Pregnancy

Pregnancy Week 36

Baby Development

By this week, the baby will be 19 inches long and 6 pounds in weight. The baby is turning into a full-fledged infant this week, and the rest of the features are also noticeable. The baby starts developing a very sharp hearing, making them capable of recognizing their favorite music and mother’s voice after birth. In this 9th month, the baby might drop to the pelvic region for easy push-out. This procedure is termed ‘lightening’ or ‘dropping.’

The baby’s growth eventually slows down as the delivery date approaches, thus conserving its energy for propulsion to the outer world. The bones are still not fused. Maybe that’s the reason why babies have more bones than adults. Its skull and other body parts are soft and pliable for proper delivery. Many organs, like the digestive tract, are fully grown over time, apart from a few. The developing caterpillar still depends on its mother inside the cocoon for nutrition.

Changes in mother

By this week, the mother would feel a lot uncomfortable walking. Her walk would resemble that of a penguin. It is due to the loosening of the connective tissues. The walk is a healthy sign that the baby is taking its position of coming out of the shell.

It’s induced due to the baby’s head borrowing deep inside the pelvis. This would certainly make you uncomfortable while walking. As the baby drops down the pelvis, the upside pressure on the diaphragm is decreased. Not every baby needs to go through such a phase, termed ‘lightening.’

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Pregnancy Week 36 symptoms

Heartburn and indigestion- The mother might encounter a loss of appetite as the stomach gets moved by the increasing uterus.
Vaginal discharge- The red, pink, or brown discharge from your vagina might increase too, but nothing is to be worried about.
Edema- Edema or swelling is due to the increase in fluid. It sometimes causes the face, hands, ankles, and limbs to swell. Drinking enough water is a remedy for this.
Insomnia- It’s obvious to undergo sleepless nights because of anxiety and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Important Tips

What to do

Pelvic exercise and massages might help you get relief from pelvic pain.
The Mucus plug will look like a yellowish discharge that is slightly bloody. There is no need to worry, but having predefined knowledge would be better for the mother.
Chasing proteins is a good idea, which would help the baby’s proper growth and elevate cell building. Protein helps fast brain development, and food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like ALA and DHA is necessary.

What to avoid

Avoid procrastinating. Prepare everything for a quick emergency visit to the hospital. Do keep a hospital bag packed with lip balm, brush, moisturizers, slippers, robe, and daily necessities

When to Consult a Doctor

Contact the doctor immediately if you feel regular contractions.

Takeaway

The baby has grown up like spaghetti squash. The baby wiggles, rolls, and pads up and is head-down for easy delivery. This head-down position of the baby causes the mother to have trouble urinating, and she would also have headaches, rashes, and bleeding gums. Use nasal strips, chew food thoroughly, take sugar-free gum, and avoid sugar.

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