You’ve finally made it to the thirty-sixth week of your pregnancy, and now you are considered late preterm, nine months exactly from conception (full term is not until 37 weeks). Congratulations! Your baby will be born any time now, as most births take place between weeks 37–40. Although this is an exciting time, it can also be a time of anxiety. You should be seeing your doctor on a weekly basis to ensure that everything is moving along just fine. During this time all women should undergo screening for Group B Streptococcus. This bacterium is commonly found in healthy women, but if passed to the baby during birth, it can cause serious lung infections. By undergoing screening at around the 36th week, you can find out whether you carry this type of bacteria and be 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 thirty-sixth week. You are probably still suffering from fatigue, constipation, insomnia, pregnancy pains, restlessness, hemorrhoids, and everything else. Pressure in your lower abdominal area is referred to as lightening or engagement. Some women find that walking is incredibly difficult, while others have adapted to their pregnant bodies. Some women experience urinary tract infections, or UTIs, at this point. These are caused by constant trips to the restroom and hemorrhoids. There are creams to help with the hemorrhoids, but nothing can be done to reduce the frequency of 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 higher blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Baby’s Development
At the thirty-sixth week, your baby has pretty much finished growing, although 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, at 19 inches in length and weighing around six pounds.
Pregnancy 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, but having someone around like a relative, parent, friend, or even your partner as often as possible can help reduce your anxiety. Daily walks, even if they are difficult, can help relieve the 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.
Photo credit: Rachelle Kirkwood 36 weeks pregnant, ultrasound