Less and less until the time to give birth and meet your baby. The 36th week of pregnancy is the last in which the fetus would be considered premature, since the pregnancy reaches term in the 37th week. Despite this, if it were born at this time it could perfectly adapt to life outside the heat and protection of the maternal womb.
It is convenient to take advantage of the final stretch of the pregnancy to prepare a birth plan to give to the medical personnel who attend you on the big day. Also, have the hospital bag ready, finish the final details in the baby’s room and make sure you have their clothes washed and enough diapers.
At week 36 of pregnancy, the baby weighs approximately 2.5 kilos and measures about 47 centimeters. As a result of his growth, he has less and less space to move inside the amniotic sac, although it is still possible to feel his movements. Some are already placed in the position they will be at birth, usually head down. If it were placed ‘buttocks’, the doctor will assess the advisability of trying to turn it around.
His organs are almost fully developed and he could breathe without difficulty if he was born. His neurological maturation process continues to advance. In addition, it already shows an appearance very similar to what it will have when it is born: its skin is smoothed by the fat gain and it is losing the lanugo, a fine hair that covered its body. However, some are born with traces of it and it gradually falls off.
As for his bones, they have been hardening throughout his body, except for the skull. This remains soft and flexible to facilitate transit through the birth canal. Therefore, some babies are born with a slightly misshapen head, although it later takes on a normal shape. The bones of your skull will gradually fuse together during your first two years of life, when the soft hollows known as fontanelles will harden.
Do you notice that you breathe better at week 36 of pregnancy? The little one is descending towards the birth canal, so the pressure in the lungs decreases, although it increases in the bladder and pelvis. As a result, you will feel more uncomfortable, you will have trouble walking, and you will need to go to the bathroom more frequently. You may even notice small urine leaks when you strain, laugh, or sneeze.
Back pain is also exacerbated, due to the weight of the belly, which accentuates the curvature in the lower back. Other common symptoms are swelling of the hands, legs, and feet. However, falling asleep will be difficult for you.
In the 36th week of pregnancy, a rectovaginal culture is usually performed to rule out the presence of the streptococcus agalactiae bacterium, which could cause infections in the baby during delivery. You may also have to go to weekly medical check-ups to check that everything is in order.
