Week 36: Waiting to Breathe

Your baby's lungs are ready for their first breath and all systems are ready to go!

By Dr Michelle LIM, Associate Consultant and Associate Professor Tan Thiam Chye, Visiting Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital

What's Happening to Your Baby?

Many babies are able to breathe on their own without oxygen assistance the moment they're born. By week 36, your little one's lungs have developed and all systems are ready to go. While your baby's digestive system is fully formed, it won't be operational until after birth and in the meantime, the umbilical cord is providing blood and nutrients to your baby, who is about the size of a large daikon radish. At this point, your baby should weigh about 2.3 to 2.9kg and is 42 to 52cm long. Baby may now be slowly moving towards your pelvis, a process known as 'engagement', in preparation for delivery!

What's Happening to You?

It's nearly time to meet your baby, mummy! However, only five percent of babies arrive on their due date, so you might want to consider getting organised now should your little one show up a little early to the party. You and your partner should pack a hospital bag and make sure you have your birth plan and emergency phone numbers readily accessible. Understand the signs of early labour like contractions, breaking of waters, and show. Should any of these symptoms occur, you should make a trip to your delivery suite for an assessment to see if you're in labour.

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This article was last reviewed on 22 Nov 2023