Your Baby at 36 Weeks Pregnant
 At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby is now approximately 5.9 pounds. (Isn't it amazing that he or she is almost 6 pounds?) Your little one should be measuring about 18.6 inches or longer from head to heel.
Your baby is still working on putting on weight during pregnancy week 36. While this may not seem very exciting, keep in mind that this is your baby's primary job from now until he or she is born.
| | Fact:
There is a balance between your baby swallowing and excreting the amniotic fluid that is maintained each and every day. If this balance is not maintained, the amount of fluid in your womb will increase or decrease significantly, causing a condition called polyhydramnios (too much fluid) or oligohydramnios (not enough amniotic fluid). | | |
Space is very limited in the womb at 36 weeks pregnant. Most babies are situated in their birthing position – head down. Your little bundle of joy is spending his or her days with arms and legs folded against his or her body. He or she is waiting to meet you in the next few weeks.
Lanugo and vernix are being shed at 36 weeks pregnant. As your baby plumps up and gains more weight, he or she doesn't require lanugo or vernix anymore. Many babies are born with smooth skin, but some do have a thin layering of lanugo and vernix. If this is the case, these substances will be shed shortly after delivery.
| | Fun Fact:
Your baby's heart still beats faster than yours. At 36 weeks pregnant, your baby's heart beats 110 to 160 beats per minute. | | |
Baby Releases a Signal to Trigger Labor
Did you know that some researchers believe your baby actually releases a signal to trigger the onset of labor?
There are several theories on how baby does this. Some researchers believe that when your baby's brain is completely mature, it sends a signal to the fetal adrenal glands. These glands then start to secrete the hormone cortisol, which may alter the metabolism of estrogen and progesterone, resulting in labor.
Other researchers have postulated that the fetal lungs secrete signals indicating they are mature, as well as enzymes that result in the release of prostaglandins, which help the cervix ripen and help the uterus to contract. This is highly likely as the body does release prostaglandins around the time of birth.
Whatever the reason, some full-term babies may arrive earlier than others. Your baby might decide to come into the world next week, and others decide to wait until you're 40 or 41 weeks pregnant.
Try to be patient. Your baby will soon arrive into the world.
Mom's Changes at 36 Weeks Pregnant
At 36 weeks pregnant, your uterus is rather huge. You may think that you can't get any bigger, but keep in mind that you have four more weeks until your due date. Your belly will probably get larger in the next month.
The capacity of a woman's uterus and abdomen to stretch during pregnancy is truly a remarkable phenomenon. At no other time in your life will the body transform at such a rapid rate than in pregnancy. Amazingly that, while it takes nine months for the uterus to stretch to many times its normal size (from the size of a small pear to being able to hold a seven pound baby), by your six-week postpartum checkup, your uterus will already be back to its normal pre-pregnancy size.
Your uterus continues to crowd your internal organs at 36 weeks pregnant, and you may be ready for the day that your baby drops into your pelvis. For first time pregnant women, "lightening," or the descent of your baby into the pelvis usually occurs a few weeks before labor begins. Your baby might drop this week, or next, or the following week.
Pregnancy Symptoms at 36 Weeks Pregnant
 At 36 weeks pregnant, you are probably getting more anxious for labor and delivery. Try to be patient this week. You probably have a good four weeks to go until your due date, and your baby won't be "full term" until you're 37 weeks pregnant. A healthy, full-term baby can arrive anytime between 37 and 42 weeks pregnant.
While some women hope and pray that their baby will come early, the vast majority of babies actually come on or close to their due date.
Clumsiness is a common pregnancy symptom at 36 weeks pregnant. When you consider how huge your belly is, it's no surprise that you're stumbling into things, more clumsy than usual. Hormonal changes are causing your pelvic joints and pelvis to loosen, and it's also loosening the joints in your fingers and toes. Your balance isn't the same, either.
| | Helpful Tip:
To prevent falls and tumbles, make sure that you are more careful of where you step. Hold onto handrails when you're walking up and down stairs, and avoid situations that put you at risk for falling (such as climbing up ladders). | | |
Real contractions get stronger as the hours pass, and they will get closer and closer together. True contractions will cause your cervix to start to efface and dilate.
As a rule of thumb, if you're having a normal pregnancy, don't rush to the hospital until your contractions last one minute each, and they're coming every five minutes for at least one hour. Your healthcare provider can give you specifics for your individual case at this week's prenatal visit.
Hip pain can be a troublesome pregnancy symptom at 36 weeks pregnant, and it's caused by the same hormonal changes that make you clumsier. In the third trimester, the hormone relaxin is released in high levels to soften and relax the joints in your pelvis (which helps your baby's body fit through the birth canal easily). This hormonal change, combined with the increased pressure of carrying around 20-plus additional pounds, can lead you to experience hip pain and discomfort.
Swimming may give you some relief from your hip pain. Standing in a pool renders you weightless, which can take the stress of your joints and make you feel better. Prenatal massage also may help you feel better.
Lightning (Baby "Drops” into the Pelvis) at 36 Weeks Pregnant
 By the end of pregnancy 36 weeks, your baby may drop into your pelvis. This is called lightening, and it's a normal occurrence in the final weeks of pregnancy. It's a sign that your baby is getting ready to be born, however, it may be a few more weeks until your labor kicks into full swing.
After your baby drops, you'll have less pressure in your abdomen, so you'll get relief from a few pregnancy symptoms – such as heartburn, shortness of breath, and rib pain and discomfort.
Unfortunately, once lightning occurs, you may start to waddle. Some women experience pelvic discomfort when they walk. Frequent urination is going to be a huge problem after your baby drops. Because your baby is taking up more space in your pelvic area, you may be running to the bathroom every five or ten minutes to empty your bladder. You may have the urge to urinate, even when your bladder is nearly empty.
Fortunately, this won't last too long. Only four weeks to go until your baby is due!
Weight Gain at 36 Weeks Pregnant
Your baby is almost full-term. Next week, your baby will be considered "full-term,” which means that he or she is fully mature and ready for life on the outside. However, your baby may want to stay in the womb until you're 40 weeks pregnant, so that he or she can plump up for his or her arrival.
Your weight gain at 36 weeks pregnant is probably between 25 and 30 pounds, possibly more or less than this. Just keep your eye on the recommended weight gain for your body size. For the average woman, this is 25 o 35 pounds.
Spotlight on Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Delivery
 If you are planning a vaginal birth after previously delivering by C-section you may be surprised to learn that your hospital may no longer allow the practice. Many hospitals are not able to comply with the guidelines the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists developed in 1999. These rules require that a doctor be immediately available throughout active labor in case a woman needs an emergency cesarean section. For a hospital to comply fully, an entire operating crew, OB, and anesthesiologists would need to be available 24/7. With the exception of larger medical facilities, this often puts a strain on resources for smaller hospitals.
The guidelines were established recognizing that many women attempting to deliver vaginally after a c-section are more at risk for complications including uterine rupture. This condition is life threatening for the mom and baby. Many women are aware of the risks associated with VBAC but still want to give it a try. This causes controversy when they realize they may not have a choice at their chosen facility. Most doctors argue their position is based on concern for the safety of the mother and baby.
What is of concern is that these women may attempt home births in order to avoid repeat cesareans. While vaginal births after cesarean are possible, there are also very serious risks involved. It is vital that women take control of their health but also recognize the dangers of not having access to a medical staff that is capable of performing an emergency cesarean surgery, if it is needed.
Civil rights also come into play with this issue. Most activists would agree a woman should have the right to select the type of delivery. Many women feel this right is crushed under laws that limit doctors the ability to grant patients' wishes. One thing is certain; the controversy is likely to continue. The best step you can take if considering a vaginal birth after a c-section is discuss your situation with your doctor or healthcare provider. Together the two of you can likely come up with a safe and accommodating plan of action.
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