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Pregnancy: 36 weeks
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
If you are 36 weeks pregnant, the baby weighs approximately 3 kg and is 47 cm tall. Most of the hair and vernix caseosa have disappeared from the body - a waxy substance that performs a protective function during a nine-month stay in the amniotic fluid. Meconium forms the content of the first feces. Sometimes it happens that the baby's weight exceeds the norm at 36 weeks of pregnancy, which can cause complicated labor.
If you are at a stage such as 36 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's movements are more noticeable. The fetus at 36 weeks of pregnancy is almost full term. (Full term is 37-42 weeks; birth before 37 weeks is considered premature, and after 42 - late birth.) Most likely, the baby is in a head down position, otherwise, the doctor will suggest performing an external version of the fetus to the head.
Important: If you are 36 weeks pregnant and your baby's weight is different from the norm, don't worry, as each baby's development is very individual. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of fetal development.
Changes in the expectant mother
Since the fetus at 36 weeks of pregnancy takes up most of your belly, large portions of food can cause digestive problems, which is why doctors advise eating small meals frequently. Sex at 36 weeks of pregnancy should be avoided, as it can lead to premature birth. On the other hand, you may notice a decrease in heartburn and shortness of breath, due to the baby moving down. This process, called lowering of the abdomen (lowering of the presenting part of the fetus into the pelvic inlet) - often begins a few weeks before labor if this is your first child. (If you have already given birth before, lowering of the abdomen may begin immediately before labor). Lowering of the abdomen can cause discomfort, especially if there is polyhydramnios at 36 weeks of pregnancy, more frequent need to visit the toilet and vaginal pressure. Therefore, if you have 36 weeks of pregnancy, your stomach hurts precisely because of these factors.
You may notice an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions. Make sure you discuss any labor symptoms with your doctor. Generally, if you are full term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water has not broken, you should call your doctor when you have 1-minute contractions every 5 minutes or, if you have polyhydramnios at 36 weeks, if your baby's activity decreases, or if amniotic fluid is released. If you are 36 weeks pregnant, you should be concerned about discharge, especially if it is bloody.
Even if your pregnancy is going well, avoid sex at 36 weeks pregnant, flying, and any other travel (away from home) during the last month of pregnancy, as labor can start at any time. Also, most airlines do not allow pregnant women more than 28 weeks to board a plane.
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Childbirth at 36 weeks of pregnancy
Labor at 36 weeks of pregnancy for first-time mothers lasts an average of 15 hours, although it can often last more than 20 hours. For women who have had vaginal births in the past, subsequent labors last an average of eight hours. The labor process is divided into three main stages:
The first stage involves contractions that progressively dilate the cervix. This stage is divided into two phases: early labor and active labor.
If you are 36 weeks pregnant, your stomach often hurts due to early contractions, which must be differentiated from Braxton Hicks contractions, therefore, in most cases, if the woman in labor does not develop complications, the doctor advises staying at home until the end of the early phase of labor.
Early labor at 36 weeks of pregnancy ends when the cervix dilates about 4 centimeters and labor speeds up. At this point, you enter the active phase of labor. Contractions become more frequent, longer, and stronger. The last part of the active phase ends with the cervix dilating to 8-10 centimeters, which is the most intense part of the first stage, with contractions occurring every two and a half to three minutes and lasting for a minute or more. The second stage begins with full dilation of the cervix, final descent, and the actual birth of the baby. This is the stage where pushing begins and can last from a few minutes to a few hours.
The baby's head moves forward with each push until the widest part of it is finally visible. Once the head has passed, the doctor will suction the mouth and nose and check to see if the cord is tangled around the neck. His head is turned to the side, and then his shoulders are rotated to exit the vagina. With subsequent contractions, you will push out his shoulders one at a time, and then the rest of his body.
You may experience a variety of emotions: euphoria, fear, pride, disbelief, excitement, and of course, intense relief that it's all over, but no matter how exhausted and tired you are, you will have a surge of energy and any thoughts of sleep will disappear.
The third stage is the final stage of labor, which begins immediately after the baby is born and ends with the birth of the placenta. Contractions in the third stage are relatively mild.
This week's activity: Make a list of all the people you want to tell about your baby's birth - along with their phone numbers or email addresses - and give it to your partner or friend to spread the news.