Week 36

My Baby's Development

The wrinkly and tiny fetus you may have seen on earlier ultrasounds has become an almost plump baby. There is fat on your baby’s cheeks. Powerful sucking muscles also contribute to your baby's full face. Your baby now weighs a little under 6 pounds (2,721g).

The bones that make up your baby’s skull can move relatively to one another and overlap each other while your baby’s head is inside your pelvis. This phenomenon is called molding. It helps the baby pass through the birth canal. Don't be surprised if your baby arrives with a misshapen or pointy head! Your baby's head will be back to a rounded shape after a few hours or days.

My Body

Starting this week, you may be requested to see your health care provider weekly. Your doctor or midwife may have an internal exam on you. This is done to determine if cervical effacement (thinning of the cervix) or dilation (opening of the cervix) has begun. You may experience engagement (also known as lightening). Lightening is when the baby drops into the mother's pelvis in preparation for labor. Your appetite may return since your baby is no longer putting much pressure on your stomach and intestines. If you've been experiencing heartburn, your baby's descent may somewhat alleviate it.