Week 36

Keep doing kick counts daily. Ask about delayed cord clamping and skin-to-skin after birth—these support baby’s transition.

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Your baby is the size of a swiss chard leaf!

Ask your provider about your baby’s position. By now, most babies are head-down.

The soft hair (called lanugo) that covered your baby’s body is starting to go away, and they may have hair on their head.

Some people give birth by C-section. Sometimes the procedure is planned ahead, and sometimes the plan changes during labor. It's important to learn what to expect, how to prepare if you have a C-section, and what recovery can be like.

If you've had a C-section before, you may be able to have a vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC). Talk to your provider about whether VBAC is the right choice for you.

First Moments With Your Baby

The first moments when you meet your baby are very special. When your baby is born, our goal is to put them directly on your warm chest, skin to skin. Skin to skin can help with baby’s temperature, breathing, and feeding!

If it’s possible for you and your baby, it’s best to stay skin to skin for the first hour of life.

Pregnancy Topics Related to Week 36

Preparing For Birth

Preparation for Scheduled C-Section

A C-section (cesarean birth) is surgery to deliver a baby through the belly.

What To Expect During Labor

Planning Your Next Birth After a C-Section

If you had a C-section with your last birth, you now have two choices as to how to give birth to your new baby. Some women plan to have another C-section (called an elective or planned repeat cesarean birth), while others plan to have the baby vaginally (called a vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC).

What To Expect During Labor

Having a C-Section

A cesarean birth (C-section) is a surgery to deliver a baby through the belly. Most people who go into labor have a vaginal birth. But sometimes, a C-section is the safest way to give birth, even if you planned to give birth vaginally. Knowing what to expect can help you feel ready, no matter what happens.

Medical Care

Feeling Your Baby Move: What You Need to Know

A baby that moves a lot is a healthy baby! You should feel your baby moving throughout the day, even when they are bigger, and even when you are in labor!

At The Hospital With Baby

The First Moments: Skin-to-Skin, Bonding, and Breastfeeding

The first moments after birth are filled with connection, comfort, and care.

Photo of a new born baby where the focus is on feet and toes. The umbilical cord is there with surgical scissors attached. The face of the baby is not in the photograph. Body color is pink and feet are slightly purple.

What To Expect During Labor

Delayed Cord Clamping

Summary