Week 36

Your Baby’s Development

The tiny wrinkly fetus you saw on earlier ultrasounds is fast becoming a plump baby. Fat on the cheeks and powerful sucking muscles contribute to your baby’s fuller face. Your baby now weighs a little under 6 pounds (2,721 grams).

The bones that make up your baby’s skull can move and overlap each other. This is called molding, and it helps the baby pass through the birth canal. Don’t be surprised if your little one arrives with a pointy or misshapen head! After a few hours or days, your baby’s head will be back to a rounded shape.

Your Body

You now might see your health care provider every week. Your doctor or midwife may do an internal exam to see if cervical effacement (thinning of the cervix) or dilation (opening of the cervix) has begun. The baby might drop into your pelvis in preparation for labor — this is called engagement or lightening. Your appetite may return because the baby isn’t putting as much pressure on your stomach and intestines, and if you’ve had heartburn, that might ease.