Week 36 Pregnancy

Third Trimester

Last reviewed: July 2026

36 weeks pregnant at a glance

You are in the third trimester.
Your baby is roughly the size of a head of romaine lettuce.
Weekly or fortnightly midwife appointments start now.
Every pregnancy is different, so don't worry if your experience varies slightly.

You are 36 weeks pregnant and in your third trimester. Your baby is about the size of a head of romaine lettuce. This week's key development: Full Term in Sight. NHS note: Weekly or fortnightly midwife appointments start now.

Birth Planning

At 36 weeks, your midwife will discuss your birth plan, pain relief options, and signs of labour. It's a great time to ensure your hospital bag is fully packed.

This page is for general pregnancy planning and date guidance only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pregnancy dates are estimates and can change after a scan or advice from your midwife, GP, or maternity team. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you have symptoms, concerns, or questions about your pregnancy.

Week 35

Week 37

Baby's Development

Your baby is about the size of a head of romaine lettuce.

Full Term in Sight — Your baby is considered early term from 37 weeks, but at 36 weeks they're almost there. Organ systems are nearly fully mature. You may feel the baby has 'dropped' — easing pressure on your lungs but increasing it on your pelvis and bladder.

Head of romaine lettuce

Approx. 47.4cm

Your Symptoms

'Lightening' (baby dropping)
Pelvic discomfort
Increased discharge

Every pregnancy is different. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms — and that's completely normal. If anything concerns you, speak to your midwife.

NHS Appointments

Weekly or fortnightly midwife appointments start now.

Practical Advice for Week 36

Nutrition

Continue vitamin D daily.
Start eating dates daily (6 per day) — studies suggest it may help with cervical dilation.
Eat energy-rich foods — you'll need stamina for labour.
Keep hydrated — water, herbal teas, and diluted fruit juice.

Exercise

Walking helps baby descend into the pelvis.
Birth ball exercises and pelvic rocking are excellent preparation.
Continue perineal massage daily.
Pelvic floor exercises — keep going right up to birth.

Wellbeing

'Lightening' (baby dropping) may ease breathing but increase pelvic pressure.
Increased vaginal discharge is normal — tell your midwife if it's watery or bloody.
Nesting instinct may kick in — enjoy it, but don't overdo the heavy lifting.
Practise your hypnobirthing or relaxation techniques daily.

Preparation

Weekly or fortnightly midwife appointments start now.
Know the signs of labour — regular contractions, waters breaking, bloody show.
Ensure your birth partner is on standby.
Double-check your hospital bag has everything for you, baby, and your partner.

Tip of the Week

Eat dates! Some studies suggest eating 6 dates a day from 36 weeks can lead to a shorter labour.

Frequently Asked Questions for Week 36

How many months is 36 weeks pregnant?

At 36 weeks pregnant, you are roughly 8 months pregnant. Remember that pregnancy is typically measured in weeks rather than months for clinical accuracy.

What size is the baby at 36 weeks?

At 36 weeks, your baby is roughly the size of a head of romaine lettuce (about 47.4cm). Your baby is considered early term from 37 weeks, but at 36 weeks they're almost there. Organ systems are nearly fully mature. You may feel the baby has 'dropped'

What are the common symptoms at 36 weeks pregnant?

Common symptoms at this stage include 'lightening' (baby dropping), pelvic discomfort, increased discharge. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and it's normal to experience different symptoms.

Is 36 weeks in the third trimester?

Yes, 36 weeks falls within the third trimester.

Are there any NHS appointments at 36 weeks?

Weekly or fortnightly midwife appointments start now.