36 weeks pregnant: weekly check-ups, your hospital bag and leave

At 36 weeks pregnant your baby is about 47cm long and weighs about 2.5kg, KKH says. Your check-ups go weekly from now. And if you're due at 40 weeks, this is when MOM's default 16 weeks of Government-Paid Maternity Leave would begin: 4 weeks before the birth.

Your baby at 36 weeks

Between weeks 33 and 36 your baby has been growing fast and usually moving head-down, HealthXchange says. Full term is one week away.

Maternity leave starts around now

• By default, the 16 weeks start 4 weeks before the birth. By agreement with your employer, you can start any time within those 4 weeks.
• MOM needs at least 4 weeks' notice before the leave starts.
• The first 8 weeks are taken in one block; the last 8 can be spread over 12 months after the birth, by agreement.
• Your employer must not ask you to work during the first 4 weeks of your confinement, and it's an offence to dismiss you while you're on maternity leave.
• You can't work for another employer during maternity leave. MOM says the maternity benefit is forfeited if you do.

Check your dates with the maternity leave calculator.

Your hospital bag

KKH asks you to pack two weeks in advance. For your baby it lists two vests, two pairs of mittens and booties, two wrapping blankets and a rear-facing car seat, even if you're going home by taxi or Grab. You'll probably spend the first hours in the Delivery Suite, so leave the bag with your family unless your husband is with you. Our hospital bag checklist has the full list, and 34 weeks pregnant compares what KKH and NUH ask you to bring.

Getting ready to breastfeed

KKH recommends that healthy mothers consider breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months. It lists benefits for both of you: fewer and milder infections for your baby, a lower allergy risk where it runs in the family, a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer for you, and a quicker return to your pre-pregnancy weight.

• The football hold or the cradle hold, with a good amount of breast in your baby's mouth, helps with latching, KKH says.
• Feeding 8 to 10 times a day in the first 4 to 8 weeks keeps your supply going and stops your breasts getting engorged.
• KKH patients can sign up for a free breastfeeding class, and KKH's Lactation Service can be reached on 6225 5554.

A note on episiotomy

In a first vaginal delivery, KKH says, a small cut called an episiotomy is sometimes made just before the head comes out, because a tear can run in several directions and is harder to repair. The pain usually lasts 2 to 3 days, the stitches dissolve, and it's healed by 6 weeks. Ice packs, stool softeners and pain relief help.

What's due in Singapore at 36 weeks

When to go to the hospital

Regular contractions, your water bag breaking, bleeding, fewer movements, or pre-eclampsia signs such as a severe headache or sudden swelling need the hospital now.

From 22 weeks on, KKH sends leaking fluid, bleeding and labour signs to its Delivery Suite, Level 2 of the Women's Tower. NUH's is Ward 22 on Level 2 of the Main Building. Save your own hospital's delivery suite number in your phone now, so nobody has to look it up in a rush.

Frequently asked questions

Is 36 weeks full term?

Not yet. KKH counts full term from 37 weeks.

Can I start maternity leave at 36 weeks?

Yes, if you're due at 40 weeks: MOM's default start is 4 weeks before the birth. Give your employer at least 4 weeks' notice.

How big is a baby at 36 weeks?

About 47cm and 2.5kg, KKH says.

36 weeks pregnant is how many months?

About eight months, counted from the first day of your last period.

Week by week. Previous week: 35 weeks pregnant. Next week: 37 weeks pregnant. Every week from 4 to 40: pregnancy week by week.