You have reached the 36th week of pregnancy and there is very little time left before you hold your baby in your arms. So, how does the baby develop in the 36th week of pregnancy? Can a 36-week baby be born? How much does a 36-week baby weigh? What are the changes in the mother during the 36th week of pregnancy?

Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yeditepe University Hospitals and IVF Specialist Prof. Dr. Erkut Attar explained what happened in the 36th week of pregnancy.

How much does a 36-Week Baby Weigh?

Your baby weighs about 2.6 kilograms and measures about 47.4 centimeters from head to heel.

Can a 36-week baby be born?

At the end of this week, your pregnancy will be considered term, which means that your baby is ready to be born any day now. Babies born before 37 weeks are called pre-term and babies born after 42 weeks are called post-term.

Baby Development at 36 Weeks of Pregnancy

Your baby's brain and nervous system continue to develop at a very rapid rate as the baby's birth approaches. The sensitivity of your baby's hearing will increase this week. It continues to shed what is left of its fine hairs and varnish called lanugo. It will swallow and digest these fine hairs and skin. This will remain in its intestines as a black or dark green sticky substance called meconium and will be its first stool after birth.

Changes in the Mother at 36 Weeks of Pregnancy

During this week, your doctor will want to check your baby's position. Your baby's head may have moved down from your pelvis and may even be ready to be born. If this happens, you may feel that your belly is moving down and you have more space to breathe, but you may feel uncomfortable walking.

Some expectant mothers may say that they feel as if their babies will fall when they walk. Try not to worry. This is a common feeling. All this means that your baby is ready to be born, but it does not necessarily mean that labor has started.