Almost ready to be born

2 min read June 7, 2025Week 37

Key takeaways

2 min

Expect more stretching movements as your baby grows larger and has less space in the uterus, but your baby should keep moving right up to and during labor.
Prepare for labor in good time since babies rarely arrive exactly on their due date, and call your doctor or maternity unit right away if signs of labor start before 37 weeks.
Monitor your baby's lung and digestive system development as they practice breathing and prepare to process breast milk.
If expecting twins, know that if the twin nearest your cervix is head down and there are no other complications, you should be able to plan a vaginal birth if you choose, whatever the position of the second twin.

At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is almost ready to be born, but birth before 37 weeks is still premature, and their lungs, brain, and nervous system are still finishing their development. Their lungs are practicing breathing, digestive system can process breast milk, and movements have changed to more stretching due to limited space in the uterus.

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Almost ready to be born

At this point, you will continue to feel the baby stretching, fidgeting, and turning. The type of movement may change now that your baby has grown so large [1], but they should keep moving right up to and during labor.

Your baby is now almost ready to come into the world! Their strong lungs are probably ready to take their first breath, but between now and the actual birth they will be “exercising” them. Your baby’s lungs expand and contract with the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, practicing for when they take real breaths. At this time, there is no amniotic fluid in the lungs [2]. By now, the digestive system is also ready to support the baby’s body by absorbing nutrients, starting with breast milk.

It’s rare for a baby to be born on their exact due date, so it’s good to be prepared in good time for when you go into labor [3]. If signs of labor start before 37 weeks, call your doctor or maternity unit right away, because the baby would still be premature.

This week, the baby’s hearing has sharpened, while their brain and nervous system continue to develop fully in preparation for birth. They also start to shed any remaining lanugo, which can occasionally be swallowed and digested. This will form the baby’s first stool, also known as meconium, which passes after birth [4].

If you are expecting twins

The process of childbirth can begin at any time now. Your doctor will talk to you about how your babies may be born: if the baby nearest your cervix is head down and there are no other complications, you should be able to plan a vaginal birth if you choose, whatever the position of the second baby. If the baby nearest your cervix is bottom down (breech), a cesarean birth is usually recommended.

What we can see on an ultrasound

In this image, the baby is lying on their back, their profile clearly outlining the forehead, nose, and chin. The right hand is also visible.

Almost ready to be born - Almost ready to be born

head
hand

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Frequently asked questions

Baby movements may change from kicks and pushes to more stretching and turning motions as your baby grows larger. Your baby should not move less, though: you should feel them moving right up to and during labor, and if movements slow down or change from their usual pattern, call your doctor or maternity unit right away.

Almost. A baby born at 37 weeks or later is no longer considered premature, but doctors call 37 to 38 weeks early term: the lungs, brain, and nervous system are still finishing their development. Their lungs are practicing breathing, their digestive system can process breast milk, and their hearing has sharpened to recognize voices and sounds.

If the twin nearest your cervix is head down and there are no other complications, you should be able to plan a vaginal birth if you choose, whatever the position of the second twin. If the twin nearest your cervix is bottom down (breech), a cesarean birth is usually recommended.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Meet our medical experts

Medically reviewed content

Reviewed by healthcare professionals · Updated October 6, 2026

This article is based on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources.

Fetal development: The 3rd trimester. Mayo Clinic.
Brewer S. The Pregnant Body Book. Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff, 2012, p. 169.
You and your baby at 36 weeks pregnant. NHS.
36 weeks pregnant: fetal development. BabyCenter.

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