36 Weeks Pregnant: Drop & Engage

At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 18.7 inches and weighs approximately 5.8 pounds (2.6 kg). Many babies “drop” into the pelvis around this time (lightening), and you’re just 1 week from early term!¹

What’s Happening

You’re in the final month! Week 36 is when many babies settle into a head-down position in the pelvis, preparing for birth. Your prenatal visits are weekly, and your provider will check if your baby has dropped.²

How Big is My Baby?

Your baby measures approximately 18.7 inches (47.4 cm) and weighs around 5.8 pounds (2.6 kg). Continued weight gain prepares them for life outside the womb.³

Baby Development

Fully formed: All organs are developed and functional.

Lungs ready: Surfactant levels are optimal for breathing.

Skull bones soft: Separated to allow molding during birth.

Fat stores: Accumulating for temperature regulation.

Digestive system functional: Ready to process milk.

Shedding vernix and lanugo: Most protective coating has been absorbed.

Head-down position: Most babies have turned head-down by now.⁴

Baby Dropping (Lightening)

Many first-time parents experience lightening around week 36—baby settling into the pelvis. Signs include:

• Easier breathing
• More pelvic pressure
• Frequent urination increases
• Waddling gait
• Lower belly position

For subsequent pregnancies, lightening often doesn’t happen until labor begins.

Common Symptoms

Pelvic pressure: If baby has dropped, pressure intensifies.

Easier breathing: If lightening has occurred.

Frequent urination: Even more trips to the bathroom.

Braxton Hicks: Frequent practice contractions.

Heartburn: May improve if baby has dropped.⁵

Swelling: Mild edema continues.

Back and hip pain: Carrying weight in new position.

Tips for Week 36

Hospital bag ready: Pack it now if you haven’t.

Know labor signs: Regular contractions, water breaking.⁶

Monitor movement: Daily kick counting.⁷

Group B strep results: Your provider will discuss results and plan if positive.

Finalize logistics: Know route to hospital, have backup transportation.

Rest: You’re in the final stretch!

References

Footnotes

1. ACOG. (2025). “How Your Fetus Grows.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy ↩

2. ACOG. (2013). “Definition of Term Pregnancy.” https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/11/definition-of-term-pregnancy ↩

3. BabyCenter. (2025). “36 Weeks Pregnant.” https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/36-weeks-pregnant ↩

4. Mayo Clinic. (2024). “Fetal development: 3rd trimester.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997 ↩

5. ACOG. (2025). “Problems of the Digestive System.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/problems-of-the-digestive-system ↩

6. ACOG. (2025). “How to Tell When Labor Begins.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-to-tell-when-labor-begins ↩

7. Tommy’s. (2025). “Your baby’s movements.” https://www.tommys.org/ ↩