36 Weeks Pregnant

What Happens During the 36th Week of Pregnancy?

Every week of pregnancy is critical and significant. Hence, having a deeper understanding of the things happening during this time can be beneficial for you. Here, we will look into the details associated with the different changes at this time.

Hormonal Changes and Pregnancy Symptoms

As you step into the 36th week of pregnancy, you will notice an increase in vaginal pressure. It is because there is an increase in your vagina's weight. Besides, there will be an increase in Braxton Hicks Contractions, which are fake contractions taking place in your body. It is a way through which the uterus prepares your body for labor. Apart from that, these contractions don't have any direct connection with your labor.

However, ensure that you keep track of these contractions, their intensity, and frequency as well. If you think there are changes in them, don't hesitate to speak with your doctor. Here, your medical practitioner will be in a position to provide you with expert advice. Other than that, there is a high chance of an increase in the frequency of urination. It is due to the pressure faced by your urinary bladder.

In most cases, your mucus plug might have dropped while you are around 36 weeks pregnant. Due to this, there will be an increase in the possibility of having mucus discharge. Most women would experience thick and heavy mucus discharge during this time of pregnancy. Sometimes, you might notice that there are streaks of blood present in them as well. Even though it is a common factor, you can always bring it to your doctor if you sense an increase in your discomfort level.

Other than this, you might notice that your feet and ankles get swollen. If it is mild and you don't find any issues with it, it is perfectly alright. But, if they are sudden or get severe in no time, you have to check these changes. It is because it can be a factor that happens due to the presence of preeclampsia. These are the main hormonal changes and pregnancy symptoms happening to you during this time of pregnancy.

Bodily Changes

During this time of pregnancy, you might feel that there isn't enough space in your body. It might be happening because your baby is moving around in your belly. It can be challenging for you to find balance while walking and doing different jobs. It is because of your baby bump and its weight, which are things new to you. Here, you might notice an increase in weight, which is around 9-13 kg.

Because of this change, you might be feeling discomfort, and the weight gain will depend upon the number of kids you carry. Here, your uterus would have reached close to your ribcage, and your little one will move to your pelvis.

Other than that, there are tremendous changes taking place in your cervix. It will be dilating and becoming thin with every passing day. Sometimes, you might notice a small amount of light-colored blood, which is something you don't have to worry about. However, if the blood is bright in color, it will be beneficial to speak with your doctor to obtain an expert opinion.

Some of you might even start noticing the true sign of labor, which includes the dislodging of the mucus plug. These are the main bodily changes happening to you while you are 36 weeks pregnant.

Fetal Development

While you are 36 weeks pregnant, your little one will be around 46 to 48 cm long and weigh 2.7 kg. Here, your baby's growth rate will decrease because your baby is storing the energy required for labor. Other than that, when there is an increase in body weight, it will be challenging for your little one to pass down the birth canal.

Since your little one has to pass through this, their bones will be highly flexible, and also your baby's skull will be soft. All these are for reducing the issues associated with moving down the birth canal for your baby.

Inside your baby's body, the blood circulations are taking place properly. Your little one's immune system will also be striving hard to get rid of any germs that might cause concern after you give birth. Your baby will be accepting nutrients and other essential components, like oxygen, through the placenta. However, your baby's digestive system will be ready to digest liquid food items by the time you are 36 weeks pregnant. But, it doesn't mean that your baby is processing them at that time. These are the fetal developments that take place while you are 36 weeks pregnant. Other than that, during this time, you can have an ultrasound scan as well. It will help in understanding your little one's heartbeat rate, position, size, etc.,

Things to Take Care While You are 36 Weeks Pregnant

Similar to the previous weeks, you have to continue to take care of yourself. As part of that, here are a few things that you can do to enhance your and your little one's well-being.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

During this time of pregnancy, you have to ensure that you have healthy food items. They include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grain products, low-fat dairy products, lean meat, etc. You have to ensure that you have smaller meals while pregnant, as it will reduce the chances of having indigestion issues. One of the concerns faced by most women while they are pregnant is problems related to bloating. By adopting this method, you can reduce the chances of having these concerns.

Other than that, you have to avoid having fish that contains high-fat content. Instead, you can opt for fish products that have low-fat content in them. Ensure that you drink plenty of fluids, such as water, smoothies, soups, fruit juices, etc. Here, try to drink eight to ten-ounce glasses of water to reduce the chances of dehydration. These are the main components you have to consider as part of maintaining a healthy diet.

Take Care of Your Physical Health

Similar to the previous weeks, you have to take care of your physical health. For that purpose, your focus has to be on exercising regularly. Here, you can try brisk walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, and other pregnancy-friendly exercises.

Here, speaking with your medical practitioner and acquiring guidance from your trainer can be beneficial for you. You can try out low to moderate intensity workouts while you are pregnant. Here, you can include squats, which is an exercise that is highly beneficial in strengthening your pelvic muscles.

Besides, on some days, you might not be in a position to exercise. On such days, you can rest as you have to focus on what your body says. It will be helpful to you to be considerate of yourself and remain mindful.

Focus on Your Mental Health

As your due date approaches, you might feel stressed, and there is a chance of a rise in anxiety. It is pretty normal when it comes to women. However, you have to take good care of yourself to reduce any complications. Hence, it will be beneficial for you to speak with your doctor, who can refer you to a therapist or a counselor. Here, it is best to adopt mindful practices and take part in activities like meditation. You can incorporate other relaxation techniques as well into your routine. Journalling is one of the methods that you can try to include in your day-to-day life.

Other Tips

Here are a few other tips that you have to consider while you are pregnant. They include: