On the calendar is already 36 weeks of pregnancy – this is the period at which the woman is already physically and mentally ready for the birth of her baby. As a rule, this period cannot be called easy or serene for a woman, because her body is under considerable strain.
What happens to the baby at this moment? What exactly do the woman feel? About this and many other things it is worth talking about in more detail.
36th week of pregnancy: how the baby is developing
The fetus at 36 weeks of pregnancy can already be said to be 100% developed and prepared for future birth. His appearance is already identical to that of a newborn, but some changes are still occurring. He hears you, reacts to stimuli – you can observe this with your own eyes when you speak loudly or listen to music.
All internal organs and systems are well developed and working normally. The body continues to release the necessary hormones, the receptors are developing, and the organs are working normally. Regarding the bones, they are gradually getting stronger, except for the skull, which is still flexible, due to the need to pass through the birth canal.
However, nutrition and breathing are still interconnected with the mother’s body, which should not be forgotten. The baby’s kidneys produce urine, which is excreted into the amniotic fluid, and the first feces (meconium), which will be excreted naturally in the first days of life, are already formed.
A woman is sure to notice that the child’s motor activity in the 36th week of pregnancy is slightly reduced – this is not a reason to worry and go to the hospital. The decrease in motor activity is due to the fact that there is less and less space inside the fetus egg. Also during this period, the baby is most of the time at rest because of the active preparation of his body for the future birth.
Fetal size at 36 weeks of pregnancy
Fetal size at 36 weeks of pregnancy is already quite impressive. As a rule, the fetal growth rate is at least 45 centimeters. It is worth noting that the growth rate of the baby at this stage has slightly decreased, if compared to the early gestation period.
Regarding the baby’s weight at 36 weeks of pregnancy, the exact figures largely depend on the level of development of the baby, the presence/absence of abnormalities and heredity. Approximate weight may exceed 2,800 grams.
36 weeks of pregnancy: feelings
Feelings at the 36th week of pregnancy in a woman are quite complicated ambiguous. One part of women notes the general excitement and full awareness of their important role as a mother. Another part of the pregnant ladies are in a very deplorable state because of the general physical discomfort, symptoms and moral imbalance.
Among the symptoms of pregnancy at this term, it is worth noting such moments:
- Frequent trips to the toilet – this symptom will be with you throughout the day and night, even at night you may visit the toilet several times. Due to the fact that the uterus in 36 weeks of pregnancy has excessively increased in size, the pressure inside the abdomen increases significantly, which affects the bladder;
- Poor sleep – this is provoked by the fact that your body has undergone very obvious changes. In addition to a bigger belly and pressure inside your abdomen, the baby may remind you of itself at night, especially if you take an uncomfortable position in its opinion;
- Frequent training contractions – you should put up with this. You will not feel discomfort, but these symptoms may occur at the most unexpected times. Such contractions occur after considerable physical exertion, nervous tension and similar shocks;
- Numbness in the extremities – this is nothing to be afraid of, because such symptoms are not uncommon and usually do not threaten any problems. However, you may want to check if you are getting enough vitamins;
- Lower back pain – you should also get used to this symptom, because it cannot be avoided. Tension of muscles and ligaments, heaviness due to a grown belly are the main causes of back pain.
Ultrasound at 36 weeks of pregnancy
As a rule, an ultrasound at 36 weeks of pregnancy is not scheduled because there is no reasonable need. However, there may be good reasons that force the doctor to schedule an unscheduled exam to establish or refute abnormalities.
If a 36-week pregnancy ultrasound is performed, the specialist evaluates the level of fetal development, as well as its general indicators (height, weight, and so on). In addition, the doctor evaluates the condition of the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid and the condition of the cervix. It is mandatory for the specialist to analyze the placenta aging, which helps to more accurately determine the date of the upcoming delivery.
What happens to a mom’s body in the 36th week of pregnancy?
The most obvious thing about a mommy-to-be’s body is the large and rounded belly at 36 weeks of pregnancy. Your tummy is of course a jewel for you, but it prevents you from moving freely, lying comfortably and even sitting comfortably. It is now difficult for you to get dressed, especially your shoes.
You also still have swelling. You may find it difficult to move around because your shoes stiffen. Swelling is uncomfortable on your hands as well. You may also feel that your face is also swollen – this is quite real.
You may notice that your weight has also increased significantly. This is quite normal, but excessive weight gain may be the result of your irrepressible appetite.
36th week of pregnancy: peculiarities
Very soon your baby will be a newborn, but so far the 36th week of pregnancy, so you will have to be patient. However, at this time, the fetus should already change the position of the body – the head should at this time be directed toward the cervix. Due to these movements, the abdomen may also undergo changes, namely lowering.
Emotional changes – this can also happen to you. You may experience some anxiety about childbirth, especially if you are expecting your firstborn. You may experience melancholic thoughts and sometimes anxiety and distraction. You may also notice that you have become suspicious – this is a temporary phenomenon, and many people are already familiar with such “tricks of the psyche” from the early stages of pregnancy.
For some women, the 36th week of pregnancy is the beginning of the moment of “nesting”. This is understood as a desire to create a cozy, clean and pleasant atmosphere around you. These impulses are quite normal, but you should not try too hard, because excessive loads are not desirable.
You may feel uncomfortable during 36 weeks of pregnancy, even when resting. Any position will seem uncomfortable to you – use a special pillow or an elementary blanket rolled up. Try to take a position in which you will breathe freely, do not squeeze your belly, and so on.
36th week of pregnancy: what you need to discuss with your doctor
As a rule, a woman in a situation by this date already knows exactly when to go to the doctor or call an ambulance. However, it sometimes happens that previously you have not arisen similar questions – do not delay the opportunity to ask him at the next checkup at the doctor. The specialist will certainly tell you when it is necessary to seek medical help. Signals for such actions are:
- Pain for a long period of time (usually a pulling pain in the lower abdomen and lower back);
- The contractions have become more frequent, regular and prolonged;
- All signs of broken water are on the face;
- Significant changes in the activity of the fetus – a complete absence of motions or, on the contrary, excessive activity;
- The appearance of atypical vaginal discharge with a mixture of blood and a characteristic foul odor.
What to do with late toxicity in 36 weeks of pregnancy – this is also quite an essential point to ask your doctor. In general, this symptom is a complication, so you should not dismiss it. It will not be possible to completely eliminate this problem, but specialists will be able to somewhat reduce the aggressiveness of manifestations and the threat to health.
36th week of pregnancy: tips
The feeling of the imminent birth of a child will certainly give you a lot of happiness – this is a huge plus. However, you may be visited by nausea at 36 weeks of pregnancy. To make it easier for you to tolerate this feeling, it is worth remembering a few things:
- Eat small meals;
- Try to eat more fruit and vegetables;
- Try to replace your usual tea with sugar with fresh juices and drinking water;
- Breathe correctly and deeply;
- Rest in a normal position.
Try to wear loose clothes, as you may feel the pressure on your abdomen at 36 weeks of pregnancy is excessive. Now you will have to move less, as it is heavy and difficult. However, remember – you should make enough physical effort. You need to take walks in the fresh air, do household chores.
Do you already know what to name your baby? This should be considered a good time for this procedure. On the Internet you will find sites with name generators, taking into account your selection criteria – it will be not so much useful, but interesting. We advise involving the child’s father in the process in order to bond with your loved one.
You should be very attentive to your hygiene. Try to take a shower whenever necessary. Brush your teeth after each meal, because oral hygiene is very important at this age.
We also advise you not to disregard the advice and recommendations of your doctor. You need to be especially careful in this period, because you will become a mother very soon.
36 weeks of pregnancy: Questions and answers
You may think that at the 36th week of pregnancy you already know everything, because you have been in your interesting situation for quite a long time. However, some questions may still arise in your mind.
You can find answers to some of these questions on your own. It is a good idea to ask your doctor who is supervising your pregnancy for advice. And we will try to answer some of them now.
Can I give birth at 36 weeks of pregnancy?
Purely theoretically, a woman can give birth at this term, as both her body and the baby itself are ready for such an event. However, it is worth noting that it is still not time for a baby, so if there is a threat, specialists should take all necessary measures to save the pregnancy.
36 weeks of pregnancy – how often should the baby move?
At this stage, the baby becomes quite cramped in the mother’s womb, which contributes to a decrease in its activity. A woman may feel about 10 movements a day. Most often, the baby makes itself known when it becomes uncomfortable inside the womb.
What should I be afraid of at 36 weeks of pregnancy?
As a rule, there are no special dangers at this term. However, there is a high probability of premature birth, but the chances of the baby surviving are very high. The woman may experience quite a lot of pain, difficulty moving around, and so on. The woman still needs to move carefully, try not to be nervous, and so on.
Is it possible to give birth to a healthy baby at 36 weeks?
The baby at 36 weeks of pregnancy in terms of physiology is already ready for life outside mom’s tummy. However, it is worth noting that the baby’s development is still continuing – the weight is gaining, the body is growing, and so on. In addition, the baby is still safer inside the mother’s womb.
Can I have sex in 36 weeks of pregnancy?
If a woman is feeling well (which at this stage is very doubtful, and happens rarely) and has a physical need for sex, then you should not refuse intimacy with a partner. Doctors recommend not having sex 2-3 weeks before the expected delivery date or if there is physical discomfort in the genital area.
