Congratulations! You are almost at the end of your pregnancy journey. You have been taking care of your body and your growing baby for 36 weeks now, and you are probably wondering if your little one is fully developed. This is a common question among expecting mothers, and we are here to help you understand what happens during the 36th week of pregnancy.
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What Happens During the 36th Week of Pregnancy?
At 36 weeks, your baby is the size of a large cabbage, weighing around 6 pounds and measuring about 18.5 inches long. Your baby’s organs are fully developed, and the lungs are almost fully mature. Your baby’s brain and nervous system are also rapidly developing, preparing for life outside the womb.
During this week, your baby will continue to gain weight and store fat which will help them regulate their body temperature after birth. Your baby’s digestive system is also maturing, and they are practicing swallowing and passing meconium, which is the first poop your baby will pass after birth.
What Are the Signs of Labor at 36 Weeks?
As you approach your due date, you may experience some signs that labor is near. Some of these signs include:
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Lightening, which is when your baby drops lower into your pelvis
- Braxton Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions
- Nesting, which is when you have a sudden burst of energy and want to prepare for your baby’s arrival
- Cervical dilation and effacement
If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to discuss your next steps.
What Are the Risks of Delivering at 36 Weeks?
While most babies born at 36 weeks do well, there are some risks associated with delivering before full-term. These risks include:
- Breathing problems
- Difficulty regulating body temperature
- Feeding difficulties
- Jaundice
- Low birth weight
If your healthcare provider determines that it’s in the best interest of you and your baby to deliver early, they will take steps to help ensure a safe delivery and transition for your little one.
Conclusion
At 36 weeks, your baby is almost fully developed and preparing for life outside of the womb. While there are some risks associated with delivering early, most babies born at 36 weeks do well. If you experience any signs of labor or have concerns about your baby’s development, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Remember to take care of yourself and rest as much as possible during these final weeks of pregnancy. Soon, you will be holding your little one in your arms and embarking on a new and exciting journey as a parent.
Frequently asked questions:
1) Is it safe to deliver at 36 weeks?
While most babies born at 36 weeks do well, there are some risks associated with delivering before full-term. If your healthcare provider determines that it’s in the best interest of you and your baby to deliver early, they will take steps to help ensure a safe delivery and transition for your little one.
2) What happens during the 36th week of pregnancy?
At 36 weeks, your baby is the size of a large cabbage, weighing around 6 pounds and measuring about 18.5 inches long. Your baby’s organs are fully developed, and the lungs are almost fully mature. Your baby’s brain and nervous system are also rapidly developing, preparing for life outside the womb.
3) What are the signs of labor at 36 weeks?
Some signs that labor is near include increased vaginal discharge, lightening, Braxton Hicks contractions, nesting, cervical dilation and effacement. If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to discuss your next steps.
4) What are the risks of delivering at 36 weeks?
While most babies born at 36 weeks do well, there are some risks associated with delivering before full-term. These risks include breathing problems, difficulty regulating body temperature, feeding difficulties, jaundice, and low birth weight. If your healthcare provider determines that it’s in the best interest of you and your baby to deliver early, they will take steps to help ensure a safe delivery and transition for your little one.
5) What should I do if I’m concerned about my baby’s development?
If you have concerns about your baby’s development or experience any signs of labor, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the best course of action for you and your baby.