36-Week Pregnancy

Welcome to the 36th week of your pregnancy! Birth is now very close, and your baby is making final preparations to enter the world. This week marks significant progress in your baby’s growth and development.

Size and Weight:
At 36 weeks, your baby is approximately 47–48 cm long and weighs around 2700 grams.

Organ Development:
Your baby’s organs continue to mature. The lungs are almost fully developed with sufficient surfactant production. The heart beats stronger, and circulation is improving. The brain is growing rapidly, and the nervous system continues to develop. The bone marrow keeps producing red blood cells. The immune system is developing, and antibodies passed from you provide protection against some infections. The liver and kidneys are also maturing. Your baby’s nails have grown, hair has thickened, and the skin is becoming smoother. The white, creamy substance called vernix caseosa is starting to decrease. The intestines are filled with meconium (first stool).

Sensory Development:
Your baby’s senses are further developing. The eyes can now open and close, and pupils react to light. The eyes are beginning to focus, allowing your baby to see nearby objects. Hearing is improving, and your baby can distinguish different sounds. They respond to noises in the womb, music, and especially the voices of you and your partner. Taste buds are developed, allowing your baby to sense the flavor of the amniotic fluid. The sense of touch is also growing, and your baby can feel the uterine wall, umbilical cord, and their own body.

Movements:
At 36 weeks, your baby has less space in the womb, so movements may feel less frequent than in previous weeks. However, the intensity and type of movements can vary. Your baby still kicks, turns, and hiccups. It is important to monitor your baby’s movements and consult your doctor if you notice any changes.

Position:
By this week, most babies are in a head-down position, which is ideal for birth. If your baby is not yet head-down, your doctor may suggest exercises or techniques to help your baby turn.

At 36 weeks of pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes as it prepares for birth.

Physical Changes:

• Growing belly: Your abdomen expands further, stretching the skin. Your navel may protrude.
• Weight gain: An average gain of 13–18 kg by this week is normal.
• Breast enlargement: Breasts continue to grow, and colostrum production increases.
• Skin changes: You may notice spots, stretch marks, or visible veins on your skin.
• Hair and nails: Hair may become thicker and shinier, and nails may grow faster.
• Other changes: Varicose veins, swelling (edema), back pain, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, numbness in hands and feet, sleep problems, snoring, leg cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, hot flashes, sweating, fatigue, forgetfulness, hemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, insomnia, palpitations, anemia, pelvic pressure, and shortness of breath can all occur.

Emotional Changes:

• Mood swings: Hormonal changes can cause emotional fluctuations.
• Anxiety and worry: You may feel concerned about your baby’s health, labor, and parenting.
• Nesting instinct: The desire to organize and clean your home in preparation for the baby.
• Maternal instinct: The instinct to bond with your baby continues to grow. Feeling your baby’s movements can strengthen this connection.

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy is crucial for both your health and your baby’s development.

Essential Nutrients:

• Protein: Adequate protein intake supports your baby’s rapid growth. Sources include meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts.
• Calcium: Calcium is important for your baby’s bone development. Sources include milk and dairy products, leafy green vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods.
• Iron: Your iron needs increase due to higher blood volume. Sources include red meat, dried legumes, leafy greens, and dried fruits.
• Folic Acid: Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Sources include leafy green vegetables, legumes, grains, and folic acid supplements.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Important for your baby’s brain development. Sources include salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
• Fiber: Fiber helps prevent constipation. Sources include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption and strengthens the immune system. Sources include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and tomatoes.

Foods to Avoid:

• Mercury-rich fish: Avoid swordfish, shark, mackerel, and other high-mercury fish.
• Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: These increase the risk of foodborne illness.
• Unpasteurized milk and cheese: These may contain harmful bacteria.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can harm your baby’s development.
• Smoking: Increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications.
• Excessive caffeine: High caffeine intake can lead to miscarriage.
• Processed foods: High in sugar, salt, and saturated fats, processed foods are unhealthy.

Your baby’s gender should have already been identified in ultrasounds performed during earlier weeks of pregnancy.

Routine ultrasounds are generally not performed at 36 weeks of pregnancy. However, your doctor may request an ultrasound to assess your baby’s development, check the amount of amniotic fluid, evaluate the placenta’s position, or diagnose any potential issues. Ultrasound may also be used to determine your baby’s birth position.

In the 36th week of your pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your health and your baby's development.

Signs of Labor:
Some signs that labor is approaching include:

• Bloody show: When your cervix begins to soften and thin, the cervical mucus plug is discharged. This may appear as a bloody or pinkish discharge.
• Water breaking: Fluid may come from the rupture of the amniotic sac. This can be a sudden gush or a slow trickle.
• Contractions: Labor contractions are regular, increasingly intense, and frequent.

If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Signs of Preterm Labor:
At 36 weeks, the risk of preterm labor is still significant. Pay attention to the following signs of preterm labor and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Water breaking
• Regular contractions (every 10 minutes or more frequently)
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Back pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Changes in vaginal discharge

Braxton Hicks Contractions:
Braxton Hicks contractions are preparatory contractions of the uterine muscles. These contractions are usually irregular, painless, and short. Braxton Hicks contractions are not a sign of labor, but if they become regular and painful, consult your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes:
If you have not undergone gestational diabetes screening between the 24th-28th weeks, you can do so during this week. If diagnosed, diet, exercise, and medication (if necessary) are used to control blood sugar levels.

Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is a condition during pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It is serious for both mother and baby and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include headache, vision problems, swelling in the face and hands, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Other Recommendations:

• Avoid lying on your back: Your growing uterus can compress major blood vessels, causing dizziness and fainting. Lying on your left side is recommended.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing may disrupt circulation and cause discomfort.
• Choose comfortable shoes: Prefer flat, comfortable shoes over high heels or pointed shoes.
• Moisturize your skin: Dryness and itching are common during pregnancy. Regularly moisturizing is important.
• Maintain dental hygiene: Pregnancy hormones can make gums sensitive. Brush and floss regularly.
• You can continue sexual activity: Unless your doctor advises otherwise, sexual activity is safe during pregnancy.
• Track your baby's movements: Once you start feeling your baby's movements, monitor them. If you notice a decrease or change, contact your doctor immediately.
• Participate in pregnancy exercises: Pregnancy exercises help you prepare for labor and stay fit during pregnancy.
• Attend childbirth education classes: These classes provide information about labor and help you prepare.
• Start buying baby items: Buying baby items is exciting and helps with preparation.
• Prepare the baby’s room: Ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your baby.
• Create a birth plan: A birth plan helps you communicate your preferences to your birth team.
• Spend time with your partner: Spending time together helps you prepare for the baby and support each other.
• Take time for yourself: Relaxation is important during pregnancy. Read, listen to music, take a warm bath, or meditate.
• Pack your hospital bag: Include items you may need at the hospital, such as comfortable clothes, slippers, hygiene pads, nursing bras, and baby blankets.
• Plan for postpartum period: Consider arranging home help, exploring lactation consultation services, and looking for baby care options.
• Consult your doctor if experiencing shortness of breath: Your growing uterus may press on your diaphragm. Your doctor can provide recommendations to alleviate this.
• Pay attention to your sleep position: Sleeping on your left side increases blood flow to the baby and helps kidney function.
• Accept changes in your body: Many changes occur during pregnancy. Accepting and loving your body is important.
• Learn about signs of labor: As labor approaches, your body gives signals such as bloody show, water breaking, and contractions. Recognizing these is important.
• Read books on childbirth and parenting: These books provide knowledge and help you prepare for this new stage.
• Join postpartum support groups: Support groups allow communication with other mothers and sharing experiences.

A Life Health Group has a team of experienced obstetrics and gynecology specialists who are experts in pregnancy follow-up. We provide personalized pregnancy monitoring services for expectant mothers and their babies using the latest technology and methods.

Our Services:

• Obstetrics and gynecology specialist examination
• Ultrasonography (including detailed ultrasound scans)
• Prenatal tests (such as double screening, triple screening, glucose tolerance test)
• Pregnancy education and counseling
• Childbirth preparation courses
• Labor and postpartum services
• Breastfeeding counseling
• Baby care training

Experience a healthy pregnancy with A Life Health Group!