Preparations for Childbirth: A Visual Guide at 36 Weeks Gestation
Ready to embrace the final stretch? You're heading into the homestretch as you approach the 36th week of pregnancy. Just four weeks left until your due date—with the baby considered full-term by 37 weeks, they could make their entrance any day now!
This phase is filled with physical changes, emotional shifts, and a growing focus on labor and delivery. To manage upcoming weeks and ensure you're prepared for labor, here's what to expect at this stage.
Changes Afoot
Loose Cannon
Those irritating Braxton Hicks contractions become more noticeable at week 36. It's your body's way of rehearsing for the real thing, yet they're usually irregular and painless. You might feel a tightening or hardening of your uterus that lasts 30 seconds to two minutes. Relax, because they typically subside with rest, hydration, or a change in position.
Pelvic Pressure
As your baby begins to migrate into the pelvic region, you'll likely feel increased pressure in the lower abdomen. Don't freak out, this change could ease walking, standing, or sitting for long periods. But, it could also cause discomfort, so take it easy on the high-impact workouts!
Frequent Visits to the John
Due to added pressure on your bladder, hitting the bathroom more often becomes the norm. Drink less before bedtime to avoid nighttime disruptions.
Backbreaker
The added weight and shifting center of gravity could put unnecessary strain on your back muscles, causing discomfort. To counter this, try prenatal massages, pilates, or a pregnancy support belt. Sciatica—sharp, radiating pain caused by pressure on your sciatic nerve—may also arise. A massage, stretching, or heat therapy might help relieve this.
Puffy Feet
Minor swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands is common due to increased fluid retention. Elevating your feet, avoiding lengthy standing sessions, maintaining hydration, and occasionally using compression socks can reduce swelling.
Hormonal Shifts
Raging hormones may lead to a heightened sense of emotions. Remember it's normal to feel a variety of emotions, ranging from joy and excitement to fear and uncertainty. Talk through your feelings with your partner, friends, or a counselor to lessen emotional stress.
Baby's Ya Growin'
By 36 weeks, the baby is nearly fully developed:
- Size and Weight: They measure around 18-19 inches and weigh approximately 6 pounds.
- Position: Most babies shift to a head-down position in preparation for birth.
- Development: Their lungs are maturing, and they practice movements like sucking, swallowing, and kicking, which will be vital for feeding.
Ready, Set, Labor
Bag of Essentials
Your hospital bag should be stuffed with necessities for you, your baby, and your support person. Remember the clothes, toiletries, snacks, and vital papers.
Bid Plans Adieu
Discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider, outlining your preferences for pain management, labor positions, and the people you'd like present during delivery. Be flexible, since birth plans can change.
Stay Tuned
Know the telltale signs of labor, such as consistent contractions, water breaking, or observing a bloody show.
Calm Down, Cowgirl!
Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga can help keep your calm and focused. Don't neglect practicing these methods regularly to prepare for the big day.
Emotional Prep
As you inch closer to the end of pregnancy, emotional readiness is crucial. Face a rollercoaster ride of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and anxiety. Here's how to best prepare:
Embrace the Feelings
recognize your emotions, remember it's completely normal to experience an assortment of positive and negative feelings.
Google Your Way Through
Investigate all things labor and delivery. Knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect can help you feel more in control and reduce anxiety.
Chat It Up
Open communication with your partner helps build trust and mutual understanding. Discuss expectations, fears, and strategies for labor and postnatal care. Establish tasks and a support system.
Relax and Release
Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and visualization exercises can help you stay centered and prepared.
The Bottom Line
As you hit the 36-week milestone, you're on the home stretch of an incredible journey. Acknowledge the physical changes, prepare for labor, tend to your emotional well-being, and embrace the upcoming adventure! Here's to welcoming your little one into the world!
BY THE WAY
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In this phase of the 36th week of pregnancy, practice meditation as a relaxation technique to help keep calm and focused during labor.
Science shows that a growing focus on health-and-wellness, including regular prenatal exercises, massages, and using pregnancy support belts, can reduce back discomfort caused by added weight and shifting center of gravity.
