How Big Is My Baby At 36 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby moves less as there is less space to move around, and is about the size of romaine lettuce. The baby is about 18.66 inches long and weighs about 5.75 pounds.

Baby Development 

• Your baby’s lungs are fully formed to breathe outside the womb.
• Your baby’s digestive system is fully developed.
• Fat continues to build and starts filling cheeks of the baby.
• Skull bones remain soft and flexible to help easy passage through the birth canal.
• Skin is getting smooth and soft, and the gums are rigid.
• Sucking muscles are fully developed and ready for real feeding.

36 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Fatigue:  You may feel exhausted and bothered by fatigue and tiredness. This happens as you carry all that extra weight and the extra work of your body to support the growing baby. This happens despite having a good night’s sleep. Try and take as much rest as possible and sleep well.

Pelvic Pain and Discomfort:  Discomfort and pain in your pelvis increases due to an expanded uterus, joint flexibility, and pressure from your baby’s head.

Easy Breathing:  You will be able to breathe freely and deeply because your lungs have more space as the baby descends into the pelvis.

Hemorrhoids:  Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy and almost half of the pregnant women get hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed, and bulging veins in the rectum and anus. They can cause discomfort, itching, pain, and bleeding. An increased volume of the blood during pregnancy can cause veins to swell and enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins in the rectum. Constipation can worsen hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids usually improve after giving birth.

Insomnia:  Your sleep may be disrupted by body aches, leg cramps, anxiety, and frequent urination.

Heartburn:  Heartburn occurs when stomach acids move upwards to the esophagus. This happens due to enlarged uterus pushing the gastric acids upwards.

Bloating And Gas:  Bloating and gas occur as the progesterone hormone relaxes the gastrointestinal tract, causing slowing of the digestion process.

Braxton Hicks Contractions:  You may feel irregular and less painful contractions as your uterus becomes tight and prepares for labor. These miniature contractions are perfectly normal at this point of your pregnancy. They normally disappear when you change positions. Call your doctor if contractions persist.

Swollen Ankles And Feet:  You may notice swelling of your feet and ankles. This happens because of poor blood circulation in your legs. This can also happen due to excess fluid retention in your body. This is normal and there is no cause for worry. Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time and popping your feet up high will help.

Frequent Urination:  Needing to pee frequently will continue and is a common and constant problem during the entire pregnancy. Pregnant women commonly experience temporary bladder control problems in pregnancy. Baby in your womb baby pushes down on the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor muscles. This pressure can lead to more frequent need to urinate, as well as leaking of urine when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

Constipation:  During pregnancy, hormones slow down the digestive system, leaving you constipated. This is an ongoing symptom you have to live with all the way through the pregnancy. Eating enough fiber, wholemeal bread, cereals, and drinking plenty of water will help.

36 Weeks Pregnant: Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

• Learn about the stages of labor to know more about what to expect during the birth.
• Consider choosing a doula to help you deal with labor and birth.
• Wear breathable, loose clothes and a supportive bra to feel comfortable.
• Eat healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean meat, cereals, and dairy products.
• Eat small meals or snacks at regular intervals for better digestion and to prevent heartburn.
• Keep yourself adequately hydrated by drinking at least ten glasses of water.
• Take plenty of rest and sleep at least 8 hours a day.
• Engage in gentle exercise including to ward off fatigue.
• Spend time or keep in touch with family, friends, and other loved ones and share your feelings. This will help you to cope with stress and anxiety and stay calm and relaxed.