Pregnancy Week 36

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Pregnancy Week 36

By the time you reach 36 weeks pregnant you are positively glowing, even if you feel a bit "topsy turvy". In lay terms that means moody. As you approach labor during pregnancy week 36 your body will once again undergo a series of hormonal changes as you prepare for labor. You may find you are happy at one moment and crying the next.

By 36 weeks pregnant your baby is just about fully developed, and you've probably gained nearly 30 or more pounds. Some women worry about delivery nonstop from 36 weeks pregnant on. Remember most pregnancies reach full gestation any time between 37 weeks pregnant and 42 weeks pregnant. You may deliver your baby in one week, or you may have to wait another four weeks or more.

To help keep your mind off of your growing body, consider creating a personal birth plan during pregnancy week 36. This can be a simple sheet of paper that lists your preferences for labor and delivery. You can share this with your partner and nurse when the time comes for you to deliver your baby.

Some important items you may want to include on your list are listed below. Think about these questions and be sure your caregivers understand your preferences so your labor and delivery go as well as they can no matter when your baby decides to enter this world.

• Who do you want present in the birthing room with you?
• Do you want family and friends to visit, and if so, who will you allow in and for how long do you want them to stay?
• Do you want an epidural or another form of pain relief?
• Do you want to breastfeed your baby immediately following delivery?
• Do you want the staff to offer your baby formula so you can sleep?
• Would you prefer to keep your baby with you at night or have someone take them to the nursery?
• If you require a cesarean section, who do you want present and how do you want your baby cared for until you are well enough to do so on your own?

As you think about these questions you will probably come up with other questions you can ask your healthcare provider before labor and delivery.

Read About Pregnancy Week 37