Pregnancy Week 36
Baby’s Growth During the 36th Week of Pregnancy
Baby is busy packing on the pounds at almost 6 pounds now and putting it on at the rate of an ounce per day.
This week, your baby will begin to shed the downy covering of hair that covered the body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected the skin during baby’s growth in the womb. Your baby will swallow both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in the previously mentioned black sticky mixture, called meconium, which will form the contents of the first bowel movement.
Between 37 to 42 weeks, your baby is full term. Babies born before this week are considered preterm and babies born after the 42nd week are considered post-term. Your baby should be in the head down position ready for delivery but if by chance your baby is in another position, your doctor may schedule an appointment to coax your baby to turn into a head-down position by manipulating the baby from outside your belly.
Body Changes in the 36th Week of Pregnancy
Chances are good that you’re doing that pregnancy waddle as a result of the hormone-triggered loosening and softening of your connective tissue. This is your body’s way of getting ready to give birth to that big baby out of a very small space. The loosening of joints can lead to some pretty painful hip and pelvic pain but, hang in there… you’re nearly done!
With an almost full-term baby inside, you may find that you’re having a difficult time as your uterus is still taking up a lot of space in your body. Pushing against a lot of your organs, you may find that you’re visiting the bathroom more than ever and eating meals has become difficult.
Braxtion Hicks contractions may begin to be more frequent now. Make sure you that you know the signs of labor, especially if this is your first baby, so that you can easily tell the difference. As a general rule, if you’re full-term, your pregnancy is uncomplicated, and your water hasn’t broken, your doctor will have you wait to come in until you’ve been having contractions that last for about an minute each and come every five minutes for an hour.
