At 36 weeks' gestation, what characteristics are expected in a fetus?

At 36 weeks' gestation, the fetus typically measures around 42 to 48 cm in length, which corresponds to the average size for a fetus at this stage of development. By this gestational period, the fetus is rapidly growing and nearing its full term size, which allows for significant development in terms of body length and weight. This growth reflects the culmination of months of development as the fetus prepares for birth.

The other options do not align with the expected characteristics of a fetus at this gestational age. For instance, the size mentioned in the first option is significantly smaller than what is typical. Additionally, the lecithin-sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio is an important indicator of fetal lung maturity; at 36 weeks, this ratio is generally greater than 1:1, indicating adequate lung development. Lastly, a detectable heart rate is a fundamental aspect of fetal health, as it indicates that the fetal heart is functioning properly, which would not be absent at this stage of gestation.