Around week 36 many babies drop lower into the pelvis. You might breathe more easily, and need the toilet even more.
Your baby this week
- Dropping
- Your baby may move down into your pelvis, especially in a first pregnancy.
- Lanugo
- Most of the fine body hair has shed.
- Gums
- The gums are firm, ready for feeding.
What you might notice
- Easier breathing if your baby drops.
- More pressure low down, and needing to pee even more often.
- Pelvic aches and a waddle as joints loosen.
- Braxton Hicks getting stronger.
Call your midwife, doctor or maternity unit today if
- Your face, hands or feet swell suddenly, or you have a bad headache or blurred vision
- You have bleeding, fluid leaking, or regular tightenings or period-like cramps
- Your baby's movements have slowed down or changed
- You have strong itching, especially on your hands and feet
Any time of day or night. You will never be a nuisance for calling.
Coming up
Checkups are often weekly.
Your pregnancy is considered early term.
Questions to bring to your next appointment
- Is my baby head down and engaged?
- What happens if I go past my due date?
- What should I do in early labour at home?
For your partner
Learn the signs of labour, and when to call. Is this a contraction? covers the timing.
NUGA follows you week by week
Enter your due date once and NUGA knows you're at week 36. The day before each appointment, it gathers what you've noted and the questions to bring.
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This page draws on public guidance from:
General information, not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different, and your midwife or doctor knows yours. Last updated October 2026.