36 Week Pregnancy : Symptoms & Belly

You are 36 weeks pregnant, meaning you have entered the final leg (9th month) of your pregnancy and will soon welcome your little one into this world. Your baby is almost ready to pop out, but little growing is left to do. In the last month of the third trimester of the pregnancy, you will experience more joint flexibility as the loosening and softening hormones kick in, preparing you for the labor ahead.

The last month will be filled with a mixed bag of emotions where you are excited to welcome your bundle of joy soon but also anxious about what is in store for you. So if you want to know about a 36 weeks pregnant baby's weight in kg, you are right. We have provided a detailed guide in this article on 36-week pregnancy symptoms, baby development, your body changes, and how to prepare for safe delivery.

36-Week Pregnancy Symptoms

During the 36 weeks of pregnancy symptoms, your doctor would want to see you weekly for a routine checkup. The last month of your 36th week of pregnancy brings a few common symptoms, which we have listed below:

◾ Changes in baby movements
As the space in your uterus gets more cramped up, at 36 weeks pregnant symptoms, your baby has less room to maneuver, which leads to a change in their movement. You can feel your baby moving, but there is less kicking and squirming.

◾ Heartburn
Your uterus is almost 1000 times more than its original volume and pushes up your stomach, leading to heartburn. You may feel like eating less, but it is, in turn, better for your digestive system as it controls indigestion and heartburn.

◾ Constipation
Since you have been eating less or deliberately taking small meals to avoid heartburn, it may leave you with constipation.

◾ Frequent urination
36 weeks pregnant symptoms are the beginning of the ninth and the final month of pregnancy, where your baby has almost dropped into your pelvis and crowded your bladder. So you will end up urinating a lot more times than usual.

◾ Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge may increase, get thinner, and maybe is a pinkish, red, or brownish color. However, the release is standard and nothing to worry about because it just means that your cervix is now sensitive and starting to dilate.

◾ Leaky Breasts
As you enter the third trimester, you experience leaky breasts, which are nothing but a thin, yellowish fluid known as colostrum. This is a sign for your breasts to prepare nutrient-rich milk to feed your baby. You can avoid the discomfort caused due to leaky breasts by using dry-feel nursing pads.

36-Week Pregnancy: Baby Development

At the 36th week of pregnancy, your baby is almost ready to enter the world, but there is little growth. Your baby can now hear you more than ever, thanks to their new sharp sense of hearing. Besides, we have listed some of the baby developments that happen in the 36th week of pregnancy-

◾ Height and Weight
In most cases, the 36 weeks pregnant baby's weight in kg is between 2.2-2.7 kg, and they can be 18 inches in height.

◾ Bone development
During this phase, your baby's bones will begin to harden as the lungs, reproductive organs, and nervous system develop.

◾ Skull development
At the 36th week of pregnancy, your baby's skull bones have not been fused, so their head can easily pass through the birth canal.

◾ Building of fats
During this stage, the fat under your baby's skin and limbs is developing, making them look chubby

◾ Hair growth
Your little one has more hair on their head now

◾ Digestive system
Your little one's digestive system is much more mature and ready for a life outside the womb. However, although the digestive system has been developed, it hasn't been operational because while in the womb, your baby depends on the umbilical cord for nutrition.

36-Week Pregnancy: Belly and Body Changes

The step of your 36th week of pregnancy will leave you with the following belly and body changes

◾ Pregnancy walk
During the 36 weeks of pregnancy, you will waddle like a penguin as your hormones loosen and soften the connecting tissue near the pelvic region.

◾ Pelvic pain
To enable your baby to easily pass through the birth canal, all the connecting tissue around the pelvic area is loosening and softening, leading to extra joint flexibility. However, this causes pressure from your baby's head, burrowing deeper into your pelvis and your heavier uterus weighing you down. You can relax with your hips elevated or do pregnancy-safe pelvic exercises at home to ease the pain.

36-Week Pregnancy: Checklist

You are in the last month of your pregnancy and would ideally want everything ready for your baby's arrival. However, in reality, things may not go as planned, and you may be left with many to-dos on your checklist. But worry not; everything will fall in place, s you still have time to get things sorted. To make your lie easier, here is a critical checklist to focus on during the coming weeks-

◾ Select a paediatrician
If you have not yet picked a paediatrician, now is the time to run through your resources and select one. Ask your local friends or family members for referrals, and ensure to call ahead to schedule a tour to gauge your comfort with the doctor.

◾ Ready your birth bag
As you enter the last month of your pregnancy, you get nearer to the labor and delivery day. So, pack your hospital/birth bag to avoid any last-minute hassle or anxiety. Here is a brief checklist of what your birth bag should ideally have:

◾ Insurance papers
◾ Birth plan copy
◾ Toiletries
◾ Reusable UNO Cloth diapers
◾ Maternity clothes
◾ books magazines
◾ Snacks
◾ Weekly checkups
As you enter the 36th week of pregnancy, schedule a weekly appointment with your doctor for a routine checkup and ensure all your vitals are in place.

◾ Learn about mucus plug
The mucus plug is a thick sticky plug formed between the uterus and the vaginal canal to prevent any bacterial infection from entering the uterus. Unfortunately, you will soon lose this plug, so read everything about losing your mucus plug here!

Conclusion

As you reach the 36th week of your pregnancy, you are entering the final stages of this incredible journey. Understanding the symptoms and changes in your body, as well as important considerations for this stage, is vital for a safe and healthy pregnancy. By being aware of the common symptoms, such as Braxton Hicks contractions, backache, swelling, and shortness of breath, you can navigate this time with more confidence. Remember to avoid heavy lifting, certain foods and substances, and excessive stress to prioritize your well-being and your baby's. Your healthcare provider will guide you through prenatal check-ups and monitor your baby's position, ensuring you receive the necessary care. With the proper knowledge and support, you can embrace the excitement as you eagerly await the arrival of your little one. Cherish these final weeks of pregnancy, knowing you are well-prepared for the miraculous motherhood journey.

Key Takeaways

The last few weeks of your preganancy are physically challenging as your baby has dropped into the pelvic cavity, causing your pain and discomfort. But remember that it is just a few days before you hold the little bundle of joy in your arms. So make most of this time to educate yourself about the delivery procedure, and run some last-minute errands before the baby arrives.

MESSAGE FROM SUPERBOTTOMS

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Frequently Asked Questions:-

Q: How many months are 36 weeks pregnant?

A: At 36 weeks pregnant, you enter the ninth month of pregnancy. The full-term pregnancy period typically ranges from 37 to 42 weeks.

Q: What are the common symptoms at 36 weeks pregnant?

A: Some common symptoms at 36 weeks pregnant include Braxton Hicks contractions, increased backache and pelvic discomfort, swelling and fluid retention, and shortness of breath.

Q: How big should my belly be at 36 weeks pregnant?

A: The size of your belly can vary, but by 36 weeks pregnant, your uterus will likely be about six inches above your navel. It's normal for the stomach to expand significantly at this stage of pregnancy.

Q: What position should my baby be in at 36 weeks pregnant?

A: By 36 weeks pregnant, most babies settle into the head-down position, known as cephalic presentation. However, some babies may still change position before birth.

Q: What are some things to avoid at 36 weeks pregnant?

A: Things to avoid at 36 weeks pregnant are heavy lifting or strenuous activities, certain foods, and substances such as raw or undercooked seafood, unpasteurized dairy products, alcohol, and tobacco. Additionally, managing stress and seeking support are essential during this stage.