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As childbirth approaches, the mother-to-be’s body prepares itself under the effect of end-of-pregnancy hormones. The risk of prematurity ruled out, the baby is ready to be born. But each day spent in the womb of the mother is, for him, a few tens grams more which will help him to be stronger to get used to his new life.
36 weeks pregnant: how is the baby?
At 3 weeks from term, the baby measures an average of 46 cm. Its weight is 2,65 kg. He can be born at any time: he will not need any assistance. In the last days of pregnancy, he will especially gain weight, at a rate of 20 to 30 g per day.
He improves his sucking reflex day by day by continually swallowing amniotic fluid, but the amount of this fluid begins to decrease in the amniotic bag. His senses are on the lookout for all stimuli: the sounds of his mother’s body but also external noises, voices, touch, tastes via the amniotic fluid. At this term, the baby reacts differently depending on the intensity of the noise. In reaction to a noise higher than 105 decibels, his heart rate will accelerate and he will jump.
Sometimes it begins a few days before birth to descend into the pelvis, thus freeing up space under the diaphragm. If he has not yet turned around, there is little chance he will do so at this time because he is starting to get very cramped in his mom’s womb. Like 5% of newborns, it will therefore be born by breech, by natural means or by cesarean section.
The mother’s body at 36 weeks pregnant?
As the term approaches, hormones work together to prepare the body for childbirth. The metabolism speeds up, the blood volume is at its maximum, the vessels dilate to handle this influx of blood. Under the effect of relaxin, ligaments and joints relax. This will allow the pelvis, on D-day, to open a few millimeters to facilitate the passage of the baby.
If the baby has started to descend into the pelvis, the uterus presses less on the diaphragm, and the mother-to-be will feel less out of breath. Other side of the coin: more pressure at the bottom and especially on the bladder. Feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, tightness in the pelvis, small peaks in the pubis are frequent annoyances at the end of pregnancy.
Fatigue and mood swings
Between impatience, physical and psychological fatigue, worry and joy, emotions fluctuate as childbirth approaches. The hormonal climate at the end of pregnancy reinforces this state on edge. Just like the often difficult nights as the end of the day approaches. Between the difficulty in finding a comfortable position, the night cramps, gastroesophageal reflux and the worries that can arise on the pillow, the expectant mother often struggles to find a restful sleep.
This end of pregnancy is also marked, on the psychological level, by a state of hypervigilance. This is what the English pediatrician Donald W. Winnicott calls the primary maternal concern. This hypersensitivity will allow the mother, once her baby is in her arms, to respond as quickly and as possible to her needs. This state is also accompanied by a withdrawal into oneself: in her bubble, entirely turned towards her baby, a little head in the air, the future mother prepares her nest. We also speak of “nesting”.
Signs of childbirth
At this point, work can start at any time. Different signs can indicate the onset of labor and departure to the maternity ward:
regular and painful contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 2 hours for a first baby, 1 hour for the following ones;
the loss of water.
The loss of the mucous plug alone, however, is not a sign of childbirth, so there is no need to go to the maternity ward.
In addition, it is necessary to go to obstetric emergencies in these other situations:
blood loss;
fever (over 38 ° C);
the baby’s lack of movement for 24 hours;
rapid weight gain, sudden edema, visual disturbances (possible preeclampsia);
itching all over the body (possible symptom of cholestasis of pregnancy).
Things to remember at 38week
The stomach is heavy, the nights are difficult: more than ever, it is time to relax and rest. A nap during the day allows you to recover a little. To find sleep, the mother-to-be can also turn to herbal medicine, with herbal teas of lime blossom, verbena, orange tree, passionflower.
The departure to the maternity can occur at any time, all the preparations must be completed: maternity kit, medical file, administrative papers. A final little checklist will allow future parents to be more peaceful.
Women’s health: what you need to know
At 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, a woman gets tired of her position and wants to quickly meet the baby. Her belly is already so big that it can be difficult for the expectant mother to find a comfortable position for sleeping and relaxing. Many women complain of aching pain in the lumbar region. There may be discomfort from active fetal movements, which are felt as strong blows in the lower abdomen, in the liver, under the ribs.
At 36-37 weeks of pregnancy, many women report frequent urination, especially at night. Constant lack of sleep is associated with this, as the expectant mother has to wake up often, and then it can be difficult to find a comfortable position for sleeping. Insomnia can also be related to the training contractions that most women experience during this period.
At the end of pregnancy, heartburn often occurs – after almost every meal. The more the stomach grows, the stronger the discomfort will be. They subside as soon as the stomach drops – and this sign indicates the imminent approach of childbirth.
Nausea and vomiting, which are common in the early stages, usually do not bother you in the final weeks of pregnancy. But if a woman is sick, she should inform the doctor about it. Such symptoms occur with liver damage and can be dangerous to the mother and fetus. If you not only feel sick, but also have diarrhea, your body temperature is elevated, you should think about food poisoning or an intestinal infection. In this situation, you can not do without the help of a doctor.
Advice
- With the belly weighing a lot at the front, the whole posture changes: the kidneys widen, the waist arches. Regular pelvic tilting exercise can help relieve lower back pain. Rotational movements of the pelvis on a large ball are also effective.
- When lying on her back or on her right side, the future mother may feel a little uneasy. This drop in tension is due to compression by the uterus of the inferior vena cava. It is then advisable to put on the left side.
- Even if the end of pregnancy is approaching, it is important to continue taking small care: hydration of the belly (with vegetable oil of sweet almond, coconut, shea butter for example) to prevent the appearance of stretch marks, massage of the perineum to soften it.
- Likewise, it is advisable to practice regularly at home the exercises learned during childbirth preparation classes: breathing, relaxation therapy to regain calm, yoga postures, etc.
Harbingers of childbirth: how to recognize
At the end of pregnancy, most expectant mothers note the appearance of harbingers of childbirth. Here’s what happens:
The baby is moving towards the exit from the pelvic cavity – he is preparing for childbirth. The uterus descends – and it becomes visually visible that the stomach is now lower. Since the uterus no longer presses so hard on the diaphragm and abdominal organs, it becomes easier for the expectant mother to breathe. Reduces heartburn, improves digestion. But the urge to go to the toilet becomes more frequent, because now the uterus is pressing harder on the bladder. Such sensations persist until childbirth.
And if earlier the baby was actively moving, now he is calming down. He is cramped at the entrance to the small pelvis, he is preparing for the upcoming birth. The baby is still kicking, but the amplitude of these movements becomes smaller.
Normally, it closes the exit from the uterus for the entire pregnancy. At the end of the term, it departs immediately in the form of a dense light lump or is allocated in parts. After the mucosal plug has passed, labor usually begins within a few days.
The expectant mother notes that her stomach is pulling. There may be cramping pains in the lower abdomen. Such sensations are similar to those in childbirth – and it is not surprising that many women confuse them and think that it is time for the baby to be born. But unlike true ones, false contractions are irregular and do not last too long. They do not increase over time, but rather subside – and repeat again after a few hours or even the next day.
Harbingers of childbirth in multiparous women appear at the 36-37th week, in primiparas – an average of two weeks later.
On a note
The condition of the cervix speaks most reliably about the imminent onset of childbirth. The doctor can evaluate it during examination in the gynecological chair. Until labor begins, the cervix remains closed and firm. As the date of birth approaches, it softens, shortens and opens slightly. The opening of the cervix by 2 cm or more indicates the beginning of the first stage of labor and is accompanied by the appearance of regular contractions.
Women are encouraged to watch positive birth videos to understand the process, as well as take courses for moms. If unusual sensations appear – for example, pulling the stomach or feeling sick, it is worth informing the doctor about this.
Harbingers of childbirth in multiparous and primiparas do not immediately turn into real contractions. They usually last for 1-3 weeks. But one day, training contractions can become real, the cervix will open, and the baby will begin its progress through the birth canal. You need to be prepared for this – at the 36th week, childbirth can begin at any time.
Examinations at the 36th week of pregnancy
At the end of pregnancy, the doctor continues to monitor the condition of the woman and the fetus. It is recommended to visit the gynecologist once a week – subject to good health. If complaints appear, and something is bothering you, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Ultrasound for a period of 36 weeks is not planned. However, if the specialists have any concerns, or the woman feels unwell, an ultrasound scan may be prescribed.
At each appointment, the doctor measures the height of the uterine fundus and the circumference of the woman’s abdomen, and also listens to the fetal heartbeat. According to the indications, cardiotocography (CTG) is prescribed. If the baby suffers from a lack of oxygen at the 36th week of pregnancy, this can be found out during the examination.
Particular attention at this time deserves women whose fetus is in a breech presentation. The baby can roll over – but, as a rule, this happens before 36 weeks. If this does not happen, a caesarean section is planned. Self-birth in breech presentation is dangerous for mother and child.
Useful tips for expectant mother
Normally, childbirth occurs at the 37th-41st week of pregnancy. During this period, the baby is ready to be born. In primiparas, childbirth, as a rule, begins a little later – towards the end of the specified period. With the second and subsequent labor activity may begin earlier. It also happens that at the 36-37th week of pregnancy, training contractions turn into true ones – and the baby is born. You need to prepare for this:
In most modern maternity hospitals, the joint stay of the mother and child is practiced (with the exception of cases of a serious condition of the newborn or the puerperal). Births can be partnered – you can invite your husband, girlfriend or doula with you.
You can come to the maternity hospital on duty – and then you won’t be able to choose an obstetrician who will give birth. Or you can conclude a contract with a doctor in advance and be calm – your doctor will accompany you during this difficult period.
It should have everything you need: documents, change of clothes, clothes for the baby, diapers and hygiene products.
Breathing practices, massage, yoga – all this will help to live childbirth with relative comfort. Take care of this in advance: learn how to breathe properly during contractions and attempts, how to do self-massage and what yoga asanas will help to cope with labor pain.
Now you know what happens to a woman and a child at the 36th week of pregnancy. If you have doubts or questions, do not hesitate to ask your doctor. Watch your well-being, the movements of the fetus, and be prepared – very soon this amazing period will end, and a new era will begin in your life.
ahsante kwa somo zuri