Now at this week of pregnancy the uterus is getting ready for labor. The Braxton Hicks might make women uncomfortable at times. The development of the baby is almost complete. The baby is now about 6 pounds and more than 20 inches long at pregnancy week 36. The baby continues to gain weight. The baby’s lungs continue to develop. More and more fat cells are laid down each day underneath the baby’s skin. The gums of the baby become rigid. The brain develops rapidly. Although there is less room for the bay now to move around, women should experience at least 10 movements a day. The baby also tries to practice breathing, swallowing and sucking. The bones are completely hardened and the muscle tone improved. The baby is also ready to swallow and digest the milk.

Development of the mother

By pregnancy week 36 the uterus grows to more than 6 inches above navel. The uterus is now well adapted to pregnancy. Women are very focused on the labor and the delivery by this time. Very few women deliver on the due date and most of them around the time of delivery. The amniotic fluid in the uterus remains constant. Women find it difficult to get a comfortable position during pregnancy week 36. Sleeping on one side and placing one pillow between the legs and one at the back might help. There is also lot of fluctuations in the levels of energy in this week. Most women might also feel fatigued. Various physical changes are experienced by mothers at this week: They include:

Lightening: This condition occurs when the baby’s head drop down into the pelvis which is a first step in the preparation of birth. After lightening the pressure on the lungs and stomach is relieved and the appetite increases. A tingling sensation or numbness might be felt in the pelvic area, which is caused by the baby’s pressure on the nerves of legs and pelvis.

Frequent urination: after the baby drops down into the pelvis, the baby might push against the bladder causing frequent urination. Still women should not cut down on fluids.

Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are caused when the baby moves down to the pelvis area. In this condition the veins located around the anus or rectum gets swollen. To get relief hemorrhoid cream and ointments and icepacks can be used. Other symptoms that are experienced at pregnancy week 36 are backache and heaviness, constipation, heartburn and discomfort in the pelvis and buttocks.

Most women gain around 25 to 35 pounds by now. Women should consume 2400 calories per day at this time now. The medical check up includes weight, blood pressure, and size of the uterus, urine and Doppler ultrasound.

Some of the symptoms of real labor are: Contractions getting intensified, pain in lower back which gradually spreads to the lower abdomen, diarrhea, frequent contractions which are painful, membranes getting ruptured.

At this time of pregnancy week 36 women should do some reading and also preparing oneself mentally for the delivery. Preparation at home for the arrival of the newborn could also be started.