This is an exciting and transformative time.

Hi Momy, the wait is over; you’re in your last milestone of pregnancy. You are in the final countdown, so rest as much as you can, stay hydrated, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team with any concerns.

Physical/Emotional Changes :

• Increased Braxton Hicks Contractions: These contractions become more frequent and noticeable. They are usually irregular, don’t get consistently stronger or closer together, and often ease with rest or a change in position.
• Frequent Urination: The baby’s head may “engage” or drop into your pelvis (especially if it’s your first pregnancy), putting even more pressure on your bladder.
• Pelvic Pressure & Discomfort: You feel a heavy, full, or achy sensation in your pelvis.
• Swelling: Mild swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands is common due to increased blood volume and slowed circulation. Contact your provider immediately if you experience sudden, severe swelling.
• Trouble Sleeping: Finding a comfortable position is a challenge.
• Leaky Breasts: Some women begin to leak colostrum, a thick, yellowish fluid that is your baby’s first food. This is completely normal.
• Anxiety: It’s normal to feel nervous about labor, delivery, and becoming a parent.

How is the Baby Feeling or Baby’s Development (Weeks 33-36)?

• Rapid Weight Gain: In these weeks, your baby is gaining about half a pound (227 grams) per week. This fat smooths out their skin, making them look less wrinkled and more like a newborn.
• Less Room to Move: Incredible, Mother’s womb is now very crowded for the baby. You will notice a change in the quality of movements. The movements may feel slower but more powerful and sometimes uncomfortable.
• Positioning: Most babies settle into a head-down (cephalic) position by week 36 in preparation for birth. If not, your provider will discuss options like External Cephalic Version (ECV) to try to turn the baby.
• Lung Maturation: The lungs are among the last organs to fully mature. By 36 weeks, the lungs are producing surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs from sticking together, allowing the baby to breathe air after birth.

• Developing Senses: Hearing: Fully developed. The baby can recognize and is soothed by your voice, your partner’s voice, and the music they hear frequently.
• Eyes: They can detect light and dark. If you shine a light on your belly, the baby may turn away from it.
• Touch: They are aware of their surroundings and can feel the walls of the uterus. They often suck on their fingers or toes for comfort.

Medical Guidelines :

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Test: This is a standard swab test of the vagina and rectum to check for a common bacterium. If positive, you will receive antibiotics during labor to protect the baby.
• Cervical Checks: Your doctor or midwife may begin checking your cervix for signs of dilation (opening) and effacement (thinning).
• Important: You can be dilated for weeks without going into labor, or not dilated at all, and go into labor the next day. It’s not a reliable predictor.
• Discussion of Birth Plan: Be ready to discuss your preferences for pain management, delivery positions, and postpartum care.

When to Call Your Doctor/Midwife Immediately:

• Signs of Preterm Labor: Regular, painful contractions that get closer together, menstrual-like cramps, lower back pain, or a change in vaginal discharge (especially if it’s watery or bloody).
• Your water breaks.
• Severe headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling (signs of preeclampsia).

And then, the miracle you’ve awaited: your child is placed in your arms, and your heart ascends to a joy beyond words.

Related Blogs

• Pregnancy Week By Week | 4th Week of Pregnancy | (Month 1) | First Trimester
• 5th to 8th Week of Pregnancy (Month 2) – First Trimester
• 9th Week to 12th Week Pregnancy (Month 3) – First Trimester
• 13th Week to 16th Week Pregnancy (Month 4) – Second Trimester
• 17th Week to 20th Week Pregnancy (Month 5)- Second Trimester
• 21st Week to 24th Week Pregnancy (Month 6)-Second Trimester
• 25th Week to 28th Week Pregnancy (Month 7)-Third Trimester
• 29th Week to 32 Week Pregnancy (Month 8) – Third Trimester

Sources:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997
• https://www2.hse.ie/pregnancy-birth/baby-development-pregnancy-stages/stages/33-36-weeks
• https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/pregnancy-calendar/third-trimester-weeks-29-40
• https://www.news-medical.net/health/Pregnancy-33-36-weeks.aspx