Still growing and still preparing
Week 36: Your baby is approaching full term
At the end of 36 weeks of pregnancy, your baby will be considered full term. Although he has more growing to do after that time, it might give you comfort to know that the arrival is approaching quickly.
Here's what else is happening:
- Your baby has grown almost completely into his skin, which was once oversized and loose.
- He now has a fully rounded face, in part because his powerful sucking muscles are now developed and ready to get to work.
- Although your baby's bones are hardening, his skull remains soft and flexible for his birth.
- At 36 weeks of pregnancy, your baby probably weighs about 6 pounds or slightly more.
Your Week 36 nutrition and health
Keep up your healthy habits
It's natural for your body to begin to slow a little as you get closer to your due date. You're now carrying a full-grown baby inside, and are continuing to adjust to loosening ligaments, swelling, and other challenges.
- Continuing consistent, gentle exercise can give you long-term energy. Walking is a great example of exercise you usually can continue through labor.
- Your balanced nutrition now is not only nourishing you and your baby, but it also is establishing a strong foundation for breastfeeding and your body's recovery after delivery.
What are Braxton-Hicks contractions?
Braxton-Hicks contractions is the clinical term for false contractions. They were named after the British doctor John Braxton Hicks. These types of contractions might become more frequent as you edge closer to your due date. Remember, these contractions play an important role in helping your body rehearse for childbirth.
The differences between Braxton-Hicks and true labor contractions
| Braxton-Hicks (False Labor) Contractions | True Labor Contractions |
|---|---|
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