{"id":257493,"date":"2022-02-06T12:59:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-06T17:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=257493"},"modified":"2025-06-30T15:10:51","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T19:10:51","slug":"36-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/257493\/36-weeks-pregnant-with-multiples\/","title":{"rendered":"36 weeks pregnant with multiples"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Parents-to-be wait with bated breath to hear their babies are full term, and rightfully so! It\u2019s a highly significant milestone, and you\u2019re just about there. While 37 weeks is the point at which babies are considered full term, there are still advantages to staying pregnant longer if it\u2019s safe and advisable in your specific circumstance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons why birth happens around 37 weeks, and in many cases, sooner is the safer option for multiples. Every pregnancy is unique and the timing of birth is a decision best made after thorough discussion with your provider. So do ask questions and play an active role in the decision making around your plan for these babies\u2019 arrivals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s explore what you can expect this week and make sure you have your ducks in a row before bringing your babies home. After all, it\u2019s just around the corner!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are the babies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Multiples are undergoing the same developmental changes as singletons during this period of gestation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your babies have most likely reached their full height by now, though they continue to gain about an ounce each day. They have lost most of their lanugo<\/a>, the fine hair that previously covered their bodies. They\u2019ve also shed most of the vernix caseosa, which is a waxy substance that has been protecting their skin during pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They\u2019re practicing using their respiratory systems by using their diaphragms as if they were breathing. Their lungs are preparing to absorb and expel the fluid they\u2019ve been in to make way for the air they will depend upon after birth. And their nervous systems have kicked into full gear \u2014 they\u2019ve now developed all the reflexes they\u2019ll have when they\u2019re born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your babies weigh close to 6 lbs now and are about as long as a head of romaine lettuce! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are you doing? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chances are, you\u2019re thinking a lot about birth these days. You may also be growing weary of frequent appointments. You\u2019re almost done with them! If you haven\u2019t already, now is the time to discuss the babies\u2019 birth route: will you labor and birth vaginally? Or will you have a scheduled Cesarean section (C-section)? Common considerations when determining this include your babies\u2019 positions, how their placentas are arranged, if either has any specific health concerns, and your personal preference. It is a lot to put together, and you may have a lot of questions. It\u2019s your right to ask all of them and fully understand the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family. So don\u2019t be afraid to ask!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the frequent appointments can be tiring, this is the point in pregnancy when complications arise more commonly. The extra monitoring is to keep you and your babies safe! Contact your doctor right away if you notice any changes between appointments that you feel need to be addressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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