36 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect

So you're 36 weeks pregnant. What to expect next? What are the changes happening in my baby and my body? Read on to know the answer to the elusive question '36 weeks pregnant: what to expect?'

Pregnancy is an exciting journey of nine months that culminates in the birth of a wonderful bundle of joy. However, pregnancy, especially for first time mothers, is always filled with anxiety and nervousness over whether or not everything is going fine and as planned or not. That's why, it is best to be prepared and well informed about what all happens during pregnancy. The normal duration of pregnancy lasts anywhere between 37 to 42 weeks. Hence, expectant mothers that are 36 weeks pregnant (with twins maybe!) are often anxious about what to expect next. So given below is a guide on the changes occurring when a women is 36 weeks pregnant. What to expect next? It's all given below...

36 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect Regarding the Baby?

As per the pregnancy development calendar, at 36 weeks, you have completed the full term of pregnancy. Hence, the baby has completed its full development and now the rate of growth will progressively decrease. Your little one weighs approximately six pounds and is about twenty inches in length! As of now, most of the bones in the baby's body will be of cartilage and will be quite soft. This aids in delivery and prevents injuries to both, the mother and the baby during childbirth.

Furthermore, most of the baby's systems are fully functioning, like the blood circulation and the immune system is fully functioning. Even the lungs are ready to plunge into action as soon as the baby comes out and gets some fresh air! The baby at this time also tries to store as much fat as is possible. Furthermore, at 36 weeks the baby starts moving lower in the abdomen and starts moving towards the pelvis, so as to attain proximity to the birth canal.

Read more on:

Stages of Pregnancy Development

Week by Week Pregnancy Stages

36 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect Regarding My Health?

Of course, the next most obvious question is "What about me?" Well, at 36 weeks, you can finally breathe easy, literally! This is because the baby tries and moves lower in the abdomen, which is known as lightening, so that the initial discomfort that was felt in the diaphragm region is not felt now, however, you may still have problems trying to eat a full meal because your little one is taking up so much of space! Also, being 36 weeks pregnant with lower back pain is probably the most discomforting thing you may have to deal with. You will also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen, due to which you may feel the need to frequently urinate.

Some women even complain of pain and difficulty in walking at this stage, as is characteristic of being 36 weeks pregnant with cramps. To add to the discomfort, women also say that sleeping is difficult as almost any position that they try only adds to the pressure they are experiencing due to being 36 weeks pregnant with sharp pains. However, it is said that sleeping with a pillow between the legs and with a pillow behind the back does provide substantial relief. However, at this stage the most important question in every woman's mind is what do contractions feel like and how to know whether it's Braxton Hicks contractions vs real contractions? Since at this stage, the due date is very near, hence, one should be able to differentiate between Braxton Hicks and real contractions.

Read more on:

Pregnancy Size by Week

Pregnancy Weight Gain by Week

36 Weeks Pregnant: What To Expect Regarding Delivery?

As mentioned earlier, at the end of 36 weeks, the pregnancy has reached its full term. Hence, you must be mentally prepared for childbirth at any point now. So, at this stage be ready with all the phone numbers of the hospital and your gynecologist. Do not do any stressful activity a this stage. Tell your husband to be ready for your call! Oh and please, avoid flying! The last thing you want is an untoward complication, that too right above the Atlantic ocean! Furthermore, practice Lamaze breathing and other pain relief techniques. Check with your doctor to ensure that your diet is not affected at this stage.

Thus, so now that you know how big your bundle of joy has become and how close it is to coming into this world, you've surely gotten the answer to the question '36 weeks pregnant: what to expect?' However, it is best to regularly visit your gynecologist and get your condition assessed on a regular basis so as to prevent the chances of any complications during childbirth.