Third Trimester: 36 Weeks Pregnant - December 2024

You're 36 weeks pregnant now, mums! That's 3 to 4 weeks left until you meet your bundle of joy. As you approach the final stretch of pregnancy, the 36th week marks an exciting yet intense time for both you and your baby. Your body is undergoing remarkable changes in preparation for labour and delivery. Similarly, your baby is growing rapidly, readying themselves for their big debut. Let’s take a closer look at what happens during this week, including changes in your baby, your body, and other special considerations. Your Baby at 36 Weeks of Pregnancy Now that you are 36 weeks pregnant, your baby weighs approximately 2.6 kilograms and measures around 47 cm from head to toe. Their crown-to-rump length is over 34 cm. At this point, your baby is almost fully developed and ready for life outside the womb. Even if you experience a premature labor, there is a high chance of them surviving at this point after childbirth. However, elective delivery is still not recommended as babies tend fare better and have fewer health conditions when they grow up if they are born 39 weeks or later. That aside, here's how your little one is progressing now that you're 36 weeks pregnant: Appearance: Your baby’s body is rounder, with arms and legs filling out. The additional fat helps regulate body temperature after birth. Positioning: Most babies settle into the cephalic presentation (head-down position) by now. If your baby is in a breech position, it’s unlikely to change due to limited space. Movements: You might feel less kicking and more wriggling as your baby squirm to find a comfortable position in the cramped quarters. Engagement: Your baby may begin to 'engage' or 'drop', with their head moving lower into your pelvis. This positioning helps prepare for the birth process and protects their head with the pelvic bones. As your baby 'engages' you may feel like they might just drop right out of you. But don't worry, your cervix is still not ready at this point and will keep them safe and secure until their grand exit. These developments mean your baby is nearing full readiness, with only a few last-minute touches left to complete their growth. Your Body at 36 Weeks of Pregnancy At 36 weeks of pregnancy, your belly is getting a bit too large for your body to keep carry anymore. Your back and pelvis are starting to ache and you may be spending more time sitting or lying down just to get some temporary relief. At this point you may already have started your maternity leave and enjoying your free time although it may be anything but sunshine and rainbows. The symptoms from week 34 and 35 are still haunting you: nausea, incontinence, mood swings and others. But now that your baby has 'engaged', there may be some reprieve from some of symptoms of the previous weeks: Breathing relief: As your baby drops into the pelvis, you may find it easier to take deep breaths due to reduced pressure on your diaphragm and ribs. Changes in digestion: With less pressure on your stomach, you might notice improved digestion and feel able to eat slightly larger meals. Bladder pressure: The downside of engagement is increased pressure on your bladder, leading to more frequent trips to the toilet, albeit for small amounts of urine. Movements: Your baby’s movements may feel different—more stretches, rolls, or jabs rather than somersaults. Swelling: It’s normal to experience some swelling in your feet and ankles. Resting with your feet elevated can help, but watch out for excessive swelling, as it could signal pre-eclampsia. Colostrum: You may already be noticing a yellowish fluid leaking from your nipples. This is colostrum, your baby’s first nutrient-packed food. Remember, while these changes can be challenging, they are all signs that your body is preparing for labour and the amazing journey of motherhood. More Prenatal Visits From this week onward, your antenatal visits will likely become more frequent. Possibly even once every week going forward instead of once every 2 or 4 weeks. These check-ups ensure that both you and your baby are on track for a healthy delivery. Here's what your doctor will be doing to monitor your progress and fitness for labour: Routine checks: During these visits, your doctor or midwife will monitor your blood pressure, check your urine, and measure your baby’s growth. Position assessment: By palpating your abdomen, they’ll determine your baby’s position and whether their head has engaged. Urine sampling: While routine, providing a urine sample might be more challenging now due to your bump. Take your time and ask for assistance if needed. Regular visits help ensure any potential issues are addressed promptly, giving you peace of mind as your due date approaches. What Is Labour? Now that you are 36 weeks pregnant, understanding the process of labour can help you feel more prepared when the time comes. Labour is the series of biological processes that your body goes through as it gets ready to deliver your baby into the world. Here is short intro on the three stages of labour: Stages of Labour: Stage One: Begins with regular contractions that soften and dilate the cervix, ending when it’s fully open at 10 cm. This stage may be preceded by rupture of the membranes although this is not necessary. Stage One of labour can last anywhere between 24 to 48 hours although that time may be shorter for multiparous women. If the cervix doesn't dilate after this timeframe, your doctor may recommend induction of labour. Stage Two: Starts when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the baby’s delivery. Stage Two can last in as little as 20 minutes to several hours. In cases of failure to progress (FTP) where the cervix doesn't dilate enough to allow childbirth (even after induction of labour), a C-section will be performed. Stage Three: The final stage involves delivering the placenta and membranes or 'afterbirth'. The body goes through another round of contractions to expel these from your uterus. In cases of C-sections, Stage Three is absent as the doctor will remove the afterbirth during the surgery. Pre-Labour Signs These include stronger Braxton Hicks contractions, increased vaginal discharge, and possibly a 'bloody show' as the mucus plug is released. Labour can vary significantly between individuals, especially for first-time mothers. Knowing what to expect can help you remain calm and focused. However, even with these signs, it does not mean that your baby will come soon. But you should be on the lookout for actual labour contractions. Getting Ready The 36th week of pregnancy is a significant milestone, bringing you closer to meeting your baby. While your baby’s final preparations are underway, your body is adjusting to support the incredible process of labour and delivery. Embrace the changes, stay informed, and lean on your healthcare team for guidance. You’re almost there, mummies! The reward of holding your baby in your arms will make it all worthwhile. References Curtis, G. B., & Schuler, J. (2016). Your Pregnancy Week by Week (8th ed.). Hachette Books. Kaye, P. (2021). Your Pregnancy: Week by Week. SPCK Publishing. Riley, L. (2006). You and Your Pregnancy: Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Meredith Books. Shanahan, M. K. (2002). Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Da Capo Press Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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