At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is considered late preterm, but very close to being early term (which begins at 37 weeks). Most babies born at this stage do very well, though another week or two in the womb is still beneficial for growth and finishing touches.

Baby’s Growth & Size

• Weight: Around 5.5-6 pounds (2.5-2.7 kg), the size of a Romaine Lettuce Head!

• Length: About 18-19 inches (46-48 cm).

• Your baby is gaining about ½ ounce (14 g) per day, mostly as fat that helps with warmth and energy after birth.

Development & Features

• Lungs: Almost fully developed but still fine-tuning- babies born now may sometimes need a little help with breathing.

• Brain: Still growing rapidly; some experts estimate the brain is about two-thirds the size it will be at full term.

• Skin: Smooth and plump, with fewer wrinkles as fat accumulates.

• Vernix & lanugo: The creamy coating (vernix caseosa) is starting to disappear, and most fine hair (lanugo) has shed- though some may remain at birth.

• Bones: Fully formed, but the skull remains soft and flexible for birth.

• Movements: Your baby is active, though space is tight, so you’ll feel more stretching and shifting than strong kicks.

Position

• Many babies are already head down by now.

• If your baby is still breech, your healthcare provider may start discussing options for turning the baby (like an external cephalic version).

Immune System

• Your baby is continuing to receive antibodies from you through the placenta, building protection against infections.

Key Point

At 36 weeks, your baby looks very much like a newborn but is still maturing—especially the brain and lungs. Another week or two inside helps ensure they’re fully ready for life outside.