Pregnancy Calendar at Week 36
Hi there, little one!
I'm already a pretty big girl — almost like a pineapple! I have almost everything I need to shine in the sunlight. My systems and organs work just the way they should: endocrine, circulatory, brain, liver, and kidneys — they’re all aging beautifully for me and for us.
Now I get carbon dioxide out through my skin and sweat, and the same goes for getting rid of waste gases; that's why it's so easy for me to breathe on my own. Inside, I have a supplement — a special substance that helps me relax during birth. But I won’t need much of it until then, so it’s very important for me to rest and stay calm.
My skin will become much softer, and my protective oils will increase — I’m getting ready for a new life! My bones are strong but flexible — that’s important for a smooth birth. If I’m not in the right position yet, the doctors will help me out with that.
Thank you for caring about me and loving me. I really look forward to meeting you and I’ll be close by soon!
Hug me tight,
Your little pineapple 🍍❤️
What to Expect With Yourself
Sensations:
Every week of pregnancy comes with its own unique feelings. Around the 36th week, a mom-to-be might experience both new sensations and familiar ones. These can include discomfort in the lower back, increased urination and more pressure in the chest. You might also notice cravings for Brockton-Hicks contractions, which are reminiscent of the early labor signs.
Urinary Discharge
Frequent urination in the toilet can be a source of worry for pregnant women, especially as the due date approaches, since the uterus exerts more pressure on the bladder. Many women notice that even a small amount of urine can trigger the urge to go. This is related to decreased bladder volume and more rapid filling. The signals sent to the brain by the organs cause the urge to go. Some women also experience urges to defecate.
Breast Discomfort
As pregnancy progresses, hormonal levels in the body change, impacting how the breasts feel. They can become very sensitive, leaky, and the nipples might be more prominent due to increased blood flow. Many women find that even a gentle touch causes discomfort or pain.
Signs of Preterm Labor
During week 36 of pregnancy, many women start to feel a sudden increase in uterine pressure, develop HELLP syndrome, experience psychological deviations, blood flow issues, and even central nervous system symptoms. Ignoring these signs can lead to the baby being born prematurely, so doctors recommend more rest and avoiding stress.
What Can and Cannot Be Done
In week 36 of pregnancy, it’s important to monitor the woman’s condition constantly to avoid early labor. Do not lift heavy objects or move around in stores searching for baby items. Allow grandma and close relatives to take care of you and your baby.
Medical Examination
Before the baby’s birth, the mom-to-be will need to undergo several examinations to assess her health. This will help in preventing complications and deciding if hospitalization is necessary before labor or an urgent delivery.
Doctors
- Gynecologist: In the last few weeks of pregnancy, pay close attention to any complaints from the woman to avoid missing warning signs of complications. They check the fetus's heartbeat, position, and fundal height.
- Ultrasound: Usually done early in pregnancy, but if needed, additional screenings can be scheduled around the 36th week. This helps determine the baby’s position, amniotic fluid level, and placental condition.
- Biopsy of the uterine organs: Used to identify infectious agents that could cause complications.
Examinations
- Monitoring blood pressure: Routine procedure, performed at each prenatal visit to prevent these issues. It involves measuring the fetus and maternal health indicators.
- Risks of preterm labor: Avoiding them is possible with proper prenatal care, exercising, and staying relaxed to prevent stress.
Discomfort in the Breasts
As pregnancy nears its end, hormonal levels can cause a sudden increase in breast pressure, leaky milk ducts, development of HELLP syndrome, mental deviations, blood supply disruptions, and central nervous system symptoms. Ignoring these signs can lead to the baby being born prematurely, so doctors recommend more rest and avoiding stress.
What Should and Should Not Be Done
In week 36 of pregnancy, stay attentive to signs of potential trouble. Avoid lifting heavy weights, staying in hot baths, or exposing yourself to cold. Keep your diet simple, avoid stress, and try to stay relaxed. Protect yourself from the cold and wind, especially in bad weather, and stay calm to prevent premature labor.
Helpful Tips
Most women, especially expectant moms, tend to feel a lot of nervousness right before their baby's arrival. Healthcare providers will pay special attention to your mental state. You might want to schedule a chat with a psychologist. Instead of worrying, try to focus on relaxing activities, reading your favorite books, listening to calming music, or spending quality time with loved ones. With professional support from your OB-GYN, you'll find everything much easier and less stressful.
