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Sign InWeek 36 — Almost Full Term
Overall Pregnancy
Your Baby is About
large romaine lettuce
Your baby is about 47cm and 2.6kg — the size of a large head of romaine lettuce. Most of the lanugo has shed, and the vernix is starting to thin. Your baby may drop lower into the pelvis this week — called lightening or engagement — making breathing easier for you but increasing pelvic pressure and the urge to wee even more. The brain, immune system, and digestive system are all in the final stages of maturation.
From Week 36, appointments are weekly. Your midwife will check the baby's position at every visit and monitor for signs of pre-labour. At 36 weeks, your baby is considered late preterm — if born now, they'd need some extra support but would very likely do well. Your GBS results should be back by now. This is also a good time to confirm your birth plan is written and your bag is packed.
When your baby drops into your pelvis this week, their head essentially acts as a plug — pressure-testing the cervix in preparation for labour. This is why some women notice a sudden increase in pelvic pressure and lightning-crotch (sharp shooting pains into the pelvis and thighs) when engagement happens. Uncomfortable? Yes. But it means your body and baby are working together to prepare for the big event.
If you're feeling a sudden burst of energy and an urge to clean, organise, and nest — that's entirely real and has a name: the nesting instinct. Enjoy it, but pace yourself. Many people go overboard reorganising entire rooms at 36 weeks and exhaust themselves right before they need their energy most. Prioritise what actually matters: car seat installed, baby sleeping area ready, freezer meals made.
Dates — the fruit — have evidence suggesting that eating 6 dates a day from Week 36 can help ripen the cervix and may reduce the need for induction. Worth discussing with your midwife.
Double-check that the car seat is correctly installed — many are not, and it's worth having it checked at a proper installation point if available in your area.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer