mybabybase

Third trimester

36 weeks pregnant

Baby is about the size of a head of romaine lettuce.

Week 36 of 40 · in your third trimester · Updated

Your baby this week

Baby is shedding the lanugo (fine body hair) and vernix.

  • Baby is shedding the lanugo (fine body hair) and most of the vernix.
  • Baby's head moves into your pelvis (called 'engagement' or 'dropping').
  • Baby is getting cozy in the head-down position. Some breeches still flip.

Your body this week

Weekly OB appointments start. They'll check baby's position.

  • Weekly OB appointments begin now. Provider checks baby's position, your cervix, and your overall health.
  • Internal exams may begin to check for cervical dilation.
  • You may feel like you're carrying lower as baby drops.

Common symptoms

  • Pressure on bladder
  • Pelvic pain
  • Easier breathing (after drop)
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Mood shifts

Things to do this week

  • Weekly OB checkups begin
  • Pre-register at the hospital if not done
  • Get rest while you can

For partners this week

Weekly visits

  • Keep your phone charged and your ringer on.
  • Plan the route to the hospital and where to park.

Typical visits around this week

Based on a typical schedule in Ontario. Your doctor or midwife sets the actual timing.

  • RSV vaccine (if baby is due in RSV season)

    Weeks 32–36 · if it applies to you

    If your baby is expected during RSV season (roughly fall to spring), a vaccine in pregnancy is one way to protect them; the other is an antibody given to the baby after birth. Ontario offers the pregnancy vaccine free at 32–36 weeks (national guidance says it can be given from 28 weeks). Your provider will help you choose.

    Questions to ask →
    • Is my baby due during RSV season?
    • Should I get the vaccine, or should the baby get the antibody after birth?
    • Where can I get the RSV vaccine?
    • If I get it, does the baby still need anything after birth?

  • Routine check-ups (about every 2 weeks)

    Weeks 28–36

    From about 28 weeks, check-ups usually come every 2 to 3 weeks. Your provider keeps an eye on your blood pressure, the baby's growth and heartbeat, and will talk about feeling the baby move.

    Questions to ask →
    • How should I keep track of the baby's movements?
    • Which symptoms mean I should call right away?
    • When should we register at the hospital or plan our birth place?
    • Are prenatal classes available near us?

  • Group B strep swab

    Weeks 35–37

    A quick vaginal and rectal swab, usually between 35 and 37 weeks, to check for group B strep bacteria. If it's positive, you'll be offered IV antibiotics during labour or if your water breaks.

    Questions to ask →
    • Can I do the swab myself?
    • How will I find out the result?
    • If it's positive, what happens when I go into labour?

  • Weekly check-ups

    Weeks 36–40

    From about 36 weeks, visits are usually weekly until birth. Your provider checks the baby's position and your health, and goes over signs of labour and when to come in.

    Questions to ask →
    • Is the baby head-down?
    • When exactly should we call or head to the hospital?
    • What's the plan if my water breaks before contractions start?
    • What happens if I go past my due date?

Coming up

  • Past your due date

    Weeks 40–42

    If the baby hasn't arrived by your due date, your provider may ask you to track movements daily and may suggest extra checks, like a non-stress test of the baby's heart rate or an ultrasound of the fluid around the baby. Induction is usually discussed around 41 to 42 weeks.

    Questions to ask →
    • How often will the baby be checked from here?
    • When would you recommend an induction, and how does it work?
    • What are our choices if we'd rather wait a little longer?
    • What changes mean we should come in right away?

A flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine are recommended at any stage of pregnancy. The flu shot is given during flu season, so the timing depends on when you're pregnant.

When to call your doctor or midwife

Bleeding, fluid leaking, a bad headache or vision changes, or baby moving less than usual all need a call. See the warning signs and who to call →

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Further reading from health authorities