Congratulations! You are now navigating another important week of your pregnancy journey—week 36. As the due date draws closer, you must be feeling a mix of incredible excitement and a little impatience, right? That is completely normal. Let’s see what is happening to your little one and to you this week.
How is your baby developing this week?
The little rascal in your womb has grown significantly. To be precise, by this week, your baby weighs about 2.7 kg (approximately 6 pounds). Remember those tiny embryos you saw in the early ultrasound scans? Now, your baby is quite filled out, looking much like a little doll.
- Gaining weight and filling out: Your baby's cheeks are plump and their face is rounder due to fat deposits under the skin, and their sucking muscles are well-developed. These sucking muscles are what will help your baby breastfeed as soon as they are born. Isn't it amazing?
- Internal organs: Your baby's lungs are now largely ready to breathe on their own once they enter this world, though a few minor developments are still taking place. The liver has also started its work, and the brain continues to grow rapidly.
- Skin: The previously wrinkled skin is now becoming smoother and has a pinkish hue. The white coating known as Vernix Caseosa that covered your baby is starting to decrease, and much of the fine hair (Lanugo) has shed.
- Position: By this week, your little one is likely head-down, ready for delivery. Your doctor will confirm this during your check-up. This is called Cephalic Presentation, which is the ideal position for birth.
Just think, what a miracle it is that another life is taking shape inside you like this!
Skull bones and the amazing 'molding' process
This is something you should definitely know. The bones in your baby's head (the skull) are not yet fully fused or hardened. They are capable of shifting and overlapping. Think of them like plates stacked on top of each other. This is what doctors call molding.
This happens for a very important reason. As your baby passes through the birth canal, this molding process helps the head shape itself slightly to fit through. Therefore, when your baby is born, their head might look a bit elongated or have an unusual shape. Don't be alarmed when you see it! Don't worry and think, "Oh no, my baby's head is misshapen." This is perfectly normal.
Within a few hours or a couple of days, your baby's head will return to a beautiful round shape. So, don't worry about it; it is one of nature's wonderful designs.
How are you feeling this week? (Maternal changes)
Since the baby is arriving soon, you might be experiencing various changes. Some may be a bit uncomfortable, but remember that everything is temporary.
- Feeling like the baby has 'dropped'? (Lightening): Many mothers feel the baby descend into the pelvic area during these weeks. This is called lightening. Once this happens, heartburn and shortness of breath may decrease. However, due to increased pressure on the bladder, you will likely need to visit the bathroom more frequently!
- Frequent urination: This is common for everyone at this stage. It happens because the baby's head is pressing against the bladder.
- Backache: Due to the increased weight and hormonal changes, backaches can worsen. Use a small pillow for your back when sitting. Placing a pillow between your legs while sleeping can also help.
- Edema (Swelling): You might notice some swelling in your legs and ankles. Avoid standing for long periods and try to keep your legs elevated. However, if the swelling increases suddenly, or if you notice swelling in your face and hands, accompanied by headaches or blurred vision, contact your doctor immediately. These could be signs of Preeclampsia.
- Insomnia: It can be difficult to sleep comfortably with a large belly. Try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs.
- Braxton Hicks contractions: These are mild contractions that feel like your belly is tightening and then relaxing. These are not true labor pains; they occur as the uterus prepares for the big day. Try changing positions or drinking some water when these occur; they usually subside. However, if they continue, become regular, and increase in intensity, they could be true labor pains.
You might be feeling a mix of emotions—sometimes great joy, other times a little fear or impatience. All of this is normal. Talk about these feelings with your partner or family members.
What should we do now? (Things to prepare)
There are only a few days left until the baby arrives, so there are a few small things to get ready.
- Hospital bag: You have likely packed your bag by now, but double-check to ensure everything is there—clothes for you and the baby, hygiene products, diapers, towels, etc.
- Do you have a birth plan?: Some people write a Birth Plan, which outlines your preferences for labor, such as whether or not you want pain relief, discussed with your doctor.
- Travel: Long-distance travel is not recommended at this stage, as the baby could arrive at any moment!
- Rest and nutrition: Get as much rest as possible and avoid overexerting yourself. Eating nutritious meals is also very important. Stay well-hydrated.
- Recognize signs of labor: You should be aware of what true labor feels like and what to do if your water breaks. Your doctor will guide you on this.
Pay attention to your baby's movements!
This is very important. You should constantly monitor your baby's fetal movements. You likely have a good idea of how often your baby kicks throughout the day. If the baby's movements suddenly decrease, or if you don't feel any movement for several hours, contact your doctor or go to the hospital immediately. This is something you must absolutely remember.
When should you see a doctor urgently?
You are likely seeing your doctor frequently during these weeks. However, if you experience any of the following, do not wait—contact your doctor or go to the hospital immediately:
- True labor: If you experience regular contractions every 5-10 minutes that increase in intensity.
- Rupture of membranes: If you experience a sudden gush of fluid from the vagina, or if it is leaking steadily.
- Vaginal bleeding: If you experience bright red bleeding (not just a small brown spot).
- Decrease or absence of baby's movements.
- Severe headache, blurred vision, or swelling of the face and hands (these could be signs of Preeclampsia).
- Severe abdominal or chest pain.
- High fever or severe flu-like symptoms.
If anything like this happens, stay calm and seek medical advice promptly; that is the best thing to do.
Things to remember before your little one arrives
You have reached the end of a truly beautiful chapter in your life. In just a few days, you will be holding your own little one in your arms.
- Enjoy these final weeks. Get as much rest as you can and do the things you love.
- Trust your body. Your body is designed to perform this incredible feat.
- Share this time with your partner and family. Their support and love will be a great strength to you during this time.
- Follow your doctor's advice. Do not be afraid to ask if you have any questions or concerns.
Take-Home Message
So, we have discussed a lot about week 36, haven't we? To summarize briefly:
- Your baby is now a fully developed, healthy little person. The bones in their head will undergo 'molding' to make delivery easier.
- You may experience various physical discomforts (frequent urination, back pain, Braxton Hicks) as well as emotional changes. All of this is normal.
- Check if your hospital bag is ready, be aware of the signs of labor, and keep an eye on your baby's movements.
- In case of an emergency (bleeding, water breaking, or lack of fetal movement), seek medical advice immediately.
- Spend this time resting, being happy, and staying positive.
We wish you and your baby a future filled with health and happiness! Just a few more days, and then get ready to welcome the new guest into your world!
Pregnancy, Week 36, Baby's development, Maternal health, Preparing for labor, Molding, Braxton Hicks, Nirogi Lanka
