symptom or Change	Can It Occur at 36 Weeks?
Braxton Hicks contractions	✔ Yes
Backache	✔ Yes
Pelvic pressure	✔ Yes
Needing to pass urine more often	✔ Yes
Sleep problems	✔ Yes
Heartburn and indigestion	✔ Yes
Constipation and bloating	✔ Yes
Leg cramps	✔ Yes
Mild, gradual swelling of the feet and ankles	✔ Yes
Increased vaginal discharge	✔ Yes
Mild urine leakage when coughing or laughing	✔ Yes
Leaking colostrum	✔ Yes

Is Leaking Colostrum Normal at 36 Weeks?

Small amounts of yellowish or clear colostrum may leak from your breasts at 36 weeks. Colostrum is the first milk produced for your baby and contains antibodies that help protect against infection.

Some people notice colostrum leaking during pregnancy, while others do not. Not leaking colostrum before birth does not indicate that you will have difficulty producing milk or breastfeeding after your baby is born.

Preparing for Birth at 36 Weeks

With approximately 4 weeks until your estimated due date, this is a useful time to review your birth preparations. You can check your hospital bag, organise important documents and confirm how you will travel to your maternity unit.

It is also important to know who to contact if you think labour has started, your waters break, you experience vaginal bleeding or your baby's movements reduce or change.

You can organise the essential clothing your baby will need during the first few days. Practical, seasonally appropriate newborn clothes that are easy to put on and remove can make everyday care more convenient.

In Part 2: We will cover ultrasound scans at 36 weeks, your baby's position, breech presentation, antenatal appointments, Braxton Hicks contractions, premature labour, waters breaking, nutrition, exercise, sleep and practical birth preparation.

Do You Need an Ultrasound Scan at 36 Weeks?

Not everyone needs an ultrasound scan at 36 weeks pregnant. In the UK, additional scans are generally arranged when there is a clinical reason to assess your baby's growth, position, the amount of amniotic fluid or another aspect of the pregnancy.

If a growth scan is recommended, your sonographer may measure your baby's head, abdomen and thigh bone to calculate an estimated fetal weight. This is an estimate rather than an exact measurement. Your maternity team will interpret the findings alongside previous measurements and your individual circumstances.

What May Be Assessed	What the Scan May Show
Baby's growth	Measurements of the head, abdomen and thigh bone
Estimated fetal weight	An approximate weight calculated from ultrasound measurements
Baby's position	Whether your baby is head down, breech or lying in another position
Amniotic fluid	The amount of fluid surrounding your baby
Placenta	Its position and other relevant findings when clinically indicated
Blood flow	Doppler ultrasound findings when additional assessment is needed

Should Your Baby Be Head Down at 36 Weeks?

Most babies are in a head-down position by 36 weeks. This is called cephalic presentation and is the most common position for vaginal birth.

Your baby's head may also begin moving lower into your pelvis. This is known as engagement and may happen before labour begins, particularly during a first pregnancy.

However, engagement does not mean that labour will necessarily begin immediately. Some babies move lower into the pelvis weeks before birth, while others do so during labour.

What Happens If Your Baby Is Breech at 36 Weeks?

If your baby is still breech at around 36 weeks, your midwife or doctor will discuss the available options with you. Breech presentation means that your baby's bottom or feet are positioned towards the birth canal rather than the head.

One possible option is external cephalic version (ECV), a procedure in which a trained healthcare professional applies controlled pressure to your abdomen to try to turn your baby into a head-down position.

ECV is not suitable for every pregnancy. Your maternity team will assess whether it is appropriate and explain the potential benefits, risks and likelihood of success.

If ECV is unsuitable or unsuccessful, your team may discuss planned caesarean birth or vaginal breech birth, depending on your circumstances and the expertise available.

What Should Baby Movements Be Like at 36 Weeks?

Your baby's usual pattern of movement should continue at 36 weeks. Although movements may feel different as your baby grows, they should not become less frequent simply because there is less room inside the womb.

You may notice kicks, stretches, rolls and strong pushing sensations. Every baby has an individual movement pattern, and there is no fixed number of movements that applies to every pregnancy.

If your baby is moving less than usual, you cannot feel your baby moving or their usual pattern has changed, contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately. Do not wait until the next day. Do not delay assessment by trying food, cold or sugary drinks, changing position or using a home Doppler.

Are Braxton Hicks Contractions Normal at 36 Weeks?

Braxton Hicks contractions can become more noticeable at 36 weeks. You may feel your bump tighten for a short time before relaxing again.

These contractions are generally irregular and do not become progressively longer, stronger or more frequent. Labour contractions, by contrast, may develop into a regular pattern and become increasingly intense.

Braxton Hicks Contractions	Possible Labour Contractions
Usually irregular	May become increasingly regular
Do not usually become progressively more frequent	May occur closer together over time
Do not usually become progressively stronger	May become longer and stronger
Do not necessarily indicate labour	May be associated with changes to the cervix

Because you are not yet 37 weeks pregnant, regular or increasingly frequent contractions should be assessed promptly.

What Are the Signs of Premature Labour at 36 Weeks?

Labour that begins before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy is considered premature labour. Babies born at 36 weeks are classified as late preterm.

Possible signs of premature labour include:

• Regular or increasingly frequent contractions or tightenings
• Period-type pains
• An unusual or persistent backache
• Pressure in the pelvis
• A sudden gush or continuous trickle of fluid from the vagina
• Vaginal bleeding

If you think you may be in labour at 36 weeks, contact your maternity unit urgently. Do not wait for contractions to become stronger before seeking advice.

What Should You Do If Your Waters Break at 36 Weeks?

A sudden gush or continuous trickle of watery fluid from the vagina may mean that your waters have broken. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish amniotic fluid from urine or normal pregnancy discharge.

If you think your waters have broken at 36 weeks, contact your maternity unit immediately, even if contractions have not started.

Tell your maternity team when the fluid started leaking and what colour it appears to be. Green, brown or blood-stained fluid requires particularly prompt assessment.

Is Abdominal or Pelvic Pain Normal at 36 Weeks?

Mild abdominal discomfort can occur during late pregnancy as your uterus grows and your baby changes position. Constipation and trapped wind may also contribute to discomfort.

Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain can affect the lower back, hips, groin and pelvis. It may become more noticeable when walking, climbing stairs, turning over in bed or getting in and out of a car.

Speak to your midwife or GP if pelvic pain is affecting your mobility or everyday activities. Severe, persistent or worsening abdominal pain should be assessed promptly, particularly if it occurs alongside bleeding, contractions, fever or leaking fluid.

Is Vaginal Discharge Normal at 36 Weeks?

An increase in vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy. Healthy discharge is generally thin, clear or milky white and should not have an unpleasant smell.

Speak to your midwife or GP if discharge becomes green or yellow, smells unpleasant, causes itching or soreness, or is accompanied by pain when passing urine.

As birth approaches, you may also notice a jelly-like discharge called a mucus plug or show. It can sometimes be pink or lightly blood-stained.

However, because you are still under 37 weeks, contact your maternity unit if you think you have lost your mucus plug or notice signs that labour may be starting. Any vaginal bleeding should be assessed, and heavy bleeding requires emergency care.

Is Swelling Normal at 36 Weeks Pregnant?

Mild swelling of the feet and ankles that develops gradually can occur during the third trimester. It may become more noticeable later in the day.

However, sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet should be assessed promptly, particularly if it occurs with symptoms associated with pre-eclampsia.

Seek immediate medical advice if you experience:

• A severe headache
• Blurred vision or flashing lights
• Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet
• Severe pain just below the ribs
• Vomiting
• Feeling very unwell

What Should You Eat at 36 Weeks Pregnant?

A varied and balanced diet remains important at 36 weeks pregnant. Include fruit and vegetables, higher-fibre starchy foods, pregnancy-safe sources of protein, and dairy foods or suitable alternatives.

You do not need to eat for two. A balanced approach to nutrition is more useful than substantially increasing portion sizes.

Drinking enough fluids and including fibre-rich foods can help with constipation. Continue taking any supplements recommended by your healthcare professional and avoid supplements containing vitamin A in the form of retinol.

Can You Exercise at 36 Weeks Pregnant?

If your pregnancy is progressing normally and your healthcare team has not advised otherwise, you can generally continue suitable physical activity at 36 weeks. Walking and gentle pregnancy-appropriate exercises may help maintain mobility and comfort.

Avoid exhausting yourself. As a general guide, you should still be able to hold a conversation while exercising.

Your balance may be affected as your centre of gravity changes, so avoid activities with a significant risk of falling or injury to your abdomen.

Stop exercising and seek medical advice if you develop vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, chest pain, dizziness or regular painful contractions.

How Should You Sleep at 36 Weeks Pregnant?

At 36 weeks, go to sleep on your side. Either your left or right side is suitable.

If you wake up on your back during the night, there is no need to panic. Simply turn onto your side before going back to sleep.

Using pillows between your knees or beneath your bump may help reduce pressure on your back and pelvis.

What Happens at Your 36-Week Antenatal Appointment?

In England, a routine antenatal appointment is generally offered at 36 weeks. Your appointment schedule may differ depending on your individual circumstances and the maternity service providing your care.

During this appointment, your midwife or doctor may:

• Check your blood pressure
• Test your urine
• Measure your bump to assess growth
• Ask about your baby's movements
• Check your baby's position
• Discuss breech presentation if relevant
• Discuss labour, birth and your birth preferences
• Provide information about feeding your baby and caring for your newborn
• Arrange additional investigations if clinically indicated

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening is not routinely offered to every pregnant woman in the UK. Testing or preventive measures may be considered in specific circumstances according to clinical guidance.

Preparing for Birth at 36 Weeks

With approximately 4 weeks until your estimated due date, this is a useful time to finalise practical preparations for birth. Check your hospital bag, organise important documents and confirm your transport arrangements.

Keep your maternity unit's contact details readily available. Make sure you know who to contact if you think labour has started, your waters break, you experience vaginal bleeding or your baby's movements reduce or change.

You can also prepare the essential clothing and care items your baby will need during the first few days. Practical newborn clothes, a suitable outfit for leaving hospital and a small selection of seasonally appropriate items can help you feel organised without buying unnecessary quantities.

In Part 3: We will cover what may be normal at 36 weeks, when to contact your maternity team, premature labour, pre-eclampsia, reduced baby movements, waters breaking, common pregnancy myths, your 36-week checklist and frequently asked questions.

What Can Be Normal at 36 Weeks Pregnant?

At 36 weeks pregnant, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, pelvic pressure and occasional Braxton Hicks contractions can all be part of the third trimester. Backache, heartburn, frequent urination, leg cramps and increased vaginal discharge are also common.

If your baby has moved lower into your pelvis, you may find breathing slightly easier while needing to pass urine more often. These changes vary between pregnancies and do not reliably predict when labour will begin.

Symptom or Change	Can It Occur at 36 Weeks?
Your baby's usual movements continuing	Yes
Occasional Braxton Hicks contractions	Yes
Backache and pelvic pressure	Yes
Difficulty sleeping	Yes
Heartburn and indigestion	Yes
Frequent urination	Yes
Leg cramps	Yes
Mild, gradual swelling of the ankles	Yes
Increased normal vaginal discharge	Yes
Leaking colostrum	Yes

Sudden, severe or worsening symptoms should not automatically be attributed to normal pregnancy changes. Any reduction or clear change in your baby's usual movements needs immediate assessment.

How Can You Support a Healthy Pregnancy at 36 Weeks?

Balanced nutrition, appropriate physical activity, adequate rest and regular antenatal care remain important during the final weeks of pregnancy. Preparing for birth is useful, but continuing to monitor your own health and your baby's movements is equally important.

• Eat a varied, balanced diet and follow pregnancy food-safety advice.
• Drink enough fluids throughout the day.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Check medicines and supplements with your healthcare professional.
• Continue suitable physical activity if it is safe for your pregnancy.
• Practise pelvic floor exercises.
• Avoid activities with a significant risk of falling.
• Pay attention to your baby's usual movement pattern.
• Attend your scheduled antenatal appointments.
• Go to sleep on your left or right side.
• Keep your maternity unit's contact details available.

When Should You Contact Your Midwife or Maternity Unit at 36 Weeks?

Because you have not yet reached 37 completed weeks, possible signs of labour at 36 weeks require prompt assessment. Other symptoms may also indicate complications that need medical attention.

Contact your maternity unit promptly if you experience:

• Your baby moving less than usual, stopping moving or showing a clear change in their usual pattern
• Regular or increasingly frequent contractions
• Period-type pains or unusual persistent backache
• A sudden gush or continuous trickle of fluid from the vagina
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Severe, persistent or worsening abdominal pain
• Fever or pain when passing urine
• A severe headache or changes in vision
• Sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
• Pain, tenderness or swelling in one leg
• Sudden or unusual breathlessness

Seek emergency medical help for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, fainting or loss of consciousness. In the UK, call 999 for a medical emergency.

What Are the Risks of Giving Birth at 36 Weeks?

A baby born at 36 weeks is considered late preterm because birth has occurred before 37 completed weeks. Many babies born at this stage do well, but they may need additional monitoring or treatment.

Compared with babies born at full term, late-preterm babies have an increased risk of difficulties with breathing, feeding, maintaining body temperature, low blood sugar and jaundice.

The care needed depends on the baby's individual condition after birth. Some babies can stay with their parents with additional observation, while others may need care in a neonatal unit.

Regular contractions, period-type pains, persistent backache, leaking fluid or vaginal bleeding at 36 weeks should be assessed promptly.

If you think labour may be starting at 36 weeks, contact your maternity unit urgently. Do not wait until contractions become stronger.

What Are the Warning Signs of Pre-eclampsia at 36 Weeks?

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication that usually develops after 20 weeks. It is associated with high blood pressure and can affect the health of both the pregnant woman and baby.

Some people have no noticeable symptoms initially, which is why blood pressure and urine checks are important during antenatal care.

Seek immediate medical advice if you develop:

• A severe headache
• Blurred vision or flashing lights
• Sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
• Severe pain just below your ribs
• Vomiting
• Feeling very unwell

Should Baby Movements Decrease at 36 Weeks?

No. Your baby should not move less simply because there is less room inside the womb. Movements may feel different, but your baby's usual pattern should continue right up to and during labour.

There is no universal number of movements that every baby should make each day. Recognising what is normal for your own baby is more important than reaching a fixed kick count.

If your baby is moving less than usual, you cannot feel your baby moving or their usual pattern has changed, contact your maternity unit immediately.

Do not wait until the next day. Do not delay assessment by trying sugary foods, cold drinks, position changes or a home Doppler. Hearing a heartbeat on a home Doppler does not reliably establish that your baby is well.

What Should You Do If Your Waters Break at 36 Weeks?

A sudden gush or continuous trickle of watery fluid from the vagina may indicate that your waters have broken. It can be difficult to distinguish amniotic fluid from urine or normal vaginal discharge.

Contact your maternity unit immediately, even if you are not having contractions. Tell your maternity team when the fluid started leaking and whether it appears clear, green, brown or blood-stained.

Do not wait for labour to begin before seeking advice.

Is Vaginal Bleeding Normal at 36 Weeks?

Vaginal bleeding at 36 weeks should be assessed by your maternity team. Although a small amount of blood-stained mucus can sometimes occur as the cervix begins to change, bleeding may have other causes that need investigation.

Contact your maternity unit if you notice spotting or bleeding. Heavy bleeding, particularly with severe pain, dizziness or fainting, requires emergency medical attention.

Common Myths About Being 36 Weeks Pregnant

Myth	Fact
"A baby born at 36 weeks is full term."	No. Birth before 37 completed weeks is classified as preterm.
"My baby should move less because there is less room."	No. Movements may feel different, but a reduction or clear change needs assessment.
"If my baby's head is engaged, labour will start immediately."	No. Engagement can happen days or weeks before labour.
"Every baby must be head down by 36 weeks."	No. Most babies are head down, but breech and other positions are possible.
"Every tightening means labour has started."	No. Braxton Hicks contractions are usually irregular.
"A sugary drink is a good way to check reduced baby movements."	No. Contact your maternity unit immediately rather than delaying assessment.
"Everyone needs an ultrasound scan at 36 weeks."	No. Additional scans are arranged when clinically indicated.
"You must sleep only on your left side."	No. You can go to sleep on either your left or right side.

Your 36-Week Pregnancy Checklist

• Continue recognising your baby's usual movement pattern.
• Contact your maternity unit immediately if movements reduce, stop or change.
• Know the signs of premature labour.
• Take regular contractions, leaking fluid or vaginal bleeding seriously.
• Attend your 36-week antenatal appointment if scheduled.
• Discuss your baby's position with your midwife or doctor.
• Ask about your options if your baby is breech.
• Go to sleep on your left or right side.
• Continue eating a balanced diet and drinking enough fluids.
• Stay physically active if it is safe for your pregnancy.
• Be aware of pre-eclampsia warning signs.
• Finalise your hospital bag and important documents.
• Confirm your transport arrangements to the maternity unit.
• Prepare practical clothing and essentials for your newborn.

Key Takeaway at 36 Weeks Pregnant

At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is approximately 47.4 cm long and continues to grow and prepare for birth. Most babies are head down by this stage, although other positions are possible. Your baby's usual movements should continue, and any reduction or change requires immediate assessment. Labour before 37 completed weeks is considered premature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a baby at 36 weeks?

At 36 weeks, your baby measures approximately 47.4 cm from head to heel and may weigh around 2.6 kg. Individual measurements vary.

What size is a baby at 36 weeks?

Your baby is approximately the length of a large romaine lettuce. This comparison is intended to help visualise size rather than provide a medical measurement.

How many months is 36 weeks pregnant?

36 weeks pregnant is commonly described as around 9 months pregnant. Pregnancy is more accurately measured in weeks because calendar months vary in length.

Which trimester is 36 weeks pregnant?

At 36 weeks, you are in the third trimester, which begins at 28 weeks.

Is it safe to give birth at 36 weeks?

Many babies born at 36 weeks do well with appropriate care. However, they are considered late preterm and may need additional support with breathing, feeding, blood sugar regulation or maintaining body temperature.

Is 36 weeks considered full term?

No. A baby born at 36 weeks is preterm. In UK guidance, a pregnancy reaches term at 37 completed weeks, while the period from 39 weeks to 40 weeks and 6 days is often described as full term in more detailed gestational-age classifications.

Should baby movements decrease at 36 weeks?

No. Your baby's movements may feel different, but they should not become less frequent simply because there is less room. Contact your maternity unit immediately if movements reduce, stop or change from their usual pattern.

Should my baby be head down at 36 weeks?

Most babies are head down by 36 weeks, but not all. If your baby is breech, your maternity team can discuss options such as external cephalic version (ECV) and birth planning.

Are Braxton Hicks contractions normal at 36 weeks?

Occasional irregular Braxton Hicks contractions can occur. Regular, painful or increasingly frequent contractions should be assessed because labour before 37 weeks is premature.

What should I do if my waters break at 36 weeks?

Contact your maternity unit immediately if you notice a sudden gush or continuous trickle of watery fluid. Do not wait for contractions to begin.

Do I need an ultrasound scan at 36 weeks?

Not everyone needs a scan at 36 weeks. Additional ultrasound scans may be arranged when there is a clinical reason to assess your baby's growth, position, amniotic fluid or other aspects of the pregnancy.

What happens at a 36-week antenatal appointment?

Your midwife or doctor may check your blood pressure and urine, measure your bump, ask about your baby's movements, assess your baby's position and discuss labour, birth and newborn care.

Related Guides & Collections

• 34 Weeks Pregnant
• 35 Weeks Pregnant
• Newborn Hospital Outfits
• Newborn Baby Clothes
• Baby Rompers and Jumpsuits

References

• NHS – 36 Weeks Pregnant
• NHS – Your Baby's Movements
• NHS – Premature Labour and Birth
• NHS – Breech Baby at the End of Pregnancy
• NHS – Pre-eclampsia
• NHS – Vaginal Bleeding in Pregnancy
• NHS – Swollen Ankles, Feet and Fingers in Pregnancy
• NHS – Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy
• NHS – Vaginal Discharge in Pregnancy
• NHS – Your Antenatal Appointments
• NICE – Antenatal Care
• RCOG – Breech Baby at the End of Pregnancy

Medical disclaimer: This guide provides general information and does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your pregnancy, your baby's movements or any symptoms, contact your midwife, maternity unit, GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.