Week 36 Pregnancy

Don't be surprised if you wake up one morning and it's as if blinkers have been taken off your eyes. There's dust and dirt everywhere and you won't understand how it's not been obvious to you before. Welcome to the nesting phase. If you've been feeling a little jaded, you'll be amazed by the renewed sense of energy you have. You want to organise and sort, go through boxes and toss stuff out. After the baby is born, you'll be glad of having done a big clean-up. In the first few weeks after their birth you'll find it impossible to do any housework. Bear in mind though, some pregnant women get a little frenzied and place a lot of pressure on themselves and their partner. Try to focus on one job at a time and finish it before you move on to the next one. If family or friends offer to help, say yes. This can be a time of real connection and building excitement.

What’s changing in your body

• Sleeping may seem like a far off dream this week. It's become impossible to lie on your tummy and lying on your back is not advisable, so sleeping on your side becomes the only option. The problem is, you've only got two sides to alternate between so you may end up feeling a bit achy around your hips and thighs. Surround yourself with comfortable, supportive pillows in your bed and consider getting a padded under blanket to use under your bed sheet.
• Get used to having to go to the toilet a few times a night. Your uterus is becoming so big that your bladder doesn't need to fill with much urine to make you feel you simply have to go. Avoid changing too quickly from a lying position to being upright and let your blood pressure adjust. Leave the bathroom light on at night to guide your way. At week 36, clumsiness is a fact of life and you need to make sure you minimise your risks of stumbling over something in the dark.
• Your doctor will be encouraging you to attend prenatal appointments weekly from now until you have the baby. The usual range of checks will be made including your urine, blood pressure, weight, and uterine size. Your fundal height will be measured to see if it matches with your dates. If there is any discrepancy, you may be sent for an ultrasound to check the size of the baby, the amount of amniotic fluid and the placental size.
• In those quieter moments of your day, pull your top up and look at the movement going on in your tummy. You'll be able to see the outline of a little foot, an elbow or a knee. If you gently poke with your fingers in response to those movements, you'll find your baby prods back. Get your partner involved in these little moments so he feels involved in your pregnancy too. If he talks to the baby though your abdominal wall, the baby is likely to move in response to his voice.
• Your pelvic bones will be separating and loosening in these last few weeks which can mean you feel sore and achy. You'll find yourself subconsciously placing your hands on your lower back, your tummy and your hips and even grimacing. Warm showers, massage, rest and just being kind to yourself are all good ways to get through these final weeks.
• If your baby's head engages in your pelvis this week, you'll find you're able to breathe more easily. Your lungs and diaphragm can actually expand a little more and move into their normal positions. Well, almost.

How your emotions are affected

• You are getting seriously close to having your baby now but it may seem your due date will never arrive. The last month of pregnancy can seem endless, particularly for women who are genuinely uncomfortable and who've simply had enough of being pregnant.

• Your maternity leave could start this week which means you having to make a mental shift away from work. This may come as an absolute relief or cause you to feel sad, especially if you've enjoyed your working life and found it fulfilling. Becoming a parent means a change from how we view ourselves and where we now fit in with the world. Give yourself time to adjust.

How your baby is growing

Third Trimester: Week 36

• Your baby weighs around 2.7kg this week and measures about 51cm long. If your baby were to be born at 36 weeks, they would probably not need any special care and would be able to breath for themselves. There is a possibility that they could have some small issues with feeding and sucking though.
• Your baby's bowel is filled with meconium, the sticky, black tarry substance that will form its first bowel motion. Some babies will pass meconium while they are still in the uterus and this can be a sign that they are distressed. If this happens, the amniotic fluid can become stained and changes from being clear and watery to having a greenish tinge. If your waters break and you notice this, it is important you are checked by your doctor quickly.
• Your baby's skull is a complex structure and the bones within it will not fuse until it is older. During birth, it is important that a baby's skull can mould and adapt to the shape of the mother's birth canal. If this is your first pregnancy, your baby's head may start engaging or dropping into your pelvis this week.

• At 36 weeks your baby is getting into position for delivery. If your baby is in a position other than head down, you will need to discuss delivery options with your doctor..

Tips for the week

• Don't forget to brush! Premature labour can be brought on by a gum infection so it's important that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss and have regular checks with your dentist. If you haven't seen a dentist during your pregnancy so far, make an appointment for this week. The bacteria that causes tooth decay is highly contagious and mothers can easily transfer their own oral bacteria to their baby's sterile mouth.
• It's afternoon nap time but not for longer than an hour or so. Too much sleep in the afternoons can keep you up at night so be careful about how much time you spend resting your weary head after lunch.
• Prepare your baby's cot. Follow guidelines on safe sleeping for babies and do what you can to minimise the risks of SIDS.

• Join a support group (if you have not done so!). Motherhood represents a completely new phase in your life, so you want to find a community of new mothers who can journey together with you. Pregnancy tips, parenting tips, free diaper samples and exclusive diaper offers shared on the Huggies Club platform can ensure you are best prepared for your newborn child too.