36 Weeks Pregnant : What to Expect
Reviewed by Dr. Susan K. Mueller, OB/GYN
You’ve finally made it to the 36th week of your pregnancy, and now you are considered late preterm, or at 9 months exactly from conception (full term is not until 37 weeks). Congratulations! Your baby will be born anytime now, as most births take place between weeks 37-40. 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. During this time all women should undergo screening for Group B Streptococcus. This bacteria can be found normally in healthy women, however if passed to the baby during birth, can cause serious lung infections. By undergoing screening during the 35th-37th week, women who carry this bacteria can be found and treated with antibiotics during labor to prevent these infections in the baby.
Symptoms and Body Changes at 36 Weeks
Most women feel like they are ‘done being pregnant’ by the 36th week, but don’t rush it. According to ACOG (American Congress of Obstetricians & Gyencologists) recent research shows that scheduling births, even a few weeks too early (before 39-40 weeks), may result in babies having feeding, breathing, and learning problems. They also have a higher percentage to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). You are not full term until 37 weeks and during this late stage you should be gaining minimal weight. Symptoms like tiredness, exhaustion, constipation, insomnia, pregnancy pains, restlessness, hemorrhoids, and are probably still happening. 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 that can be done 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.
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 one week away from being considered full term, weighing around 6 pounds and 19 inches in length. The brain continues to develop at a rapid pace and the gums get stronger as the sucking muscles prepare for nipples and/or bottles.
Pregnancy Week 36 Tips
If you haven’t done so yet, pack a hospital bag in preparation for labor. If you created a birth plan, be prepared to follow the guidelines you have selected and inform everyone involved. 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 pregnancy related. 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. Next is pregnancy at 37 weeks.
