Key Development Milestones for a Baby at Pregnancy Week 36
Your little one’s digestive system is the only thing that isn’t quite ready at pregnancy week 36 and it might stay like this for a few days after birth. He has now began shedding the waxy substance that has been covering his skin and all his facial features, including the tiny details have formed.
You may feel as if you’re carrying a huge cauliflower in your belly but your little one weighs about 2.8 kilograms right now. Expect his growth to slow down at this point as his body will reserve the energy for the birth process. The downy hair that has been covering his skin is beginning to shed off and mix with the remaining amniotic fluid. Together, they will form meconium which will be your baby’s first bowel movement.
Also Read: Pregnancy Week 35: Baby Development Milestones and Your Body Changes
Your Body at 36 Weeks Pregnant
At the 36th week, you might be feeling exhausted and experiencing all these back and pelvic aches when you walk but hang in there. This means that your baby has moved further down into your pelvis now and you may feel an increased pressure in your lower belly.
You may also have problems eating a normal meal in one sitting and might need to eat smaller regular meals. This is also the time to visit your healthcare provider for prenatal care and monitor your baby’s movements much lower in your tummy. You may also notice an increase in vaginal discharge, which is normal.
This week, you may also experience sudden bursts of energy accompanied by a compelling urge to clean the home, rearrange furniture or organise things around the house. This is common in the last weeks of pregnancy and referred to as nesting phase. Suddenly it will appear like everything around you needs to be cleaned and sanitised. It can be pretty fulfilling to indulge yourself but remember to keep in mind that your body is delicate at 36 Weeks Pregnant so take it all in moderation.
Read More: The Ultimate Third Trimester Prep Guide: Nesting, Packing, and Staying Calm
Pregnancy Week 36 Tip
You may have gotten so caught up in preparing for the coming baby that you forgot to think about birth control after the baby is born. You should start discussing the options available with your partner and healthcare provider.
Now is also a great time to find a nanny in Kenya as you sure will need an extra hand once baby comes home. You can also book a babymoon for you and your newborn to relax and get to know each other after birth. There are several hotels in Kenya that would be perfect for your little family depending on your preferred environment.
Specialized Care for Late Stage Pregnancy Weeks
After this week, your healthcare provider will recommend weekly hospital visits to monitor you and your baby closely as you get close to your due date. They will be checking on the baby’s position, heart rate, your overall health, educating you on what to expect in the next weeks, signs of labour, and when it’s time to go to the hospital.
Beyond our personalized pregnancy care at this stage, Malaica’s lamaze and birth preparation classes will empower you and your partner with the information, breathing techniques for labour contractions, light exercises for this stage, pain management, and how they can communicate with care providers on your behalf.
Book a consultation with us to learn more about Malaica Maternity Hospital and how we can support and empower your delivery experience.
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