👶Your baby this week
Your baby is about the length of a nursing pillow (~47.4 cm) and around 6 lb.
Baby looks more like a newborn now, with **chubbier limbs** and **pink-tinted skin** (from blood vessels beneath the surface).
Many babies have **dropped (lightened)** into the pelvis by now, especially in a first pregnancy, though some won’t drop until labour starts.
The **skull plates remain soft and unfused** to help baby pass through the birth canal; most bones still have flexible cartilage that will harden after birth.
Hearing is **extra sharp**; baby can likely **recognise your voice** and familiar songs.
Lungs are usually **mature enough** around now to breathe outside the womb; circulation and immune systems are well developed.
The digestive system is developed but **not fully operational** yet, it will mature through the first year after birth.
🌸Your body this week
You’ll have an **antenatal appointment** around now to check blood pressure, urine and bump measurements, please prioritise these visits; they **save lives** by detecting issues like high blood pressure.
If baby isn’t head-down, your team may offer **External Cephalic Version (ECV)**, a gentle hands-on technique to turn baby (successful in ~50% of cases).
If baby has **dropped**, you may breathe and digest more comfortably, but feel **pelvic pressure**, increased need to pee, and possibly a **waddling gait**.
Hormones loosen joints and ligaments, which can cause **pelvic, hip and lower back discomfort**.
You may notice **more discharge** and occasional **colostrum** leakage; a light nursing bra and pads can help.
💛Symptoms you might notice
Every pregnancy is different. These are common around week 36 — speak to your midwife if anything worries you.
Leaking urine (stress incontinence)
A small leak when you cough, sneeze or laugh is common as pelvic floor muscles relax and baby’s head adds pressure. Use maternity pads and practise **pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises** daily.
Braxton Hicks contractions
Irregular, painless tightenings that come and go. Hydrate, change position, and rest. If contractions become **regular, painful, or you’re unsure**, call your maternity unit.
Heartburn, gas & constipation
Smaller, frequent meals and unhurried eating can help. Avoid trigger foods (spicy, fatty, acidic), and keep up fluids and fibre.
More frequent urination
Baby’s head crowding the bladder increases urgency. Don’t reduce fluids, instead, **double-void** (pee, pause, try again) and lean forward slightly when urinating.
Pelvic pain & waddling
Looser joints and baby’s position can ache. Try warm baths, pelvic tilts, a pregnancy support belt, gentle stretches, and resting with hips elevated.
Vaginal discharge (possible ‘bloody show’)
A thin increase in discharge is common. Pink/red/brown streaks after sex or an exam may reflect a sensitive cervix. Call triage for **fresh bleeding** or if you suspect waters have broken.
Insomnia
Sleep can be elusive. Keep the room cool, lower evening screen time, try a warm bath, and use pillows to support bump, back and between knees.
Swelling (edema)
Feet, ankles, hands and face can puff up. Stay hydrated, elevate your legs, wear comfy shoes, and move regularly. Report **sudden swelling** with headache/vision changes urgently.
✨Tips for week 36
Know your birth options
Review **vaginal birth** (most common), **assisted delivery** (ventouse/forceps), and **caesarean** (planned or emergency). Discuss **VBAC** if you’ve had a prior C-section.
Pack your hospital bag
Include your **notes & birth plan**, comfy labour outfit, spare clothes/underwear, nursing bras/pads, large sanitary pads, toiletries/towels, healthy snacks, phone chargers, baby clothes & nappies.
Keep key numbers handy
Save your **maternity unit/midwife**, **hospital reference number**, **birth partner**, transport/taxi, and the hospital address. Keep a written copy in your bag.
Baby sling safety (T.I.C.K.S.)
**Tight – In view at all times – Close enough to kiss – Keep chin off chest – Supported back**. Choose upright, supportive carriers and ensure airways remain clear.
Movements matter
Track Your usual pattern. If movements **slow, change or stop**, call your midwife or maternity unit **immediately**, don’t wait.
Pelvic floor & posture
Daily **Kegels** and good posture support continence and comfort. Side-sleep with a pillow between knees; consider a maternity belt for extra support.
Healthy habits
Aim for gentle activity (e.g., walking), balanced meals, extra ~**200 kcal**/day in 3rd trimester if needed, limit caffeine, and avoid alcohol and smoking. Ask about **RSV** and **whooping cough** vaccines if not yet had.
When to seek urgent help
Call triage for **reduced movements**, vaginal bleeding, continuous abdominal pain, fluid leakage, severe headache, visual changes, chest pain, **sudden swelling**, or signs of labour before 37 weeks.