36 Weeks Pregnant | Pregnancy at 36 Weeks

40 weeks is a long time. You’re almost there.

What Can You Expect?

Baby at 36 Weeks
Size of Baby at 36 Weeks
Mom at 36 Weeks (Pregnancy Symptoms and What to Expect)
Dad at 36 Weeks (Tips and What you Should be Doing)

Baby at 36 Weeks Pregnant

Baby is tipping the scales at about 6 pounds this week (about as heavy as a brick). At birth, he’ll have a nice layer of fat that will account for 15% of his body weight. At this point in the pregnancy, the baby’s head should be pointing down. If baby hasn’t started to get into this position, there could be a risk of a breech birth. Her doctor may try to maneuver the baby’s position from outside your partner’s body.

Size of Baby at 36 Weeks Pregnant

Mom at 36 Weeks Pregnant

She may be experiencing bursts of energy in this late stage. She also may be feeling freaked out (like you). Go for walks. Take her out to dinner. And breakfast. And lunch. Schedule another pedicure. Tell her she’s beautiful. Make sure you’re not trying to beat her in the weight gain department. The sympathy weight is a real thing.

40 weeks is a long time, *but* just be glad you aren’t elephants, which have a 23-month gestation period. And newborn elephants weigh 230 pounds (roughly the equivalent as baseball Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn).

Pregnancy Tips for Dad at 36 Weeks

Baby’s room should be pretty much ready by now. If not, finish painting, get the glider in there and put the crib together (and don’t make her do it). You’re probably experiencing a sense of anticipation that freaks you out. That’s pretty normal–this is going to be one of the biggest moments of your life. Review your birth plan. Get ready to be away from work for a couple of weeks. Do some laundry (without her asking). You’ve got this. Don’t point out her stretch marks, and she won’t point out yours.

New Dad Tips for Other Weeks