36 weeks pregnant – What to Expect, Signs of Labour

When a woman is already 36 weeks pregnant, it is normal to feel a bit nervous and excited. This stage in pregnancy is marked by certain pains that prepare the expectant mom for the upcoming delivery. When the pregnancy is already in its 36^th week, the baby is near full term and will come out to the world anytime soon.

It would be very helpful for expectant mothers to be familiar with the pains that come along when they are 36 weeks pregnant. It will add to their excitement if they know what is happening to their unborn child during this stage and also help them prepare for the big day.

36 weeks pregnant symptoms

• Overall discomfort with feelings of being bloated or full as the baby pushes against the lining of the stomach and abdomen, making it hard to eat a full meal.
• Frequent urination as a result of the baby pushing downwards which presses the bladder, thereby increasing the pressure exerted on it.
• Short to long-lasting cramps.

36 weeks pregnant –  what to expect

A woman will experience a number of changes when she is 36 weeks pregnant, which may make her feel quite nervous and anxious about what will happen next, especially for first time moms. Learning about what is happening to the baby, to the mother, as well as what to expectin the upcoming delivery helps in alleviating the anxiety and apprehension a woman normally feels at the late stages of pregnancy.

• Baby

When the female is already 36 weeks pregnant, the baby is reaching full term which means that the full development of the fetus is nearing completion. The growth rate of the baby will gradually decrease. At the 36^th week of pregnancy, the fetus should weigh around 6 pounds and about 17 to 20 inches long. Moreover, his or her bones will be fairly soft which helps during delivery and prevents injury to the baby and mother during childbirth. Meanwhile, the baby’s circulatory, respiratory and immune systems are fully functioning; andat this time,the baby’s body will start to store up fats.

• Mother

At 36 weeks pregnant, the expectant mother will feel a number of discomforting pain as the baby tries to occupy as much space inside the womb. However, she may find it easier to breathe now that the baby has moved lower in the womb, thereby exerting lesser pressure on the diaphragm. Even so, the pregnant woman may still find it hard to eat full meals and the urge to urinate often is still present.

• About the delivery

Expectant mothers should be mentally ready for childbirth at 36 weeks pregnant as the baby is nearing full term and childbirth may occur anytime soon. Aside from preparing the hospital’s phone numbers, gynecologist’s contact numbers, certain documents and childbirth essentials, it is extremely important to avoid stressful activities and practice some pain relief and breathing techniques.

36 weeks pregnant – signs of labour

Learning and familiarizing the pain during the 36^th week of pregnancy is essential in determining whether the pain is due to impending labor or some serious medical problem.

• Back pain

Women who are 36 weeks pregnant will normally feel back pain due to the weight of the unborn child. It also occurs as a result of relaxing ligaments and muscles due to pregnancy hormones.

• Digestive pain

Digestive pain is usually mild which may come in the form of gas and heartburn that occurs as a result of the growing uterus.

• Braxton-Hicks contractions

This type of pain is usually felt at the 36^th week of pregnancy which is the means the body uses in preparing the uterus for the actual contractions during childbirth. Braxton-Hicks contractions are characterized by the irregular contractions of the uterus which could be mildly painful.

• Pain due to placental complication

The pain felt when placental complication occurs comes in the form of stomach pain which often occurs with bleeding. Doctor consultation is required for this situation which occurs as a result of a detaching placenta from the lining of the uterus.

• Pre-term labor pain

This type of pain should never be taken lightly which is characterized by low back pain, stomach cramps, pelvic pressure and vaginal discharge.

36 weeks pregnant pain

Something can be done to deal with the pain that comes with pregnancy. For instance, back pain can be relieved by sleeping on the sides, being extra careful when lifting heavy objects and withgood posture. On the other hand, digestive pain can be resolved by eating a balanced diet with lots of water to prevent constipation. It is also proven helpful to eat smaller meals.

Expectant mothers have mixed emotions when they are 36 weeks pregnant because the baby’s development is nearing completion and he/she may come out anytime soon. However, the mother will have to go through discomfort and pain which she must learn how to manage in order not to spoil the joyful anticipation for the arrival of the little angel.

36 weeks pregnant pictures

36 weeks pregnant ultrasound