The woman’s body completes the preparation for the main event of pregnancy - the birth of a child. The fetus has grown to such a size that it is already crowded in the mother’s stomach. Soon the baby will leave this cozy shelter. What are the sensations of a woman and a baby in her womb at 36 weeks of gestation? What has changed and what to prepare for? Let's talk about this further.
Development continues
What happens at 36 weeks of pregnancy with mom? Preparation for the birth of a child is nearing completion. It is important for a woman to listen to her body. The appearance of pain may indicate that labor has already begun.
Baby's condition
What happens to the baby at 36 weeks of gestation? During the last trimester of pregnancy, an intensive preparation of the baby for birth occurs:
- He still needs oxygen, nutrients.
- The fetus has already formed and is ready to leave the mother’s cozy bosom. If the baby is born at this time, he will be a full-fledged baby. Weight indicators at 36 weeks of gestation are up to 2700 grams.
- The length of the overall growth between the crown and heels is 46-48 cm with a head size of 8 cm. There are no clear standards for the weight and height of the fetus. These indicators are very individual due to the heredity of the crumbs, which is very different in each case.
- At this time, the fetus daily gains 25-30 grams. The baby’s face takes on the shape of a full-fledged person.
- The formation of the skeleton is completed. The head, arms and legs are characterized by full proportionality with respect to the body. The softness of the skull bones remains so that the baby can move along the birth canal.
- The fat layer continues to increase, providing an increase in the mass of the baby. This leads to the acquisition of light skin color and the appearance of a matte shade. The baby already has chubby cheeks.
- Formed nails on miniature handles with tiny fingers.
- There was no original furry cover on the body.
- You can notice the appearance of miniature eyelashes and eyebrows, a constant location of the ears, the palms are already defined with lines.
How is the fetus located?
The abdomen at 36 weeks of gestation is already becoming cramped for the baby. Therefore, the crumb should be pressed crossed legs and pull them to the body. The baby is now in that position in which he will advance along the birth canal to make his parents happy with his birth. The optimal pose is with the head down. But statistics say that up to 5% of children are buttocks forward to the exit. The phenomenon of pelvic presentation, according to experts, is pathological. To solve this problem, a special gymnastic complex is provided. But if the fetus does not turn its head toward the cervix, doctors will insist on a cesarean section.
What have become the organs and body of the child
A child at 36 weeks of gestation is already almost ready for existence outside the maternal womb:
- The heart rate is 140-150 times per minute. But the right and left atria still have a hole between them.
- The process of lung development has been completed so that the baby can breathe successfully when it is born.
- The body temperature of the child is adjusted.
- The baby is protected by the formed immune, nervous and endocrine systems.
Analysis of the behavior and skills of the child
36th week of pregnancy is the time when the baby already enjoys all five senses. He has changed a lot:
- The fetus is no longer so active.
- The frequency of movements is reduced.
- Excessive activity of a child may mean that he is uncomfortable or lacks oxygen.
- The baby knows how to swallow, suck, so that after the birth of the world to taste mom's milk.
What has changed in a pregnant woman
What happens to mom at 36 weeks of gestation? This is not an easy period, because it’s hard for mother to wear a grown fruit. Changes specific to this week:
- Swelling and back pain may occur. At the same time, the stomach still continues to grow, because the baby is gaining weight daily.
- The size of the uterus increases. Nature provides that it can become more than 500 times. After childbirth, this organ will regain its original size. But if the pregnant belly is not very large, do not worry. It all depends on the individual constitution of every woman.
- Regardless of the size of the abdomen, it lowers at this time. It’s time for the baby to head down. In this case, the woman becomes easier.
- Mom's weight increases due to fetal growth, volumes of adipose tissue and water, amniotic fluid. For the entire period of pregnancy, weight gain in the range of 11–13 kg is considered the norm, with a maximum of 16 kg.
- Breast size increases again, possibly a slight colostrum.
Features of the sensations of a pregnant woman
After lowering the uterus, the expectant mother:
- Often feels the need to visit the toilet.
- The cervix is shortened, preparing for labor.
- The back hurts at 36 weeks of pregnancy, because the center of gravity shifts and the joints are affected by the release of the hormone relaxin into the blood, which softens and weakens the joints.
- There is a gradual divergence of the pelvic bones.
- The uterus compresses the pelvic veins, the outflow of blood from the lower extremities worsens. Legs swell, hemorrhoids may worsen.
- Often at this time training fights appear. They are also called false if the duration of the contractions does not exceed 20-30 seconds.
- Vaginal discharge is characterized by a change in consistency. They are now thicker and more viscous.
- Gradual exfoliation of the mucous plug occurs. The appearance of a bloody clot may indicate that the cork has come out completely. Pinkish discharge means that childbirth will begin very soon, like transparent or yellowish.
The mood of the future mother
The 36th week of pregnancy for a woman is marked by complications in health. It is important that close people are always nearby.
A woman needs to concentrate on the joyful prospect of meeting a baby. Some expectant mothers have a fear of childbirth. It is important to know the rules of conduct in this situation. This will help attend courses for pregnant women. Many women are reassured by the opportunity to be in childbirth with her husband for psychological support.
Pleasant minutes at this time will be the choice of things for the newborn, the arrangement of the room for him.
Diagnostics at the 36th week
The frequency of visits to the gynecologist at 36-37 weeks of pregnancy increases to 1 time in 7 days. Each time, the doctor will determine the indicators:
- woman's weight;
- arterial pressure;
- dimensions of the circumference of the abdomen;
- how high is the bottom of the uterus;
- with what frequency does the child's heart contract;
- how is the fetus located.
It is also mandatory to pass a general analysis of urine and blood, CTG. It will be necessary to do an ultrasound only if the gynecologist has questions regarding the condition of the fetus:
- location;
- to exclude the possibility of entwining the umbilical cord;
- find out in what condition the placenta;
- establish the amount of amniotic fluid;
- are there any pathologies.
At this time, pathological phenomena may be present:
- hypertonicity - the stomach is like a stone, there are pulling pains;
- detachment of the placenta - the stomach hurts greatly;
- fetal hypoxia - the child does not have enough air;
- preeclampsia - kidneys do not work well.
If the above symptoms are present, you will need to do a cesarean section. In some situations, every minute counts. Therefore, one should not underestimate the risk of changes in the condition of a pregnant woman. It is important to successfully complete the long journey of bearing a new life.
Features of the future mother's nutrition
36-37 weeks of pregnancy - a period when it is still important to eat properly and fully. This directly affects the well-being of the child and his future condition.
The doctors' recommendations indicate that the time has come:
- There is less protein food of animal origin - meat, fish, milk, butter.
- To increase the number of servings of low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir, and other dairy products.
- There is more vitamin food of plant type, fiber.
- You need to drink water, freshly squeezed juices, green tea.
Compliance with nutritional recommendations is important for the normal digestion of the pregnant woman and the formation of taste preferences of the baby. The more useful the food, the healthier the baby will be in order to successfully develop, gain strength and energy.
Getting ready for admission to the hospital
36 weeks of pregnancy brings the long-awaited moment of the meeting of the baby and his mother. The whole family is busy with pleasant efforts to organize optimal conditions for meeting a new person.
We must visit the hospital in which they decided to give birth. Familiarize yourself with the conditions of stay there, existing requirements, the necessary set of things. Check with your health care provider about engaging a husband and other family members to support women in labor. If someone from the family will be with a woman at childbirth, he must pass the necessary tests, prepare replacement clothes.
Most maternity hospitals are not allowed to bring things in their bags. They must be packed in bags made of polyethylene. First of all, there should be an order with documents. You will need:
- woman's passport;
- the identity card of the person who will be next to her during the baby’s birth, if the woman decides to give birth in the presence of loved ones;
- medical card issued at the place of pregnancy;
- referral to the maternity hospital ;
- insurance policy, if it was provided.
Of the things that a future mother will definitely need, you need to get:
- bathrobe and nightgown;
- slippers;
- a set of towels;
- dishes;
- disposable razor (or shave at home);
- sufficient food and water.
In the postpartum period, the presence of:
- disposable diapers;
- sanitary napkins;
- sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover;
- socks;
- underwear and bra for a nursing mother;
- a large number of sanitary pads.
For the baby you need to prepare:
- diapers and wet wipes;
- cream and baby powder;
- cloth diapers, warm and thin, a blanket;
- set of clothes;
- envelope for discharge.
These items must be packaged and folded in order to quickly take them if necessary and go to childbirth. Clothes for mom and baby must be washed and ironed to ensure its sterility. There was a time when sterile things were given out in the hospital, but they were terrible in appearance. Now you can use your own outfits.
Tips for future parents
The recommendations of specialists in the third trimester are to comply with such requirements:
- control fluid intake to prevent the formation of edema;
- light exercises for pregnant women in the third trimester;
- walks in the open air;
- balanced diet;
- care about your posture;
- purchase of a special bandage that holds the back and stomach;
- putting a pillow or roller under the legs;
- limb massage.
How a woman is changing
35-36 weeks of pregnancy - the periods characterized by specific features for the expectant mother. It:
- Increased anxiety.
- Clumsiness.
- The presence of false contractions. This is when at the 36th week of pregnancy she pulls in the lower abdomen of the expectant mother.
- The frequency of going to the toilet increases.
- The fruit falls.
- A feeling of tiredness is constantly present.
- Varicose veins are possible.
- Hair grows intensely, as the hormonal background has changed.
- The appearance of edema.
- Symptom of "nesting" - a woman strives to be an ideal mistress in order to carefully prepare for the birth of a baby.
To summarize
36 weeks is considered the middle of the third, last trimester of pregnancy. Behind many days, when a woman only found out exciting news, got used to it, prepared for the upcoming changes.
The body is already accustomed to bear the load for two. But it becomes harder to move around, attacks of sudden fatigue attack. It is important to lead an active lifestyle and at this time, but alternate activity with rest several times a day.
It is still important to breathe fresh air more time, oxygen is very necessary for the baby. Nutrition should be varied, with a predominance of dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables. But protein foods of plant origin should be excluded, so doctors recommend. Eating should have a lot of fiber for the stomach to work fully.
The expectant mother has already prepared all the necessary things for admission to the hospital, agreed with the doctor there, and learned the requirements of this medical institution. It is important to take not only all the necessary things, but also documents. If relatives want to be around, they will need to take tests and give them an identity card, prepare replacement clothes and shoes.
At this time, a woman may feel anxiety, fear of childbirth. She already knows everything about the process of giving birth to a baby; she has passed the appropriate training. In order not to concentrate on disturbing thoughts, it is better to prepare the room and things for the newborn.
So far, the woman has time for herself. Soon the life of the whole family will change and will revolve around the main person - a newborn baby.