Pregnancy Week - 36 Weeks Pregnant

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Pregnancy Week 36

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from the date of your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 36

Your Baby's Growth and Development
Your baby is still working on putting on weight during pregnancy week 36. While that may not seem very exciting, keep in mind that this is his primary job from now until delivery. This is probably the one time in your baby's life where he they can put on pounds with wild abandon.

Did you know that some researchers believe your baby actually releases a signal to trigger labor? There are several theories. Some 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.

Your Growth and Development
You may think you simply can't get any bigger at 36 weeks, but don't forget you still have four weeks of growing left! Some women may even have a little bit more!

The capacity of the uterus and abdomen to stretch during pregnancy is truly a remarkable phenomenon. At no other time will the body transform at such a rapid rate than during 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 beign able to hold a seven pound baby), by your six week checkup your uterus will already be back to its normal pre-pregnancy size already.

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.

By pregnancy week 36 the level of amniotic fluid in your belly is relatively constant. Your baby will actually swallow a certain volume of amniotic fluid each day during pregnancy. Typically, your baby will go on to excrete this fluid as urine. 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 or oligohydramnios respectfully. These conditions may affect up to 8 percent of pregnancies.

Abnormal amniotic fluid volume is more common in the third trimester, though it can occur at any time. Your healthcare provider will be able to measure your baby's amniotic levels via ultrasound during your pregnancy if he suspects abnormal amniotic fluid volume.

If you've been feeling a bit clumsy lately, you aren't alone. When was the last time you saw your toes? One of the best things you can do for yourself in the last few weeks of pregnancy is to go for a light swim. Swimming is wonderful during the last half of pregnancy, if for no other reason that it renders you practically weightless, which can relieve a lot of the pain and stiffness that you might experience in the last half of pregnancy.

Remember, to stay away from the hot tub until after delivery. You can, however, enjoy a warm bath as well during the last half of pregnancy. Many women actually climb into the tub during the early phase of labor to help relieve some of their discomfort.

Whether this is your first pregnancy or your last, take a few moments to savor the feeling of your baby moving about in your belly. There simply is nothing quite like it, and in the grand scheme of things, pregnancy is just nine short months of the long journey of life. Your newborn baby will eventually grow into a teenager and then into an adult. Before you know it, you will look back on these days of bloating, weight gain, and fatigue with awe and longing!

Nursing Pillows
Enhancing Your Breastfeeding Relationship

Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your newborn baby. There are many benefits of breastfeeding. Did you know that breast milk constantly adapts itself to help provide optimal nutrition for your baby?

Mastering breastfeeding is sometimes a challenge for new mothers. Fortunately, you can adopt several simple strategies to help ensure your baby masters their latch and that you form a strong bond with your baby. The simplest way to help promote a satisfying breastfeeding relationship is by using a pregnancy pillow like Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows while breastfeeding. Using a supportive pillow will help improve your comfort while nursing and that of your baby, thereby reducing any extra tension or anxiety the two of you feel.
Watch our pregnancy pillows video on youtube.com.

Maternity Clothes
Maternity Sweaters:
A Must Have For Cold Winter Months

When the weather starts to cool down you’ll probably find yourself reaching for a sweater. Maternity sweaters are a must have item, particularly if you plan on spending 5 to 9 months in a cold climate or season. Remember, the warmer you keep your belly, the less likely junior is to kick you for keeping things a bit chilly!

Fortunately, Maternity Sweaters at Destination Maternity come in many different styles and colors. You can usually find something that works in a casual setting or something a bit more sophisticated to wear in the office. When shopping for maternity sweaters during pregnancy, you might want to avoid certain fabrics, such as wool, that might irritate already itchy skin!

Pregnancy Health Tip
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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