Your baby at 36 weeks
By 36 weeks, your baby's lungs are fully formed and ready to take their first breath after the birth.
The digestive system is fully developed and your baby will be able to feed if they're born now.
You at 36 weeks
From around now, you may be aware of a tightening feeling in your lower tummy from time to time. These are a normal part of pregnancy, known as Braxton Hicks contractions – your uterus is "practising" for the tightenings, or contractions, of labour.
Find out about signs that labour has begun and what happens.
When contractions become longer, stronger and more frequent, it can be a sign that labour is starting.
Labour that starts before 37 weeks is considered premature. If your baby is born early, they may need special care in hospital.
Find out about premature labour and birth.
Things to think about
- pack your bag for labour if you're planning to give birth in hospital or a midwifery unit
- have all your important phone numbers handy (your midwife, hospital, any family and friends) in case labour starts
- if you have children already, make childcare arrangements for when you go into labour
- pain relief in labour, including things you can do yourself
- epidurals: are there any side effects?
- breastfeeding: positioning and attachment
- washing and bathing your baby
During childbirth, your midwife or doctor may offer to help avoid a tear or help the baby out by making a cut (episiotomy) between the vagina and anus (perineum).
Find out about episiotomy and perineal tears and tips to help healing.
The Start4Life site has more about you and your baby at 36 weeks.
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