At 36 weeks gestation, your baby is almost full-term and continues to develop and grow in preparation for his or her arrival. At this stage, your baby weighs approximately 6 pounds and is 18.5 inches long.

Here’s a breakdown of the significant changes happening during week 36:.

Brain Development

Your baby’s brain undergoes a significant growth spurt during these final weeks of pregnancy. At 36 weeks, your baby’s brain weighs about a third of what it will weigh at birth.

This growth is essential, as the brain controls all of the body’s functions and is responsible for cognitive, emotional and social development throughout life.

Lung Development

Your baby’s lungs are continuing to mature, and the tiny air sacs (alveoli) are developing at a rapid pace.

At this stage, the lungs are equipped to breathe on their own if your baby were born prematurely, although it’s still preferable that your baby stays in the womb until full-term.

Weight Gain

At 36 weeks, your baby is gaining approximately one half pound per week, which makes sense given the near six-pound weight.

A lot of this weight gain is due to the accumulation of fat under the baby’s skin, which helps to regulate body temperature and serves as a source of energy after birth.

Skeletal Growth

By this stage in pregnancy, your baby’s bones are fully formed, but they are still soft and pliable. This allows your baby to fit through the birth canal more easily.

In the weeks leading up to delivery, these bones will begin to harden and strengthen.

Organ Systems

All of your baby’s organs systems are fully functional at 36 weeks, and your baby’s liver is processing waste well. Additionally, your baby’s kidneys are working at full capacity to filter urine.

Reflexes

At 36 weeks, your baby’s reflexes are becoming more coordinated. He or she may be responding to sound, light, and other stimuli outside the womb.

Movement

As your baby grows, there’s less space for him or her to move, but you should still feel consistent movement each day. As your baby prepares for birth, the movements may feel more forceful, as they get into position for delivery.

Senses

At 36 weeks, your baby’s senses are becoming more refined. Your baby is now capable of hearing sounds outside of the womb and may even recognize your voice and respond to it.

Delivery Preparation

Your baby will continue to gain weight and prepare for delivery by positioning himself or herself head down in your pelvis. This position is ideal for an uncomplicated vaginal delivery.

Your cervix will also begin to dilate and become softer in preparation for delivery.

The Importance of Prenatal Care

The remarkable growth and development occurring in your baby during these final weeks of pregnancy underscores the critical importance of prenatal care.

Regular visits to your obstetrician and other medical professionals ensure that any potential complications are identified early and managed appropriately. Additionally, by closely monitoring your own health and well-being throughout pregnancy, you are helping to ensure the best possible outcomes for your baby.