🤰 Third trimester
36 weeks pregnant
Your baby is about the size of a romaine lettuce
By Emma Whitfield · Pregnancy & Baby Writer
Your baby at 36 weeks
The baby may "engage" — drop down into the pelvis ready for birth — though many don't until labour, especially in later pregnancies. They're shedding most of the lanugo and vernix.
Your body at 36 weeks
Breathing may feel easier once the baby engages, but weeing becomes even more frequent. Braxton Hicks can be strong. You're considered full term from next week.
Common symptoms this week
- Easier breathing once the baby engages ("lightening")
- Very frequent weeing
- Strong practice tightenings
Symptom lists are typical, never exhaustive — and having none of them is normal too.
Focus this week
Have your hospital bag by the door and your birth plan discussed with your midwife. Know your maternity unit's "when to call" number by heart.
Week 36 checklist
- Attend your 36-week appointment — the baby's position is checked
- Have the hospital bag by the door and the car seat fitted
- Agree your birth plan with your midwife and know the triage number by heart
36 weeks pregnant: common questions
What does it mean when the baby's head is engaged?
The head has dropped down into the pelvis ready for birth — recorded in your notes in fifths (e.g. "3/5 palpable"). First babies often engage from 36 weeks; second and later babies may not engage until labour itself. Engagement doesn't predict when labour will start.
How big is my baby at 36 weeks pregnant?
At 36 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a romaine lettuce, about 47.4cm and around 2600g. These are approximate averages — every baby grows at its own pace.
What's happening at 36 weeks pregnant?
The baby may "engage" — drop down into the pelvis ready for birth — though many don't until labour, especially in later pregnancies. They're shedding most of the lanugo and vernix. For you: breathing may feel easier once the baby engages, but weeing becomes even more frequent. braxton hicks can be strong. you're considered full term from next week.
Which trimester is 36 weeks?
36 weeks pregnant is in the third trimester. The first trimester runs to the end of week 12, the second from weeks 13 to 26, and the third from week 27 to birth.
Sources & further reading
This is general information, not medical advice — every pregnancy is different. For anything that worries you, and for all your antenatal care, speak to your midwife or GP. If your baby's movements ever slow down or change, contact your maternity unit immediately, day or night. Reviewed July 2026.