36 Weeks Pregnant

By 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is around six pounds and you’re just one week away from being full term! Bear in mind that you could go into labor at any time now, but you could also have another five or so weeks left! Babies will come whenever they’re ready.

Your Baby’s Development at Pregnancy 36 Weeks

The main job for your little one is just to gain weight. Most of the development has already taken place, and your baby needs to gain more fat to help with the regulation of the temperature afterwards.

The amniotic fluid is at a constant rate now. Your little one will breathe the fluid in and excrete it through the urine throughout the day. It helps the lungs develop, while getting the digestive system ready. From next week, the levels of fluid will start to decrease.

Your baby’s heartbeat will be between 110 and 160 beats per minute. This is much faster than yours, which will be around 60 beats a minute while resting. There is nothing wrong with it being so high, and your doctor or midwife will check the rate at every appointment to ensure the safety of your little one.

Changes in You at 36 Weeks Pregnant

You may have noticed that your bump has lowered at this stage. Your baby is getting into position for labor, and you may have dropped. You’ll notice this by finding it easier to breathe. The space is limited though, so expect uncomfortable and sometimes painful kicks and jabs during this stage.

You’ll feel at your heaviest right now. Think you can’t get any heavier? Unfortunately for your comfort levels you will. Babies are around eight pounds, and then there is the weight of the placenta. Remember it took you nine months to get to this size, but it can take just six weeks to get back to the weight you started at. It will all depend on the amount of weight you put on during your pregnancy. You can lost a stone (14lbs) in weight just with the birth of your baby!

Your Symptoms at This Stage

But what symptoms will you have at 36 weeks pregnant?

The first is clumsiness. Your center of gravity has changed over the last nine months as your bump has gotten bigger. It’s normal to struggle to just walk around, let along get up and down the stairs. You may find running and cycling harder at the moment.

You can also find that your joints ache, especially in the hips and knees. Your ligaments and muscles are loosening right now to make the birth of your little one easier. The good news is those ligaments and muscles will strengthen again afterwards, but it can make things difficult right now.

Anxiety is also normal at pregnancy 36 weeks. There are a lot of worries, especially about the upcoming labor. Try not to think about it too much. The best thing you can do is have a birthing plan, and talk to your doctor or midwife. Remember your birthing plan may not work out on the day, but having it there makes your wishes known. Discuss your birthing options with your partner, and in between try to limit the stress. It is not good for your baby.

You’re not far from becoming parents. At 36 weeks pregnant, it’s time to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go. Remember, next week you will be considered full term.