How Many Months Pregnant Are You In The 36th week?
In the 36th week, you are in the eighth month and the third trimester of pregnancy. You are just a week away from full term.
How Big Is Your Baby At 36 Weeks?
This week, babies are usually about the size of a large cabbage (1). An average baby measures 19.13in (48.6cm) in length and weighs about 6.30lb (2.859kg) (2).
Baby Development In The 36th week
Fetal position and movements: By the 36th week, the baby attains a head-down position deep into your pelvis. The movements will be lesser compared to the previous months, due to the insufficient space inside the uterus. There will be more leg and arm movements and fewer squirming movements. Since the baby is head-down, you will feel the kicks mostly under your ribs.
What symptoms of pregnancy do you experience in the 36th week?
The symptoms in the 36th week are more or less similar to those you have been experiencing in the last couple of months. They include:
Weight gain: An average weight gain of one to two pounds per week during the third trimester of pregnancy is considered safe, as recommended by the American Pregnancy Association (APA) (8). However, in case of women who have BMI less than 18.5 and greater than 24.9, the recommended weight gain rates usually range in between 0.5 to one pound.
As the baby moves down into the pelvis, the pressure from the diaphragm is released, making it easier to breathe (9).
You could feel nauseated, due to some bodily changes in the last few months. Slowed digestion, combined with the uterus’ pressure on the stomach, can push the food upwards into the esophagus, resulting in nausea and vomiting.
Body aches, frequent urge to urinate and anxiety about the delivery can cause trouble sleeping.
You may experience pressure and discomfort in the pelvic area when the baby engages the head deep into the pelvis.
The growing uterus’ pressure on the rectal veins causes the blood vessels to swell up in that area, resulting in hemorrhoids (10).
The growing uterus also pushes the stomach acids into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
As the digestion process slows down, the food remains in the digestive tract for a long time, making you feel bloated and gassy and can cause constipation.
The excess water retention in the body causes swelling of feet and ankles.
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and painless contractions that help prepare your body for labor.
Fatigue is quite common towards the end of pregnancy.
The pressure exerted by the enlarged uterus increases the frequency of urination.
The pregnancy hormones relax the joints, which can lead to hip pain.
As there is a shift in the center of gravity of the body, you may feel clumsy. With just four weeks to go, you start experiencing bodily changes that indicate your baby is on track.
Changes In The Body In The 36th Week
Your body is likely to undergo some of these physical and emotional changes during pregnancy. Read on to learn about the changes this week.
Physical changes:
Itchy and enlarged belly. The enlarged belly makes your movements difficult and even cause trouble sleeping. Women pregnant with twins may deliver around this week.
Milky white fluid discharge from the breast begins. This fluid is called colostrum.
Stretch marks are evident.
Breasts are enlarged with darker nipples and areolas.
Prominent linea nigra.
Emotional changes:
Mood swings Nesting instincts Anxiety Fear of labor
If the symptoms feel abnormal, or it feels like you may be in labor, go to the doctor immediately.
When To Call The Doctor?
In case of any significant change in the baby’s movement.
Sudden weight gain, blurred vision, persistent headache, sudden swelling of hands and face, lightheadedness, abdominal pain, and breathlessness.
Dark yellowish or orange colored urine with or without odor, accompanied by lower back pain or abdominal pain.
Vaginal itching or burning sensation while urinating.
Dry mouth and extreme thirst accompanied by fatigue, blurred vision, or dizziness. Unilateral swelling or tenderness in the leg, with or without pain.
Your OB/GYN Visit
During your prenatal visit this week, the doctor will check your:
Weight Blood pressure Urine test Fundal height
Other tests include:
Ultrasound: To check the health and position of the baby as well as to monitor cervical dilation. Biophysical profiling is done to check the heart rate, length, and weight of the fetus.
Group B strep test: A screening test of the vaginal and rectal swabs is done to check for Streptococcus group B infection. In case of a positive test result, antibiotics will be administered intravenously during the labor (9).
If the symptoms are typical and the pregnancy progresses smoothly, continue to care for yourself until it’s time for labor.
Tips For The Mom-To-Be
Avoid jerky movements and get up or off the bed slowly when you are lying down.
A warm bath helps relieve hemorrhoids, leg cramps, and back pain.
Avoid carbonated drinks, citrus, spicy, and deep-fried foods as they worsen heartburn.
Eat home-cooked meals.
Walking helps boost your energy levels and lets you sleep soundly.
Stay hydrated. Avoid drinking water or drink less one hour before going to bed, to reduce the frequency of urination at night and to avoid a disturbed sleep.
Wear loose and comfortable clothes.
Get a massage for body aches and back pain.
Do not take OTC medicines without the doctor’s advice.
Engage yourself by reading books.
Connect with your family and friends.
Start packing your maternity bag. Keep all the essentials such as nursing pads, sanitary pads, comfortable clothes for the hospital, diapers, and clothes for the newborn ready.
Discuss with your doctor about the possibility of cesarean or VBAC, if you had a previous c-section.
Discuss the delivery options with your partner and seek his help whenever necessary.
Tips For The Dad-To-Be
Your partner can be your primary support system. Here’s what he can do.
Help you with the daily household chores. Be with you during the prenatal visits. Make sure that the hospital bag is ready. Keep the documents necessary for delivery at the hospital ready. Start looking for a good pediatrician around your place. Spend quality time with you. Accompany you to pregnancy classes. Be your partner during the workout sessions. Plan a day out, dinner or picnic.
