36 Weeks Pregnant

Welcome to your final month of pregnancy. You’ve made it this far and you are now in the home stretch. Your uterus is now reaching its highest point and it makes breathing a bit labored and uncomfortable. You may experience “nesting” behavior during this time. You may feel the need to clean your house and prepare the baby’s room, even if your energy doesn’t last as long as you would like it to. You will also begin seeing your doctor on a weekly basis until you deliver.

Picture Perfect

The fetus now looks like a newborn baby. It has all the characteristics and mannerisms of a new baby. Its face has filled out and the skin is smooth. It measures 6 lbs and 13.2 inches from head to bottom.

Pack Your Bags

Its time to get ready for your road trip. Plan the quickest route to the hospital and have your bags packed and be ready to go at a moment’s notice. You never know when your water will break or contractions will increase.

False Labor

Intense fetal movement accompanied by contractions that ease up when you walk can detect false labor. The pain resides in you abdomen rather than your back and the contractions are irregular.

Real Labor

There are signs to look for that will indicate you are having true labor pains, however. There will be contractions that increase in intensity with activity. You will have pain in your lower back and may have diarrhea. The contractions will increase in pain and frequency. You will be able to time your contractions to see if they are coming on faster.

Another indication that you are in labor is when your membranes rupture. This is when your water breaks and you will feel a pool of wetness. It can be confused with urination, so check with your doctor if there is any question. Delivery should take place within 24 hours from the time the water breaks.