What questions to ask your OB/GYN at 36 weeks

At 36 weeks pregnant, you are nearly at the end of your third and final trimester and are likely thinking about preparing for birth — which could happen very soon. 

While you may feel yourself getting anxious about your new arrival, your baby still has a lot of important growth to do in their last few weeks of development. Unfortunately, roughly 1 in 10 infants born in the US are preterm, before 37 weeks gestation. 

Knowing what to expect at this late point in pregnancy can help ease the process. Learn what questions to ask your OB/GYN at your 36-week appointment. 

Ready to welcome your little one? Find a doctor at HCA Florida Healthcare. 

Mom’s health at 36 weeks

By 36 weeks, you are likely seeing your OB/GYN every week and they are monitoring for signs that your body is preparing for labor, including measuring your fundal height (the distance from the top of your uterus to your pubic bone) and cervix. They will also continue to track your blood pressure, weight and symptoms. At this time, you may be feeling new symptoms like Braxton Hicks contractions, as well as a change in your baby’s position in your body as they move lower into your pelvis. 

If you’re welcoming your first child, you may have many questions about what to expect in the final few weeks of your care, symptoms of labor and the logistics of labor and delivery. If this isn’t your first child, you may be wondering how things will be different this time around and how to manage this experience with another little one at home. You may want to ask your OB/GYN questions like:

• Are there any serious symptoms to look out for at this point?
• How far can I travel from home?
• What safe exercises can I do now?
• Is there anything I should avoid at this point in pregnancy?
• What should be on my hospital bag checklist?
• Are there any labor and delivery questions I should be thinking about?
• What should I be considering for my birth plan?
• What will recovery after birth look like?

From maternity tours to breastfeeding support, find classes and events to help you throughout the final weeks of your pregnancy.

Your baby at 36 weeks

At 36 weeks, your baby likely weighs a little less than six pounds. They are putting on fat in these final few weeks of pregnancy as organs like their brain, lungs and liver finish developing. You will likely have additional questions about your baby’s health and what to expect in your last few weeks of pregnancy:

• How is my baby positioned, and how likely are they to stay in that position until delivery?
• Will I have another ultrasound? If so, when?
• How often should I check for fetal movement?
• What are the signs that I’m going into labor early?
• What should I do if I think I’m in labor?
• What is a group B streptococcus (GBS) test, and do I need one?
• What other questions should I be asking? 

Need pregnancy care close to home?

HCA Florida Healthcare has a team of expert OB/GYNs and midwives to answer all your questions — from prenatal vitamins to labor and delivery care. We also have classes and events to help you prepare for birth and after delivery. 

As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, our extensive network is home to everyone from OB/GYNs and midwives to high-risk pregnancy doctors and neonatologists.