Third trimester
36 weeks pregnant
Your baby is about the size of a romaine lettuce
- First trimester1st trimester weeks 1–12
- Second trimester2nd trimester weeks 13–26
- Third trimester3rd trimester weeks 27–40+
By Clever Mum Parenting · Parenting guides
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How big is the baby at 36 weeks pregnant?
At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a romaine lettuce, roughly 47.4cm and around 2600g. 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. These are typical averages — your midwife's measurements are the ones that matter for your pregnancy.
What might you feel at 36 weeks?
Most people at 36 weeks notice some mix of the symptoms below — and plenty notice none of them. 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. None of this is a diagnosis; contact your midwife if something worries you.
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.
What should you do at 36 weeks pregnant?
The useful job this week is practical, not medical. 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. Pair it with the NHS week-by-week guide if you want a second description of the same stage.
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
What antenatal care is due around 36 weeks?
These appointments, vaccines and deadlines fall around this stage. Your maternity team will confirm your own dates.
- RSV vaccine (from 28 weeks). The NHS offers an RSV vaccine from 28 weeks. It helps protect your baby against RSV, the main cause of bronchiolitis, in their first months. Vaccines in pregnancy
- Get ready for labour. From 37 weeks your baby is considered full term. Pack your hospital bag and learn the signs that labour has started, and when to call your maternity unit. Hospital bag checklist
What else is useful at 36 weeks?
Use the week page for size and symptoms; use the guides below for the decisions that actually sit in this window — pay, packing, car seats, labour signs.
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.
What appointments or vaccines are due at 36 weeks pregnant?
Around 36 weeks: RSV vaccine; get ready for labour. Your maternity team will confirm the dates that apply to you.
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.