Week 36 of pregnancy—your baby is head-down, lungs are maturing, and labour signs may appear. Know what to expect this week!
Dr Veena H
00:04
Introduction
00:16
Baby's development
00:42
Head descends into the pelvis
00:52
Mama's symptoms
1:22
Tips to manage
1:29
Conclusion
You’re at week 36 of pregnancy—just a few weeks from meeting your baby! At this stage, your little one’s kidneys and liver are fully functional, and their lungs produce surfactant to help with breathing. Most babies have settled into a head-down position. You may feel relief as your baby moves lower, but pelvic discomfort and sleep troubles may increase. Watch for labour signs like changes in discharge or strong contractions. Tune in to learn more about this exciting stage of pregnancy!
WEEK- 36 of Pregnancy
Intro:
Welcome to week 36 of pregnancy! I’m Dr. Heal, and today we’ll dive into the changes happening inside your body during the 36th week of pregnancy.
Key Information:
At week 36, your baby’s liver and kidneys are functioning properly. Your little one is now closer to being able to breathe on their own as lungs can produce surfactant, which keeps the air sacs open and able to take in oxygen. They lose lanugo - the soft fuzzy hair on their body- which protects their skin. Your baby swallows amniotic fluid, aiding digestive development. Most babies will have settled into a complete head-down position by this stage. Your baby's bones are hardening, though they're still softer than an adult's.
With just four weeks to go, most of your symptoms are signs that your baby’s almost here! You may breathe easier as the baby moves lower into your pelvis, though this can also cause pelvic discomfort. Trouble sleeping, heartburn, and swollen ankles are common now. Changes in your vaginal discharge, like watery or bloody mucus, could mean labor is near. Braxton Hicks contractions might feel stronger, but if cramps and pain become severe, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
Conclusion:
Get a belly sling to support your growing stomach. It might ease your back ache and provide relief. And If you have questions or need advice, Apollo doctors and our supportive community are always here for you. You’ve got this supermom!
