Weeks 36 Through 40

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Weeks 36 Through 40

The 36-week-old baby is fast approaching full term. Between now and the end of term at 40 weeks, the baby will probably weigh between six and nine pounds and measure 18 or more inches in length. Its body has accumulated more weight, giving it a more rounded appearance. Its skin is smooth and its eyes are open (when awake) and sensitive to light. If the pregnancy were to deliver at this point, the baby would have a better than 99 percent chance of survival.

You are beginning to get the hint that your baby is preparing for birth. You feel kicks from arms and legs, and can often tell just by looking at your abdomen which limb it was that kicked you. Because of its growth, the baby is now tightly confined to a small space within the uterus. As things are cramped in size, the kicks may start to feel more like squirms or wriggles. You may feel short of breath as the uterus presses against your diaphragm.

At some point in the next four weeks, the baby will push down in your pelvis, moving closer to birth. This is often referred to as the baby's "dropping" although don't expect to feel any sudden change. It may, however, be easier for you to breathe now that the baby has moved a bit from under your ribs, but you may also feel more pelvic pressure.

Last updated:	September 29, 2004
Reviewed By:	Faculty of Harvard Medical School