Week 36 of pregnancy

Your baby this week

About 2745 g (estimated weight; Source: WHO fetal growth charts (Kiserud et al., PLoS Med 2017)) — about as heavy as a small tarbooz (watermelon) (Source: ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture (BMC Plant Biol 2025) 'Harnessing genetic variation in watermelon...', Table 1: parental line AHW/BR-22 fruit weight 2600-2900 g). Every baby grows a little differently.

How your baby is developing

• The baby is typically considered 'early term' from this week; many settle into a head-down position in preparation for birth, though this varies.ACOG

How you may feel

• A group-B strep swab is typically offered around weeks 35–37.ACOG
• The baby 'dropping' lower into the pelvis (lightening) may ease breathing slightly but increase pelvic pressure and the urge to urinate.NHS

Nutrition this week

• Iron — build fetal stores for the first 6 months of life (Red meat)
• DHA (omega-3) — peak fetal brain + eye growth
• Calcium — final bone mineralisation (Dairy)

Tests & scans

• Group-B strep swab (weeks 35–37)
• Presentation / growth check

When to reach out

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing clots.ACOG
• Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain.ACOG
• Severe, persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents keeping any fluids down (possible hyperemesis gravidarum).NHS
• Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, or chills.WHO
• Severe dizziness, fainting, or a racing/irregular heartbeat.NHS
• Pain or burning when urinating (possible urinary tract infection).NHS
• A severe or persistent headache that doesn't improve.ACOG
• Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or feet.ACOG
• Visual disturbances — blurring, flashing lights, or spots.ACOG
• Regular contractions, pelvic pressure, or low back pain before 37 weeks (possible signs of preterm labor).ACOG
• Fluid leaking or gushing from the vagina (possible ruptured membranes).NHS
• Persistent pain in the upper abdomen, especially under the ribs on the right side.ACOG
• A noticeable reduction in the baby's usual movements, or no movement felt — contact your midwife or doctor promptly rather than waiting; do not wait until the next appointment.ACOG
• Regular, painful contractions before 37 weeks, or any contraction pattern that concerns you near term.ACOG
• Waters breaking, or blood-stained ('bloody show') discharge — a normal sign labor may be starting at term, but call your midwife or doctor to be checked.NHS

These apply to this week specifically. See the full list of urgent warning signs the CDC publishes for pregnancy and the year after birth.