Pregnancy Calendar at Week 36
What's Happening with the Baby
At this stage, the fetus has almost completed its development and is ready for birth. Nearly all of the baby's organ systems are fully functional:
- endocrine;
- circulatory;
- brain;
- liver and kidneys.
The only systems that aren't fully independent yet are the digestive system and breathing.
- The baby continues to receive oxygen through the umbilical cord and placenta. Carbon dioxide, produced during breathing, is also expelled in the same way. This week, all babies have surfactant, but in varying amounts. Usually, there's less than needed, so doctors take every precaution to prevent premature birth, advising moms to rest more and avoid overexertion. If the pregnancy is multiple, the risk of early birth is quite high.
- The baby's body is now covered with less vernix, the protective coating that prevents the skin from getting too soft. The baby's skeleton is fully formed, with bones connected by flexible joints. The bones of the skull have gaps between them, making them more mobile and able to shift during the passage through the birth canal.
- The baby is gaining weight, making it very cramped inside. By this time, the baby has usually turned head-down and remains in this position until birth. The arms and legs are crossed and pressed against the body, and in the last few weeks, the baby moves less than before. If the baby hasn't yet assumed the correct position, the doctor will provide recommendations on how to help.
What's Happening with Mom
Feelings:
Each week of pregnancy is unique, and at 36 weeks, moms experience both new sensations and familiar ones from earlier stages. Back discomfort returns, frequent urination, breast pain, and the completely new Braxton Hicks contractions, which are a reminder of the upcoming birth of the baby.
Frequent Urination
Frequent trips to the bathroom are once again troubling the pregnant woman, as the baby drops closer to the due date, causing the uterus to put more pressure on the bladder. Many women feel that even a small cup of tea prompts a bathroom visit within just a few minutes. This happens because the bladder's capacity decreases and it fills up more quickly. As a result, the bladder sends signals to the brain, leading to the urge to urinate. Some pregnant women also experience an increase in bowel movements.
Sleep Disturbances
Sleeping with a big belly becomes extremely difficult, so many women don't get enough sleep in the last few weeks, get very tired, and become irritable. Doctors recommend finding a comfortable position on your side, but not on your back. You can place small pillows under your belly to ensure maximum comfort. If you feel sleepy during the day due to lack of sleep, take the opportunity to rest.
False Labor Contractions
False labor contractions are a completely normal occurrence. They appear closer to the due date as the body prepares the muscles, and many women report irregular cramping pains in the lower abdomen. If the contractions are not accompanied by water breaking, bleeding, and do not become more frequent, there is no need to worry. However, if rhythmic contractions with increasing frequency occur, it's time to head to the hospital.
Back Pain
At 36 weeks of pregnancy, due to the dropping of the belly, the discomfort in the back intensifies. If the discomfort was tolerable before, in the last few weeks, many women experience increasingly severe back pain. The lower back aches, near the tailbone, and sometimes the pain even radiates to the perineum. Don't get upset – these sensations will pass after childbirth, you just need to hang in there a bit longer. In the meantime, doctors recommend getting more rest and relieving the tension in your back.
Chest Discomfort
As hormone levels change leading up to childbirth, this also affects sensations in the chest. The breasts become very sensitive, colostrum leaks in larger quantities, and some women at this stage already use special bra pads to absorb the discharge. Due to the enlargement of the mammary glands, the breasts are painful to the touch, tingling sensations are felt, and veins become more prominent due to increased blood flow. With a significant influx of colostrum, doctors advise pregnant women to express it a little.
Uncomfortable Sensations in the Uterus
It's often the case that around the 36th week, the baby changes position and turns head-down. During this time, pregnant women may feel uncomfortable sensations in the uterus, especially if there's low amniotic fluid. Many note that the uterus becomes more sensitive, and when the baby turns, they experience pulling pains in the abdomen. There's no need to worry about this, as the discomfort usually goes away once the baby's position is settled.
Medical Examination
As the due date approaches, expectant mothers need to undergo a few more check-ups to assess their health before delivery. This helps predict potential complications, choose the method of delivery, and provide timely medical assistance.
Doctors
- Gynecologist – In the final weeks, the doctor carefully listens to the pregnant woman's complaints to catch any symptoms of complications. They listen to the baby's heartbeat and determine the baby's position. The height of the uterine fundus is measured. The doctor will also conduct standard measurements such as the woman's weight and abdominal circumference.
Tests
- Urine test – The focus is on protein in the urine, which indicates an inflammatory process and the risk of preeclampsia. If detected, the doctor will decide on the further management of the patient based on her condition;
- Blood test – Screened for syphilis, hepatitis, and HIV;
- Swab from the genital area to identify urogenital infections.
Examinations
- Ultrasound – This is usually scheduled earlier, but if additional screening is needed, the gynecologist will order this procedure at the 36th week to determine the baby's position, the condition of the placenta, the amount of amniotic fluid, and the position of the umbilical cord.
- Blood pressure monitoring – This is a routine procedure done at every doctor's visit during the final weeks.
- Cardiotocography – This is a safe procedure used to record the baby's heartbeat (normal range is 130-160 beats per minute) and uterine contractions. It takes about 20 minutes.
Challenges of Carrying a Pregnancy
By the 36th week, most women are in a good position for a normal delivery. Some unpleasant symptoms subside, the woman is mentally prepared for childbirth, and the baby has settled into the necessary position. However, there are still threats that may force doctors to take emergency measures:
Preeclampsia
This condition is characterized by high blood pressure, the presence of protein in the urine, the development of HELLP syndrome, mental disturbances, impaired blood flow, and central nervous system issues;
Gestosis
This condition can occur alongside preeclampsia or on its own. With gestosis, swelling increases, body weight goes up, and one in five women experience additional symptoms that complicate the condition;
Eclampsia
This is the most severe stage of gestosis, marked by sudden spikes in blood pressure, seizures, a high risk of premature placental abruption, and stroke. Ignoring the signs of gestosis can lead to fetal death, so at the first symptoms, doctors may decide on hospitalization for close monitoring until delivery or an emergency C-section.
What You Can and Can't Do
At 36 weeks, a woman needs to strictly monitor what she can and can't do to avoid triggering early labor. The doctor will advise on how to behave and not harm the baby's health.
What an Expectant Mom CAN Do:
- Take more walks in the fresh air, but not too far from home. Always inform your relatives where you are going and stay in touch;
- Get to know the doctor and midwife who will be delivering your baby. Get their contact information so you can reach out to the medical team in case of an emergency;
- Try to pack a hospital bag with all the essentials, as labor can start at any moment at 36 weeks;
- Eat small portions but frequently to avoid constipation, as straining during bowel movements can cause uterine contractions;
- If your doctor allows, you can do Kegel exercises – they are great for stimulating the muscles and will be beneficial during labor;
- Rest during the day and try to sleep more – your body is gathering strength for labor, so don't hold back if you feel sleepy;
- Monitor your baby's movements, talk to them, and gently rub your belly – although babies move less in the final weeks, there should still be some activity.
What an Expectant Mom CAN'T Do:
- Don't drink too much water during the day and especially at night to avoid swelling and to get a good night's sleep. Otherwise, you'll be up all night running to the bathroom;
- Avoid foods that cause excessive gas – it's already uncomfortable with a big belly, and gas will only make things worse;
- Refrain from sexual activity if there's a risk of preterm labor. Semen can relax the cervix and potentially trigger labor;
- Avoid sudden movements and maintain good posture to prevent shifting your center of gravity forward onto your belly – any careless movement could lead to a bad fall;
- Don't lift heavy objects or go shopping for baby items – let the grandparents have the joy of helping out and taking care of the little one;
- Don't listen to your friends' labor stories – every woman's experience is different and not necessarily negative, so don't let the "horror stories" get to you.
Helpful Tips
Since almost all women feel anxious before giving birth, especially first-time moms, doctors recommend focusing primarily on the psychological aspect. You might need to consult a psychologist. Don't dwell on fear; it's better to read books, listen to calming music, spend time with loved ones, and relax in any comfortable way. With the support of a professional medical team, the delivery will go smoothly and without complications.
