Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Pregnancy at week 36

5-minute read

Your baby

In just one week’s time, your baby will be considered full term.

Your baby is fully developed and is tightly curled up ready to be born. If this is your first baby its likely, that their head will have moved down into your pelvis. This is called ‘engagement' and is a sign your baby is getting ready to be born. If you have had babies before, your baby’s head may not engage in your pelvis until you have some contractions. You often notice that your baby has moved into your pelvis as you start to feel increased pressure on your lower abdomen.

Your baby should continue to move in their normal pattern right up until they are born. If you are concerned about a change in your baby’s movements, contact your midwife or doctor immediately, it may be a sign that your baby is not well.

Your body

Your uterus reaches all the way up to your ribcage by now. Although, if your baby has engaged in your pelvis, you might notice your bump has moved down slightly. You might also feel more pressure in your lower abdomen and pelvis, and will probably need to go to the toilet more often.

You may also notice more vaginal discharge than usual. This is normal – but tell your doctor or midwife if the discharge is smelly, green or brown, or if it’s making you itchy or sore. In the last month of pregnancy, you might feel breathless at times as your baby presses against your diaphragm. This should ease as the baby moves lower in your pelvis.

Things to remember

You may be offered a test this week group B streptococcus (‘GBS’, or ‘group B strep’). GBS is one of many bacteria that normally live in our bodies. GBS is commonly found in the intestines, rectum, urethra, or vagina. Many people have it, and it usually causes no health concerns or symptoms. This bacterium is transient, meaning that it comes and goes from your body. GBS is not sexually transmitted. Being a carrier of GBS in pregnancy is not usually harmful to you but there is a small chance your baby will develop a severe infection. To prevent this from happening, women with group B strep are typically recommended antibiotics during labour.

Speak to your doctor or midwife to understand how GBS is tested and managed at your care provider. They can help you to decide if this test is right for you.

Questions you may want to ask your doctor or midwife

  • What are the risks and benefits to me and my baby if I test for GBS?
  • If I have GBS, what does this mean for my pregnancy and birth?
  • What is the rate of GBS infection in newborn babies?
  • Can my baby become unwell if my test is negative?

Resources and support

Speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician if you have questions about your pregnancy.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also has more information on:

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

NEXT WEEK...YOUR PREGNANCY AT WEEK 37 — Learn about your pregnancy journey and what is happening to you and your baby.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: August 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

Pregnancy Options | 1800 My Options

Explore all your pregnancy options with 1800 My Options. Find detailed information and support to help you make informed choices about your pregnancy, including resources for counseling and care.

Read more on 1800 My Options website

Early Parenting After Pregnancy | 1800 My Options

Get essential resources and support for early parenting after pregnancy with 1800 My Options. Find guidance and services to help you through the initial stages of parenthood.

Read more on 1800 My Options website

8 Benefits Of Seeing A Pelvic Health Physiotherapist In Pregnancy | Birth Trauma Australia

Seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist during pregnancy can help with pregnancy discomfort, birth preparations, preparing for postnatal recovery and much more....

Read more on Birth Trauma Australia website

Get Healthy in Pregnancy » Get Healthy NSW

Get Healthy in Pregnancy is a free NSW Government service for all pregnant women in NSW.

Read more on Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service website

Influenza and Pregnancy - Immunisation Coalition

Pregnant women and newborn babies are especially vulnerable to influenza. Vaccinating against influenza can be life saving for both the mother and child.

Read more on Immunisation Coalition website

Pregnancy during hot weather and heatwaves | Tasmanian Department of Health

Learn about how to prepare for hot weather and heatwaves during pregnancy from the Department of Health (Tasmania).

Read more on Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services website

During & After Pregnancy - Prenatal Screening

Learn more about what happens during pregnancy, and the services and resources that are available to you, both during and after your pregnancy.

Read more on Prenatal Screening website

Pregnancy Options - Prenatal Screening

Learn more about the various options that may be considered following the diagnosis of a chromosomal condition during pregnancy.

Read more on Prenatal Screening website

Experiences of pregnancy - Healthtalk Australia

Find out about people's experiences of pregnancy, both positive and negative, and including the physical and emotional aspects.

Read more on Healthtalk Australia website

Pregnancy and childbirth | Continence Health Australia (formerly the Continence Foundation of Australia)

When you’re pregnant you get a lot of advice from many people. Something that few people talk about are bladder and bowel control problems during pregnancy and after the birth.

Read more on Continence Health Australia website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.