36 weeks newborn baby

Babies Born at 36 Weeks: What Are the Risks?

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Chaunie Brusie on January 10, 2018

The old standard for ‘full term’

At one time, 37 weeks was considered full term for babies in the womb. That meant doctors felt that they were developed enough to be delivered safely.

But doctors started to realize something after too many inductions resulted in complications. It turns out that 37 weeks isn’t the best age for babies to pop out. There are reasons a woman’s body keeps that baby in there longer.

Early term vs. full term

Too many babies were born with complications at 37 weeks. As a result, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists changed its official guidelines.

Any pregnancy over 39 weeks is now considered full term. Babies born 37 weeks to 38 weeks and six days are considered early term.

The new guidelines have resulted in more babies staying in the womb longer. But it can be hard to shake the old way of thinking about 37 weeks being OK. And if that’s the case, a 36-week baby should be fine too, right?

In most cases, the answer is yes. But there are a few things you should know.

Why your due date might be off

It turns out that whatever due date your doctor gave you might be off by a week. So if you consider yourself full term at 37 weeks, you may only be 36 weeks pregnant.

Unless you conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and have scientific proof of exactly when you became pregnant, your due date is likely off.

Even for women with regular, exactly 28-day cycles, the exact time of fertilization and implantation can vary. When you have sex, when you ovulate, and when implantation occurs all factor in.

For these reasons, it’s difficult to predict a precise due date. So whenever it’s not medically necessary to induce labor, it’s important to let it start on its own.

Risks of a 36-week delivery

It’s best to let labor progress naturally. But sometimes babies are born prematurely. In cases involving conditions like preeclampsia, early delivery might even be the safest option. But there are still risks for babies born before full term.

At 36 weeks, a baby is considered late preterm. According to the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, late preterm babies born between 34 and 36 weeks account for nearly three-fourths of all preterm births and about 8 percent of total births in the United States. The rate of babies born at this stage has risen 25 percent since 1990.

At 36 weeks, the risk of health complications decreases significantly. The risk is much lower from babies born even at 35 weeks. But late preterm babies are still at risk for:

respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
sepsis
patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
jaundice
low birth weight
difficulty regulating temperature
developmental delays or special needs
death

As a result of complications, late preterm babies may need to be admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or even readmitted to the hospital after discharge.

RDS is by far the biggest risk for babies born at 36 weeks. Baby boys seem to have more trouble than late preterm girls. Although only about 5 percent of babies born at 36 weeks are admitted to the NICU, almost 30 percent experience some degree of respiratory distress.

Infant mortality for babies at 36 weeks, after accounting for babies with undetected heart abnormalities, was around 0.8 percent.

The takeaway

In most cases, delivery at 36 weeks isn’t by choice. Most babies born late preterm happen because of premature labor or a woman’s water breaking early. In those situations, it’s best to know what risks your newborn could face and prepare a plan with your doctor.

If you’re considering voluntary early induction, the moral of the story is to keep that baby in there as long as possible.

Last medically reviewed on January 11, 2018

Parenthood
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications

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American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2013). Ob-Gyns redefine meaning of “term pregnancy.” [Press release].
acog.org/About-ACOG/News-Room/News-Releases/2013/Ob-Gyns-Redefine-Meaning-of-Term-Pregnancy
Chyi LJ, et al. (2008). School outcomes of late preterm infants: Special needs and challenges for infants born at 32 to 36 weeks gestation [Abstract]. DOI:
10.1016/j.jpeds.2008.01.027
Loftin RW, et al. (2010). Late preterm births.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2876317/
Ingemarsson I. (2003). Gender aspects of preterm birth [Abstract].
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12763109
Wilcox AJ, et al. (1999). Time of implantation of the conceptus and loss of pregnancy [Abstract]. DOI:
10.1056/NEJM199906103402304
Wilcox AJ, et al. (1995). Timing of sexual intercourse in relation to ovulation. Effects on the probability of conception, survival of the pregnancy, and sex of the baby [Abstract]. DOI:
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Jan 11, 2018

Chaunie Brusie

Edited By

Nizam Khan (TechSpace)

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Chaunie Brusie on January 10, 2018

Survival Rate, Time in Hospital, More

The final months of pregnancy are full of prepping and planning. And, of course, planning is important. But be prepared: Many births don’t go according to plan.

For example, you might end up having a cesarean delivery (C-section) or other interventions that you weren’t planning on. Or you may find yourself with much less time to prepare if your baby decides to show up to the party earlier than expected!

About 11 percent of babies worldwide are born early (premature). This means that they’re born more than 3 weeks before their estimated due date. About 85 percent of these are born between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

But if your baby is born even more prematurely — say, at 32 weeks — they still have very good odds at being healthy with some supportive medical care. Here’s what you need to know about a baby born at 32 weeks.

Yes, a baby can safely be born at 32 weeks, but they may need specialized care to help support their development as they navigate their early days in the world.

A baby who’s born before week 37 of pregnancy is considered to be premature. However, during pregnancy, every week — and even every day — makes a difference in a baby’s growth and development. This is why premature babies are grouped into four stages:

late preterm, born between 34 and 36 weeks
moderate preterm, born between 32 and 34 weeks
very preterm, born between 25 and 32 weeks
extremely preterm, born before 25 weeks

If your baby reaches 32 weeks of gestation (time in the womb) and is born at 32 weeks, they’re moderate preterm. Babies born at 32 weeks have a survival rate as high as 95 percent. They also have very good chances of growing into healthy babies and children without any complications.

Babies who are born very preterm and extremely preterm have a higher risk of complications and health problems than a baby born at 32 weeks.

How healthy and developed your baby is at 32 weeks also depends on what kind of pregnancy you have. If you’re carrying twins or other multiples they may be smaller than if you’re carrying a singleton baby.

At 32 weeks, babies still have a couple months to go before reaching their full birth weight, but they’re well developed. Your baby will look almost like a full-term baby, just smaller, thinner, and even more delicate.

They’ll have almost-there toenails and perhaps a few wisps of hair on their head. Most of the soft, downy hair (lanugo) that covered them earlier in the womb will have started falling off, but they’ll still be a little fuzzy.

They probably will not yet have fully formed fingernails. Their eyes, though developed, may be too sensitive to light to open just yet. By 32 weeks most babies are practicing breathing, and their lungs are in the final stages of development. Their skull and all their bones will still be very soft.

At 32 weeks, a baby may:

weigh almost 4 pounds
be between 16 and 17 inches long
have a head size (circumference) between 11 and 12 inches

How long your baby needs to stay in the hospital after they’re born at 32 weeks depends on several things.

After birth, your premature baby will be taken to a special care nursery or the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the hospital where you gave birth.

Most babies born at 32 weeks of pregnancy have only a few temporary health issues and need to stay in the NICU for only a few days to a few weeks. After birth, your baby may need extra help learning and developing the skills needed for feeding, staying warm, and breathing on their own.

Babies born at 32 weeks will generally not yet be strong enough to breastfeed because their sucking muscles are still weak and uncoordinated. They’ll likely need to be tube-fed for a few weeks.

That said, receiving breast milk is especially important for preterm babies. Compared to preterm babies who receive formula, those who receive human milk typically have higher survival rates, shorter NICU stays, and fewer serious health complications.

Even if you weren’t planning to breastfeed, you may consider expressing milk to help nourish your premature baby. You may also consider donor milk.

Most babies born at 32 weeks don’t have breathing problems, but your doctors and nurses will make sure they’re breathing properly.

Before your baby can safely go home with you, your doctor will make sure they don’t have any other health problems and are growing and developing enough to do well without NICU care.

Before they’re discharged, your baby will be evaluated on their:

weight gain
ability to suck and swallow milk on their own
temperature regulation
eye development and sensitivity

Babies born at 32 weeks might have some temporary health problems such as:

low birth weight
jaundice
hypothermia
feeding difficulties

Some long-term issues in babies born at 32 weeks might show up months to years later. These are not common, but can include slower development. In most cases, babies with learning or developmental delays catch up later in childhood with a little bit of extra help.

A 2017 medical study in France that followed 5,170 babies who were born between 22 to 34 weeks of pregnancy found that babies born at 32 to 34 weeks had very low risks of long-term health problems.

The researchers found that about 1 percent of babies born at 32 to 34 weeks had the neuromotor disorder cerebral palsy.

The same study tested 2,506 2-year-olds who were born prematurely. In the group born at 32 to 34 weeks of pregnancy, 36.2 percent scored slightly lower than average on a questionnaire that was used to test brain development.

While this means that some babies born at 32 weeks may have delayed learning development and skills in early childhood, and early intervention can have a significant impact in improving skills.

If your baby is born at 32 weeks, they have very good chances of being born healthy and developing just fine.

They’ll be considered premature, specifically moderately preterm, and will need extra medical care to make sure they’re healthy and growing normally before they can go home. Your baby may be in the hospital or NICU for several days to weeks.

In rare cases, a baby born at 32 weeks may have neurodevelopmental (brain and learning) delays. In most cases, they’ll catch up with some extra help during early childhood.

36th week of pregnancy - what is happening, the development of the baby, sensations, what the belly looks like

WHAT IS HAPPENING

At this time, fatty tissue continues to accumulate in the tiny body, due to which the baby's body becomes more and more rounded. Hairs grow on the head, facial muscles develop, eyebrows and cilia become even more noticeable. The auricles have also improved: the cartilages have hardened, and the depressions and curls have fully taken shape.

At the 36th week of pregnancy, the bones of the fetus are intensively strengthened, but the skull still remains flexible so that the head can pass freely through the birth canal. The heart is fully formed, although the hole between the right and left parts has not yet closed. Do not worry: immediately after the birth of the baby, it will disappear. The lungs are also ready to work, but the baby will take its first breath only after birth.

Now you clearly feel the movements of your son or daughter. True, due to the fact that the uterus is very crowded, there are now fewer movements than before. On average, at this period for 12 hours there should be at least 10 movements. And by the end of pregnancy, when the fetus grows even more, their number will be halved.

YOUR FEELING

For some expectant mothers, itching may increase at 36 weeks of pregnancy. Most often it appears in the abdomen. At the site of scratching, the skin turns red and covered with pimples. If you use body moisturizers and the discomfort still persists, it could be dermatitis of pregnancy. See a dermatologist just in case.

At 35 - 36 weeks of pregnancy, insomnia may still persist. It’s all because of a big belly, frequent trips to the toilet, and sometimes nightmares. Before going to bed, try to relax: listen to calm music, ask your husband to give you a light massage, and to get up less often, do not drink a lot of liquid at night.

Often in women during this period, hemorrhoids become aggravated. And if earlier only pain, itching and bleeding were observed, now nodules may appear. It is very important not to start the disease, because without treatment the problem will only get worse.

At a period of 36 weeks of pregnancy, the likelihood of edema increases. All due to the difficulty of outflow of blood from the lower body. Most often, swelling appears towards the end of the day after prolonged sitting or standing. To prevent their occurrence, change the position of the body more often and periodically do a warm-up.

By the end of the 35th - 36th week of pregnancy, training contractions become more and more noticeable, and this is normal, because the body is intensively preparing for the upcoming birth. But unlike real ones, they are practically painless and do not last very long.

RISK FACTORS

Even at such a late date, there is a danger of preeclampsia, so it is necessary to control weight gain and be sure to monitor the amount of fluid you drink and excrete.

At 36 weeks pregnant, there is a risk of placental abruption. This process can lead to large blood loss, and in some cases cause the death of the fetus. There are three levels of this condition:

The first child does not suffer. Detachment less than 1/3 is a good chance to save the pregnancy;
Second degree - detachment of the placenta by half, which is fraught with a high risk of hypoxia of the baby;
They say about the third degree when the placenta is completely detached. In this case, the fetus almost always dies.

Symptoms of placental separation, which the expectant mother may experience at 35-36 weeks of pregnancy, are bleeding from the genital tract, aching pain in the abdomen (sometimes given to the thigh or perineum), uterine hypertonicity. Among the reasons are problems with blood vessels, abdominal trauma, a sharp decrease in intrauterine pressure, as well as some diseases (for example, nephritis).

At the 36th week of pregnancy, the baby is too early to be born, because his body is not yet quite ready for independent living. Therefore, the expectant mother needs to be extremely attentive to herself. Walk carefully so as not to fall, avoid crowded places - this way you will reduce the risk of contracting viral infections.

MEDICAL SUPERVISION

Starting from this period, you will have to visit your obstetrician-gynecologist every week. You will need to do a number of tests:

General urine and blood tests;
Examination of a smear to determine the microflora of the vagina;
Blood test for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C.

As usual, your doctor will measure your weight, blood pressure, and fundal height at your appointment. At a period of 35 - 36 weeks of pregnancy, ultrasound is performed only for special indications. It may be prescribed to determine the condition of the placenta, the volume of amniotic fluid and the location of the fetus in the uterus.

In addition, other studies may be recommended for a pregnant woman: dopplerography (performed to assess blood flow in the main vessels of the placenta and the child) and cardiotocography (needed to assess the functioning of the fetal heart).

If necessary, the doctor will prescribe sanitation of the birth canal. To do this, within 5 - 7 days you need to use special candles and vaginal tablets.

RECOMMENDATIONS

At the 35th - 36th week of pregnancy, you should have things collected for the maternity hospital. Each institution has its own list, so you need to check it in advance. In addition, now you can buy a postpartum bandage. This device correctly fixes the abdominal cavity, so that the internal organs quickly return to their original place.

From the 36th week of pregnancy, you can start doing perineal massage. It improves blood circulation, has a beneficial effect on internal organs and normalizes the state of the nervous system. Such massage is one of the main components of preparation for childbirth.

In late pregnancy, it is not recommended to travel: childbirth can begin at any time, so it is better to be closer to your doctor. But moderate physical activity at the 36th week is not prohibited. You can practice on a fitball, do yoga exercises, swim. This will help normalize the functioning of internal organs and strengthen muscles.

Keep watching your diet. At this stage, energy costs have decreased, and the diet should be less high-calorie. Be sure to include vegetables and fruits, cereals (best if they are boiled in water), sour-milk products, herbal teas, fruit drinks and natural juices in the menu. The nutrients you consume now should ensure that your body recovers quickly after childbirth. In addition, a healthy diet will be the basis for breastfeeding your baby.

Sexual relations at a period of 35 - 36 weeks of pregnancy, in principle, are not prohibited, but in the event that there are no medical contraindications. Only you need to keep in mind that an orgasm leads to uterine tone, and this can provoke the onset of labor.

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36th week of pregnancy: sensations, weight and development of the fetus

PreviousNext

From this week, your baby's head may drop into the pelvis, and your stomach will also drop at the same time. When this happens, the expectant mother finally begins to breathe freely, but now the uterus and the baby in it put more and more pressure on the bladder. However, during the first pregnancy, it is likely that the prolapse of the abdomen will not happen now, but right in the process of childbirth.

Coming soon! With only 4 weeks left until your due date, your baby is actively preparing for life outside the womb. Every day you are getting closer to the wonderful moment when you will take your baby in your arms for the first time, but the birth still does not seem close.

Many mothers at this time are lost in thought and trying to enjoy the last weeks of pregnancy. You may experience a new sense of wonder and respect for your body and how it knows what to do. Or maybe you just wish your pregnancy was finally over and wish the last few weeks would just disappear.

Where is the bucket and mop?

Don't be surprised if you wake up one morning and feel as if you were blind before and now your eyes have been opened. There is dust and dirt everywhere, and you don't understand why you didn't notice it. Welcome to the nesting stage.

If you used to feel a little tired, now you will be overwhelmed by the energy that overwhelms you. You want to organize everything and put everything on the shelves, sort through the boxes and throw away the excess. After the baby is born, you will be glad that you did a lot of cleaning - in the first weeks you will not be up to it.

Keep in mind that some pregnant women at this stage become a little "tyrant" and put a lot of pressure on their partner, and on themselves too. Try to focus on one task and finish it before moving on to the next. If family or friends offer to help, say yes.

It's not my fault!

Why do women in late pregnancy feel the need to organize their "nest"? This behavior is inherent in nature itself, and you are unlikely to be able to resist it. Just do what she says.

Physical changes at 36 weeks of gestation

It may turn out that this week you only have to dream about sleep. It is impossible to lie on your stomach, and it is not recommended to lie on your back, so sleeping on your side becomes the only option. The problem is that you only have two sides, and in the end it may end up with you tracking them both. Take more comfortable, supportive pillows to bed and consider putting a soft blanket under the sheet. It really works.

Get into the habit of going to the toilet several times a night. Your uterus becomes so large that your bladder overflows with minimal fluid. Don't get up too fast, let your blood pressure go back to normal. Do not turn off the light in the toilet all night - it will become your beacon in a dark apartment. At 36 weeks pregnant, a woman is rather clumsy, and you need to do your best not to stumble in your regular nocturnal adventures.
The doctor will suggest that you visit him weekly until delivery. During examinations, he will measure blood pressure, weight, the size of your uterus, take a urine test. He will check if the height of the uterine fundus corresponds to the gestational age. If something is wrong, you can have an ultrasound to more accurately determine the size of the baby and placenta, as well as the amount of amniotic fluid.
If you have a free minute, expose your stomach and observe the movements taking place in it. You will be able to see the outline of a small leg, elbow or knee. If you gently poke your finger in response, you will see how the baby moves away from him. Let your loved one join the game so that he also feels involved in your pregnancy. If he decides to talk to the child through the abdominal wall, the baby will most likely begin to move in response.
Over the next weeks, your pelvic bones will begin to separate and their joints become looser, and this can be painful. You will find yourself subconsciously placing your hands on your lower back, abdomen, hips, and even grimacing. You will cast knowing glances at other pregnant women because you know what they are going through. A warm shower or bath, a massage, relaxation, and just taking care of yourself will all help you get through the last weeks.
If your baby's head drops into the pelvis this week, it will become easier for you to breathe. Your lungs and diaphragm will be able to expand a little and move to a normal position. Almost.

Emotional changes at 36 weeks of pregnancy

The date of birth is close, but sometimes it seems that it will never come. The ninth month of pregnancy can seem endless, especially for women who experience intense physical discomfort and are already tired of being pregnant.
If you have children, you may secretly rejoice that you still have a few weeks left. During this time, you will have time to do, organize and control a lot. It's amazing what can be achieved when you feel the deadline approaching! Remember that you don't have to do everything yourself. Assign simple tasks to children, and serious tasks to your partner. Most men like to be given clear tasks, so make a to-do list and include all the necessary details in it.

What happens to the baby this week of pregnancy

Your baby weighs about 2.7 kg this week and is about 51 cm long. If your baby were born this week, he would most likely be able to breathe on his own. However, there is a chance that the newborn will have minor problems with feeding and suckling.
A baby's intestines are filled with meconium, a sticky and tarry black substance that he will show you when he poops for the first time. Some babies may do this while still in the womb, which may be a sign of a stressed baby. Meconium will give the amniotic fluid a greenish tint. If your waters broke and they had an unusual color, tell your doctor.
Your little one's skull is complex: his bones are mobile and will fuse together as he gets a little older. During childbirth, it is important that the baby's skull can transform and adapt to the shape of the mother's birth canal. If this is your first pregnancy, your baby's head may start to sink into your pelvis this week.
At 36 weeks, the baby is in a comfortable position for delivery. He doesn't have enough room to turn and his movements are severely limited. If your baby is not in cephalic presentation, you should discuss delivery options with your doctor.