7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 36
It's week 36! By now your baby is just about ready for birth and you probably are too! Did you know that only five percent of babies are born on their due dates so go ahead and get in ready mode! Who knows you may be one of the lucky ones and deliver before your due date. Keep your fingers crossed and your bags packed because you never know when the stork is going to stop by!
Week Overview
Baby's weight gain will begin to slow now, even though he will probably still gain another pound or so before the big arrival. You may be able to see baby's head, foot or elbow protrude from your belly as baby stretches and squirms about. This week, the fat is dimpling on the elbows and knees as well as forming creases in the neck and wrists. The baby's gums are very rigid.
Baby's Physical Development
- Crown-to-rump, baby measures 13.5 inches long and weighs about 6.0 pounds
- Total length is approximately 20.7 inches
By week 36 you should be seeing your physician each week. It may seem like you're never going to deliver. Just remember you only have 4 weeks or so of pregnancy left, so don't start asking the doctor to induce. The good news - if you start having regular contractions your physician probably won't stop your labor.
Your uterus is about 14.5 inches above your bellybutton. The average weight gain now is between 25 and 30 pounds. You'll gain little or no more weight from now until your due date. At this point you may want to switch to smaller or more frequent meals - you simply don't have much room in your stomach anymore.
Your belly will seem lower and tilted farther forward. Your center of gravity will be even more displaced, making you feel even clumsier than you have been feeling. If the baby has dropped into position he has become "engaged." Once the baby is engaged the baby is no longer "floating." A baby who has just begun to descend may be at -4 or -5 "station." A baby that is fully engaged is at zero station. Labor can begin anytime after engagement.
You may be wondering what form of delivery you are going to have. Most women plan on a normal vaginal birth, but a Cesarean delivery is always a possibility. With a Cesarean, the baby is delivered through an incision made in your abdominal wall and uterus. This type of delivery is usually performed if the baby is too large to fit through the birth canal. Other reasons a Cesarean is performed include:
- Fetal distress
- Compressed umbilical cord
- Breech presentation
- Placental abruption
- Placental previa
While women who have previous Cesarean deliveries usually deliver future babies by Cesarean, vaginal birth after Cesarean is becoming more common. Check with your physician to determine which type of delivery is best for you.
Signs of labor include:
- Lightening - the baby dropped
- Bloody Show - the mucous plug
- Rupture of Membranes - your "water broke"
- The Nesting Urge - you want to clean everything in sight
- Effacement - ripening of the cervix
- Dilatation - opening of the cervix
- Diarrhea
- Contractions - labor pains
Time to Start Thinking About
Think you've got everything ready for the big day? You've already toured the hospital, attended birth classes, learned about delivery options, filled out insurance papers - the new sheets are even on the crib! But have you properly prepared for breastfeeding? If you are planning to breastfeed it's not too late to signup up for a breastfeeding class, or interview lactation consultants you may want to work with after the baby is born. Breastfeeding might be the most natural thing in the world for some people, but many others require a little assistance with the feeding process. Speak to your doctor or to the hospital to locate breastfeeding education classes.
With all that you have on your mind these days it's not too hard to forget a few things. One thing you certainly do not want to forget is to purchase a car seat for your newborn. You will not be permitted to leave the hospital without a proper car seat. If you haven't purchased one yet, make sure you chose one suitable for a newborn. Plus, read the directions to ensure proper use. Safety is going to be a primary issue in all that you do from now on.
Tips for Mom
During these last few weeks, you'll probably feel uncomfortable if you maintain any one position too long. You'll want to move around regularly to stimulate your circulation. This will increase blood flow to your baby and help prevent ankle swelling, varicose veins and other complications.
If you find you are sitting a lot, plan to take short walks often. Avoid low-lying chairs and couches, unless someone is willing to pull you up. Also, avoid crossing your legs. If you know you are going to be standing for more than ten minutes at a time, be sure to wear support stockings and take frequent breaks. Get off your feet as much as possible and elevate your legs for some relief. If the baby begins to feel extremely heavy against your pelvis, lie down and rest.
When riding in a car continue to wear your seat restraint, keeping the lap belt under your abdomen and across your upper thighs. If possible, avoid long car rides, or plan to stop frequently and take short walks.
Through the first two trimesters and into the third, it is perfectly safe to travel as long as you are not experiencing any complications and your doctor has not indicated any reasons for prohibiting travel. Traveling past 34 weeks is generally not recommended. Consult your doctor before you travel to receive any special instructions or to discuss an emergency plan if you were to go into labor while traveling.
If you really want to be as relaxed as possible during labor and delivery why not mix your own "birthing" music? Music in the labor and delivery room is widely accepted and will help to ease labor. Pick songs that perk you up, inspire you, or relax you.
Tips for Dad
Cool your jets. Mom will need a calm, reassuring partner when liftoff occurs - not a space man! Pick our a special gift just for Mom after the baby is born - maybe her favorite flowers, a new robe, or some chocolates.
Complications to Watch For
Most pregnancies occur without any complications or problems. But there are times when your physician should be contacted immediately. The following list contains symptoms to be aware of during pregnancy.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe swelling of the fingers and face
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush of fluid, but sometimes a trickle or continual wetness
- A big change in the baby's movements or a lack of movement
- High fever (more than 101.6F;38.7C) or chills
- Severe vomiting or an inability to keep food or liquid down
- Blurring of vision
- Painful urination
- A headache that won't go away or a severe headache
- An injury or accident, such as a fall or automobile accident, that causes you concern about the well-being of your pregnancy
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505