By this week of pregnancy your baby's crown-to-rump length reaches about 13.5 inches and the total length is approximately 20.7 inches. Your baby weighs about 6 pounds now. The top of your uterus has moved further up under your ribs and is about 5.5 inches above your bellybutton. Your uterus has grown a lot in the past few weeks as your baby has gained weight. You may have gained about 30 pounds by now and it is common for your weight to stay about the same from this point onwards.

Because the top of the uterus is high as it will be, breathing may be getting very uncomfortable at times. You might notice jabbing pains from your baby's kicks. However, within the next few weeks, your baby will drop into the birth canal and this will make breathing easier again. Most doctors like to see their patients weekly from now on to check for labor progression. Your prenatal classes are probably coming to an end and you should have already made a birth plan and discussed available options for pain control during pregnancy.
Your baby's face has filled out significantly and looks smooth and plump. Because your baby has powerful sucking muscles and has had layers of fat forming for quite some time now, the cheeks have filled out like a newborn's. Your baby's skull is firm, but not hard. Every baby's head has the ability to give slightly so that there is room for her to fit down the birth canal during delivery. Some babies are born with cone shaped heads from the pressure of delivery, but this will go away after delivery. The amount of amniotic fluid is at its maximum amount now and your baby may not be moving as much as she had been. As long as you still feel her movements every day, there should be no cause for concern.
The placenta is now one-sixth of the fetal weight.
Comments on week 36Comments 1-49 of about 8825 from week 36
106 messages have been added in the last 24 hours.
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Show latest comments from all weeksQDESTEYES -
18 minutes ago
Hello, Ladies! I've been following the boards for months however this is my first time commenting. Anywhoo, I've been having really bad back pains over the last few weeks so, one of my girls friends suggested I get a balance ball to try to relieve the pressure. I did it for the first time last night and OMG! My back feels like a million bucks. I highly recommed this to any of you mommies who have been having aches and pains! Congrats to you all!!!!!!TeeanBaby1 -
22 minutes ago
I am pissed! My cervix ain't doing nothing, lol. All this cootchie pain I'm having and the damn thing ain't opening up. Shit! I was really doing some wishful thinking when I left work to go to my appointment. I locked everything up and logged off my computer like I wasn't coming back, lol. I guess I was hoping they would say, Oh you're 5 cm dilated. We have to get you to the delivery room.' That happened to this girl with her first but I think she was closer to her due date. Dang it! Trent come on out here now. Mama tired. She wants to see uwonderland -
25 minutes ago
still at work. I'm working as long as I can. The more I work now, the more I can have leave to take off when the baby is actually here, but I'm not really feeling that great. Trying to hang in at work as long as I can....I just have this phobia of my water breaking here...how embarassing if it does, but I guess it would make it an excused absence to leave early that day though, ha haaugustbump -
32 minutes ago
I am having some cramping in the left side of my back and left side of my lower stomach...any idea what this is and why only on one side?Sharonimo -
33 minutes ago
I think with my first baby, the contractions were tolerable for about 10-11 hours- that took me to 6 cm dilated. Then I went from 6 cm dilated to delivering in about 2 hours-no meds. I guess I could say the pain was bearable, since I survived....but I do remember telling my husband I couldn't do it anymore!ArmyWife5262007 -
33 minutes ago
Hello Ladies...Today is my last day in week 36 and I just wanted to say hi and let everyone know that I have been having some contractions and LOTS of back pain..I got kinda scared a little bit ago due to not remembering feeling my little man move today, so I drank some apple juice and at a PB&J sandwhich and he started sticking his butt in the air..LOL..I just really hope that my little man is here soon..I cant wait to hold him in my arms..I hope everyone is well and babys are too...I hope to hear from everyone soon....km-dickson -
1.1 hours ago
I think there are things you can do to help baby move from breech to head-down and from posterior to anterior, but as far as engaging....I haven't heard about anything you can really do. My first was posterior (which SUCKED to deliver!!), so I'm concerned about that this time....she told me to do pelvic tilts once I'm about 30 weeks or so....and to sit in the 'jock' position, leaning forward instead of reclining while watching tv, etc. I'm hoping it works and this one isn't born sunny-side up! I gotta tell you, ladies, that is hellish. newyearpresent -
1.5 hours ago
Ladies, anything that is sure to work to get the baby to engage in the launch position? I know he is head down, but what can I do besides walking and sitting on a yoga ball to get his head to drop and engage? Also, are you allowed to have intercourse once you have contractions? My doctor said once I am dilated, nothing can go in due to a potential infection risk. Any thoughts on that? Also, how long do contractions stay tolerable? I had the epidural with my first, so I don't really remember any pain due to contractions, pushing was another story!firstbaby4lisa -
1.6 hours ago
lilmamajess - thank you so much for your reply, are you still working at this time or are you on maternity leave yet? I am just wondering if I should still be here...lilmamajess -
1.6 hours ago
firstbabyforlisa- the same thing happend to me whilei was at the doctors office and they were doing an ultrasound she noticed i was having contractions and i said i thought it was just the baby stretching or pushing his butt out soo they hooked me up to a contraction monitor and i was having them 4-5 and they checked my cervix and i was 80-90 effaced and almost 2 cm...so they sent me to the hospital and now i am on that stupid contraction medincine that makes me feel like shit! Dont feel stupid..it is your first baby and you just dont know what to expect.Jadedpoet -
1.7 hours ago
Whoo congrats Mommyforlife- I guess I'm alternating with walking then hard sex, then hard sex and walking LOLameylocket23 -
1.9 hours ago
woohoo - great tip mommyforlife!!! Im going for a HOT curry tonight with 1 glass of red wine and then HOPEFULLY some 'hard' sex, and then i will walk some after!! hehe!! Im soooo pleased for ya though hun!!mrsbelindatx -
2.3 hours ago
HELLO LADIES I AM AT THE END OF WEEK 36 I WENT TO THE DR TODAY AND SHE SCHEDULED MY INDUCTION FOR 8/11 I AM SO EXCITED AND NERVOUS AT THE SAME TIME PLEASE KEEP ME IN PRAYERS EVEN THOUGHT THIS IS MY 4TH CHILD EACH PREGNANCY IS DIFFRENT marcy12206 -
2.4 hours ago
Crampy Feeling in my belly- every 10-15 mins lasting 30 seconds or so.... Its worse if I sit still a little less intense with walking..... Wonder what this is??? Anyone???TeeanBaby1 -
2.4 hours ago
My coo-coo hurts so bad. I'm limping around. Mainly to the bathroom of course. The smell of food made me sick and hungry at the same time, lol. Oh the joys. Why is everybody asking if I had the baby yet? My bro in law and sis in law asked that recently. Like we wouldn't call and let them know, lol. My aunt even called me and asked me that. I was like if you didn't get a phone call saying I was in labor then no. I expect her to be at the hospital when I'm delivering so what kind of question is that. I guess everybody is just as anxious as I am but they're making me more anxious. And this lady that works in the same office as me, sees me and says, 'you're still here?' I thought you would've had him by now. I just laugh cause I know I look like I'm ready to go. Everybody is asking are you okay? Do we need to get the car? Gosh! Calm down peoplefirstbaby4lisa -
2.5 hours ago
mommyforlife - it's nice to see you back, I for sure want to hear all of the details!firstbaby4lisa -
2.6 hours ago
I felt really stupid last night - I was folding laundry and I felt a trickle of liquid down my leg and thought my water broke. I phoned the maternity ward at the hospital and they told me to come in. It turned out I had peed myself, but when they hooked me up to the monitor, they said 'oh you are having contractions, did you know that?' and I said no, I thought my baby was just stretching and pushing on my belly really hard. I feel so dumb. They gave me medicine to stop the contractions, and now I am at work today. I don't even know if I should be here, maybe I am close to going in to labour??mommyforlife -
2.6 hours ago
hey girls I missed you guys!! my baby is doing fine. I told yall I was not going to wait! I would also like to send a special thanks to mizzy for talking to me the night I went to the hospital.. I would love to hear from you mizzy.. If you guys have any questions I would love telling everything.. I think the key is to have hard sex and walk right after if you start contracting.:)jessplus3 -
3.2 hours ago
hello ladies hope everyone is doing well, just wondering if those of you who have children already did natural childbirth? I had an epidural w/ my first two but would really like to try natuarl. I made it all the way to 8cm w/ my last child but then freaked out bc I was scared it was going to hurt too much to push! Any tips to achieve a natural birth??pregodego -
3.2 hours ago
thanks bexandruby and marcy! that makes me feel better to know that it's just me. some people really know how to make you feel bad. anyway, i hope all turns out with the ultrasound and i will keep you posted. thanks again!bexandruby -
3.3 hours ago
I dont EVER feel my baby actually kicking me, i just feel her move now and again. My midwife isnt concerned one bit. Its funny cus throughout my pregnancy and around the time when i was fascinated by her first movements, everyone kept telling me that from 30 weeks on i would be sick and tired of all the kicking but i honestly havent experienced this. Bloody know alls!!!!!!Hahahamarcy12206 -
3.6 hours ago
pregodego: I can honestly say that I ONLY feel movement 1 time a day and that is basically in the evening between 6-7 when I am relaxing. All my appts and u/s say everything is fine- so I try not to worry to much- but I understand how you feel...... I am sure you and your baby are fine as are we on this end. Good luck at the appt and let us know how u make out.Elle -
3.7 hours ago
I have my ultrasound on Monday. I can't wait. I want to see how big hes gotten. people keep telling me 'you look like your about to pop'.tropicalshimmer8 -
3.8 hours ago
Prego, I wasnt trying to alarm you, i had read others comments regarding the same thing. Depending on your size, how the baby is positioned and numerous other factors, there could be reasons why you dont feel stronger kicks,Like August said, as long as the dr says things are healthy and ok then trust in them.ameylocket23 -
3.9 hours ago
had my US and bubz is head dwon - thank god - not engaged though, but i aint worried as they usually dont drop til ur in labour if it aint ya 1st pregnncy. Cici-Melody weighs 6lb 10 and the nurse said she will weigh about 9lbs if i go full term - eeekkkk!!! If i do go over due, then ive been booked in to be induced on 21 August, im not planning to go over due though!!! ...pregodego -
4.1 hours ago
thanks, august bump! i never really have felt a lot of movement. wish i had. so this is not much different! anyway, i am just trying not to think negatively. wish me luck! ultrasound is at 1:30! thank you.Elle -
4.1 hours ago
I have my baby shower on Sunday. Getting pretty excited. although yesterday I found out one of the hostesses won't be able to be there. her grandfather past away. I feel bad but the invitations have already been sent out and I know my mom wont be taking off any more days until the baby is born. the date is been pushed back 2 times already. I just really want to have everything ready when he gets here. augustbump -
4.4 hours ago
pregodego-don't be too concerned...there are some woman that don't feel movement at all! Thats how some woman can be pregnant and not know it until they deliver (which really does happen). There are alot of factors that play into it...as long as the doctor is checking the heart beat and growth...there is no huge concern unless in the beginning you felt a ton of movement and now you don't feel hardly any. Your baby will be here soon to prove it to ya :-)augustbump -
4.4 hours ago
I must look as bad as I feel...pathetically pregnant with a HUGE child...because a lady I work with just told me she is 'starting to feel sorry for me'....my only response was 'at this point I'm feeling sorry for myself'. I think today is the first day of my pregnancy where I seriously feel 9 months pregnant and like any minute a foot could come out of my butt!pregodego -
4.6 hours ago
tropicalshimmer8, that is just plain frightening. i am just going by what my doc said about the anterior placenta still being able to affect my feeling movement. i guess i really should be worried now!GavJaxMommee -
4.8 hours ago
This is my 2nd child and I have actually dropped like about 2 weeks ago! But of course with my first I had a c-section b/c my pelvic bones didn't spread! I just think everyone is different when it comes to your body and pregnancy! Good luck! hopeuragirl -
5.1 hours ago
last night my kaysen was moving more than ever , and it was painful! its almost like i could feel him inching down. they say if its your 2nd or 3rd he wont drop until delivery has anyone elses baby dropped on there second or third pregnancy? this is my third. also is it common to go to your due date when its your 3rd pregnacy or before? love you ladies!hopeuragirl -
5.2 hours ago
GAVJAXMOMMY i did that with my first son . i knew i was leaking and the paper kept saying negative, i know yours said positive, but i knew i was leaking and they kept saying i wasnt. anyways come to find out when i went to have him(i was induced) she broke my water and sure enough it was already broke. and it was realy hard like pushing out a dry babay. anyways all im saying is if you think your leaking just go to ld and have them check again, its worth it, good lucktropicalshimmer8 -
5.2 hours ago
I've read a few comments about baby movements and the position of the placenta. I was told I have my placenta in the front of my uterus and that for the first few WEEKS when the baby first started to move that I wouldnt feel it as strong, but as the baby gets bigger and takes up more space, you can't help but feel them move more. It concerns me that there are people who dont feel their babies as strong... I guess there are other factors that could cause this,But i was told that the placement of the placenta only matters weeks 18-24 when you're first starting to feel the baby move, not later in pregnancy.dopeydina -
5.2 hours ago
Pregodego-That happened to me on Mondayb when I went to the midwife. She said it was ok up to a couple of centimetres under. If it gets as much as 3 thats when things need to be looked at. So dont worry hunni koraljolin -
5.2 hours ago
Dani, chalk another one up to the 'pregnancy stupids' and try to let it go. All that stress is hard for you and your baby. Take a moment to reflect on what happened and then visualize yourself letting it go. Blow it away. I know it sounds corny, but holding onto something u can do nothing about isn't healthy. You have a baby coming soon, and that's all that really matters. Screw your boss, if he's upset u forgot about it because it was so important, maybe he should have planned to go himself...not your fault, forget about it. koraljolin -
5.3 hours ago
awww gavjax, it sounds like your getting close. If I were you I'd just stay home and stay active to try and keep things progressing. I had thought I was leaking fluid last week too and when they tested on the stip it was negative. So be hopeful it is the starting of something...keep us posted!GavJaxMommee -
5.4 hours ago
Ok need some advice...Went to my doc appt yesterday and where I thought I had been leaking fluid, the doctor tested the fluid on a PH strip and it turned Positive! Well she was gonna send me to L&D but they told her they were completely swamped and to perform the Speculum in the office! Well she did and looked at it under a microscope and she said it was negative. Ok, well it's still doing it, my panties are still as wet and I know it's not urine b/c it doesn't smell like it and it will happen sometimes right after I use the restroom!!!! I mean why would it test positive on a strip and then not on the spec???? She just said watch it and if it continued or got worse go to L&D....SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE I KNOW MORE THAN THE DOC I GIVE MY MONEY TO! Any advice or anyone have the same kinda problems before??????????pregodego -
5.4 hours ago
Hi Guys, I am new to the board. I can't believe I just joined and I am about to pop :(. Anyway, I am pregnant with my first baby and it's a boy, due August 20th. Anyway, I am a bit nervous because I measured a bit small on my last dr.'s apt and she immediately sent me for ultrasound. Well, it is today and I can't help but worry about my little bambino. Has this happened to any of you? Also, what REALLY stinks about my whole pregnancy is that I have an anterior placenta, which supposedly means you can't feel the baby move as much. I long to feel strong kicks that everyone talks about. I feel movements, but never big ones. Last night I barely felt him at all :(. Again, makes me worry! Just wish I could enjoy these last few precious days of being prego.
Thanks, all.Dani1979 -
5.9 hours ago
Venting time...I have so many appointments and meetings and things going on because of my job and baby. Well I was scheduled to attend a very important breakfast last week but my husband had bought me a new phone because I had dropped my other phone a time too many....well in switching my phones he told me he transferred my entire calendar but he actually did not. So I missed the breakfast because I really do live by my calendar on my phone its with me at all times...so this morning I get chewed out by my director because as I said it was an important breakfast and I was supposed to represent our department. I can't turn back the hands of time...I already have enough stress, I was upset and called my husband who told me he thought he had transferred my entire calendar...so I am somewhat mad at him for not ensuring that he transferred everything (which can't be true because he gave me my new phone on Tuesday and the breakfast was that Thurs, it seems like all he cared about putting in was my hospital appts for our baby)...I am just really sick of being at work at this point...I have so much going on and they act like they don't understand that I am doing the best I can...I understand that missing the breakfast looks bad but it was a mistake....sighs...I am so frustrated ladies I don't even know what to do right now...TeeanBaby1 -
6.2 hours ago
This lady pissed me off last night or should I say this morning. Okay, yesterday while I was at work I got a phone call from a woman asking for Mark. Told her she has the wrong number. She called back about an hour and a half later. I told her the same thing. So this heffa calls back close to 11 o'clock last night from a restricted number. I didn't hear because I was asleep. She calls again a little after 1 in the morning and wakes me and my baby up. I answer, she says nothing. So I put my phone on silent and went to the bathroom. Come back, I have a voicemail. She says nothing on the voicemail. So I send a text to the number that she was calling me from saying not to call my phone anymore because you obviously have the wrong number. So whoever gets the text message tries to cuss me out for waking them up. Talking about their sister n law was using their phone. So I was like your sister n law is waking both of us so tell her not to call my phone anymore cause this is not Mark's phone. I don't even know no damn Mark. She apologized for getting pissy with me but I tell you, my blood pressure was just a rising. I had to stay calm cause I was tempted to call that bitch and cuss her out for getting an attitude when she's the one interrupting my damn sleep. And my child's sleep.Amanda26 -
6.5 hours ago
ALMOST THERE!!!! I had the worst swelling in my feet last night. I have an appointment with my NP today after work. Getting the Strep B test done. I hope she checks to see if any thing else is going on. I'm so ready to meet my little guy and ready to be comfortable again.sheridan82 -
9.2 hours ago
well baby dropped and my cervix is soft me n dh ad nookie for first time in 5 month last night whoopwhoop didnt kick start things tho grrr gunna try again tonight felt really strange tho afterwards i felt bad on baby but if it works im sure she will forgive me hahaameylocket23 -
9.9 hours ago
got my last scan this afternoon - and the sun is shining here in the UK - yippee!! I can actually wear my cute maternity combat style skirt!! I hope everything is ok with bubs and stuff - i want the scan NOWW!! lol. Sarah - congrats hunni - i know u had pre-eclampsia, was u induced earlier or did u go into labour spontaniously?? I hope u get to be with ur baby soon.... xmemma84 -
10.4 hours ago
The day you deliver, outside will be cloudy. Your baby will arrive in the afternoon.
After a labor lasting approximately 5 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 7 pounds, 15 ounces, and will be 20-1/2 inches long. This child will have light brown eyes and a lot of hair.
But there is more. I get the impression that there is something in your life that is not yet settled. Something about... something about a name? Ah -- a baby name. Why don't you look here for help with finding the perfect name for your precious childMrsBandBabyB -
13.1 hours ago
I can't sleep. I'm so worried...worried about tons of stuff...the baby..the delivery...finances...many changes are about to happen and don't handle the unknown very well. I feel like I need a counselor or something right now to talk to/confide in. I don't really want to talk to my friends...cause some things are just too personal...and my family...are too biasis to some of my stressor issues! I JUST NEED A CHILL PILL! LOL. My poor baby needs to me to get rest, but as soon as my head hits the pillow my mind is filled with all my worries. I've prayed and prayed...does any one have any suggestions?MrsBandBabyB -
13.3 hours ago
Congrats Sarah, I hope you and the baby are well!!hopeuragirl -
14 hours ago
congrats on the baby sarah, i hope everything goes goodsarahbrockman -
14.6 hours ago
Hey mommas! I had my son today and I will post my birth story on my page soon. One things for sure, 36 weeks is not full term so be happy you guys. I am sitting in my bed and my baby has to be in the nursery and I do not even get to see him because it's apparently too busy in there. I am so sad and worried we will miss out on bonding...His poor lungs were not fully developed so he is working hard to breath. It kills me to see that little IV in his arm...thx4grace -
16 hours ago
Nope - I go 8/13 8/20 8/27 9/3. :( I am only 35 weeks, but still...