36 Weeks Pregnant

At 36 weeks, your baby weighs just under 6 pounds — the size of a mini-watermelon. Your baby now has fuller cheeks and a rounder appearance overall.

You may have trouble sleeping now. It may help to know you're not alone — most pregnant women report some trouble. Possible causes of insomnia include discomfort, needing to urinate frequently, and trouble turning off the flow of thoughts about the approaching birth.

Know the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia, a serious complication that affects 5% to 8% of pregnancies. Call your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Sudden weight gain (more than 2 pounds in a week)
• Swelling in the hands or face (particularly around the eyes)
• Headaches that won't go away
• Changes in vision

At prenatal visits, your provider will check for preeclampsia signs such as high blood pressure and protein in the urine.