Weeks 33 to 36

During this time your baby continues his rapid weight gain, gaining about half a pound per week (mom will usually gain about a pound a week). By week 36, the average baby will weigh almost six pounds and measure close to 19 inches in length.

The lanugo–a thin layer of hair that covers your baby's body–starts to fall off and is replaced by vernix, which is a white protective coating. Your baby may suck his thumb and his pupils can now constrict and detect light.

Your baby's growth and health still depend on the nourishment and oxygen provided by the placenta, carried to him through the umbilical cord. During this time, your doctor can check on the placenta and the umbilical cord by using a special form of ultrasound, called Doppler, to assess the blood flow to the baby. The pattern of blood flow in the umbilical cord indicates how well the placenta is nourishing the baby.

 

36-week 3D ultrasound: The baby is filling out and has more fat on his face and other features.

 

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