Week 36
Your baby is the size of a Romaine lettuce
Baby Size
Romaine lettuce
Length
13.2 in (33.5 cm)
Weight
4.8 lb (2.2 kg)
Trimester
Third Trimester
Your Baby at Week 36
At 36 weeks, your baby is the size of a romaine lettuce head. The lungs are nearly fully mature, and the sucking and swallowing reflexes are well-coordinated for feeding after birth.
Key milestone: The baby's lungs are nearly fully mature. Sucking and swallowing reflexes are well-coordinated.
Your Symptoms
Increased pressure in the pelvis. Possible nesting instinct. Difficulty sleeping.
Tip for This Week
Pre-register at the hospital if you haven't. Have your birth preferences document ready.
Your Body at Week 36
In the third trimester, your growing uterus presses against your diaphragm, stomach, and bladder. Shortness of breath, heartburn, and frequent urination are common. Your body is producing relaxin, a hormone that loosens joints and ligaments to prepare for birth.
Your baby at week 36 is the size of a Romaine lettuce, measuring about 13.2 in (33.5 cm) and weighing roughly 4.8 lb (2.2 kg). Every kick, roll, and hiccup is a sign that your baby is growing strong. Soon you'll hold them in your arms.
Your Baby's Development This Week
At 36 weeks, your baby is the size of a romaine lettuce head. The lungs are nearly fully mature, and the sucking and swallowing reflexes are well-coordinated for feeding after birth. The key milestone this week is that the baby's lungs are nearly fully mature. sucking and swallowing reflexes are well-coordinated.
The third trimester is about preparation — your baby is practicing breathing, sucking, and swallowing for life outside the womb. Each week of this stage significantly improves their chances of a healthy start. The countdown to meeting your baby has begun.
This week's voice theme
“The final touches — practicing the first latch, the first breath.”
Imagine hearing this every morning — a voice note from your baby that evolves week by week.
Hear your baby's voice →Frequently Asked Questions
What is nesting?
A burst of energy late in pregnancy that makes you want to clean, organize, and prepare for the baby.
Can I go into labor at 36 weeks?
Yes, some babies arrive at 36 weeks. While early-term, most do well without significant intervention.