Pregnancy Week 36 vs Week 38
Complete comparison of baby development, mom's symptoms, and changes between these weeks
📊
Time Difference
2 weeks apart
🔄
Trimester
Both in 3rd trimester
Baby Size Comparison
Growth Progress
Week 36Romaine lettuce
Week 38Leek
Your baby is approximately 93% through pregnancy
Week 36
📏
Length
18.7 inches
⚖️
Weight
5.8 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Romaine lettuce
Week 38
📏
Length
19.6 inches
⚖️
Weight
6.8 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Leek
What Changes Between Week 36 and 38?
👶New Baby Developments
- ✓Baby continues gaining weight at about 1 ounce per day
- ✓All organs are fully developed and ready to function outside the womb
- ✓Baby might have a full head of hair or very little - both are normal
- ✓Meconium (first bowel movement) is building up in intestines
- ✓Baby is completely ready for life outside and could be born any day
🤰New or Changing Symptoms
- ✓Cervix may be dilating and effacing (thinning) in preparation
- ✓Possible bloody show (mucus plug discharge with blood)
- ✓Contractions may increase in frequency and intensity
- ✓Water may break at any time (happens before labor in about 10% of women)
- ✓Extreme discomfort and difficulty moving
📈Key Changes Summary
Baby Growth: Your baby continues to grow rapidly, with organs developing and maturing each day.
Your Body: Your body adapts to support your growing baby with various physical and hormonal changes.
Baby Development Milestones
Week 36 Development
- •Baby is gaining approximately one ounce per day now
- •Skin is becoming smooth and losing wrinkles as fat fills out
- •Gums are rigid and strong
- •Circulatory and immune systems are complete and functioning
- •Baby is officially considered "early term" at 37 weeks
- •Most lanugo has disappeared
Week 38 Development
- •Baby continues gaining weight at about 1 ounce per day
- •All organs are fully developed and ready to function outside the womb
- •Baby might have a full head of hair or very little - both are normal
- •Meconium (first bowel movement) is building up in intestines
- •Baby is completely ready for life outside and could be born any day
- •Reflexes are strong including rooting, sucking, and grasping
Common Symptoms
Week 36 Symptoms
- •Significantly increased Braxton Hicks contractions that may take your breath away
- •Pelvic pressure intensifies as baby descends into birth position
- •Possible "lightning" - sudden dropping of baby into pelvis
- •Even more frequent bathroom trips, possibly every hour
- •Difficulty walking and waddling gait
- •Possible loss of mucus plug (can regenerate)
Week 38 Symptoms
- •Cervix may be dilating and effacing (thinning) in preparation
- •Possible bloody show (mucus plug discharge with blood)
- •Contractions may increase in frequency and intensity
- •Water may break at any time (happens before labor in about 10% of women)
- •Extreme discomfort and difficulty moving
- •Possible diarrhea as body prepares for labor
Nutrition Tips
Week 36 Nutrition
- •Eat foods rich in vitamin K (90-120 mcg daily) for blood clotting during delivery
- •Include iron-rich foods to prevent postpartum anemia
- •Stay hydrated despite constant urination
- •Eat small, frequent, easily digestible meals
- •Include foods rich in vitamin C
- •Focus on protein for tissue repair
Week 38 Nutrition
- •Eat light, easily digestible, nutritious meals
- •Stay very well hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks
- •Avoid heavy, greasy meals that could cause discomfort during labor
- •Stock up on easy, quick postpartum foods and snacks
- •Eat small frequent meals
- •Include foods rich in energy like complex carbohydrates
⚕️When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
During weeks 36 to 38, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- •Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- •Heavy bleeding or passing clots
- •Severe headache with vision changes
- •Persistent fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- •Sudden swelling of hands, face, or feet
- •Decreased fetal movement