36 Weeks Pregnant
You’ve finally made it to the 36th week of your pregnancy, and now you are considered full term, or at 9 months exactly from conception. Congratulations! Your baby will be born anytime now, as most births take place during weeks 36-40. Although this can be an exciting time, it can also cause tons of anxiety as you continue to prepare for your new baby. You should be seeing your healthcare provider, either your doctor or midwife on a weekly basis to ensure everything is moving along just fine.
Your Baby’s Development
At the 36th week, your baby has pretty much finished growing. He or she will continue to build fat under the skin, causing the arms, legs, knees, cheeks and face to plump more and more. He or she is considered full term after the 36th week, weighing around 6 lbs and 20 inches in length. Your baby will probably not get much bigger after this week is complete. The brain continues to develop at a rapid pace and the gums get stronger as the sucking muscles prepare for nipples and bottles.
Changes in Your Body
Most women feel like they are ‘done being pregnant’ by the 36th week. And medically, so to speak, you are. You are at full term and should be gaining minimal weight. Tiredness, exhaustion, constipation, insomnia, pregnancy pains, restlessness, hemorrhoids and everything else should still be there. Some of the pressures should be decreasing, however they are only being replaced with new pressures. Pressure in your lower abdominal area is referred to as lightening or engagement. Some women find that walking is incredibly difficult, while others have gotten used to the new ways their bodies have adapted. Some women experience urinary tract infections, or UTI’s at this point. This is due to constant trips to the restroom and hemorrhoids. There are creams to help with the hemorrhoids, however there’s nothing a mom2be can do to reduce urination. You may be feeling your baby resting on your pelvic bones. This is normal as he or she awaits labor and childbirth. You may also experience high or increased levels in your blood pressure and blood sugars.
Week 36 Tips
If you haven’t done so yet, pack a hospital bag in preparation for labor. If you have other children, talk to them about what’s happening and the arrival of their sibling. Now would also be a great time to make arrangements for childcare. You as an expectant mom don’t need a babysitter for yourself, however having someone around like a relative, parent, friend or even your partner as often as possible can help reduce your anxiety and take your mind off everything pregnant. Daily walks, even if difficult, can help relieve minor aches and pains you are still experiencing. Talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have as you continue to wait for your water to break.
