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Your Pregnancy: Week 36

Your baby

• Just how big is that baby of yours now? This week he weighs about 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) and he's over 46 cm (18.5 in) from head to toe.
• The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby reaches its peak this week. Although your baby will continue to grow over the next couple of weeks, the amniotic fluid will decrease as your body reabsorbs some of it.
• As the amniotic fluid decreases, your baby will have less room to move. This snug environment will likely curtail his somersaults, kicking, and punching. And if his head has already dropped down into your pelvis, he'll be even less mobile. He'll be able to wiggle, twist, and turn, but that's about it. So it may feel as if your baby is moving less than before. If, however, you do not feel your baby move at all, call your caregiver.
 
Your bump
Can you believe there are just four weeks left until your due date? By this point in your pregnancy, you may have gained about 25 to 35 pounds, but from here on in, you may find that your weight remains about the same.
 
Pack your bags!
If you haven't packed your bag for the hospital yet, it's time to get cracking. Then when the time comes, you'll be able to grab your bag and go — you won't be packing on the fly and worrying about whether you have everything you need. Find out what to bring, and what's supplied by your hospital, from your prenatal instructor or caregiver.
 
You said it! Advice from real moms
“Your delivery nurses do most of the work to keep you comfortable and feel confident you can do this. Don’t forget them! I bought 30 chocolate bars and put then in a basket next to a picture frame that said ‘Thank you for helping deliver our little sweetie. Help yourself to some sweets.’ We were the favorite hospital room!” – Nicole, mom of one
 
Did you know?
Many hospitals don’t allow you to wear nail polish during a C-section. If you have a planned surgical birth, be sure to check your hospital’s policy before getting that pre-baby mani-pedi!
 
Good Question! What is false labour? How will I know when it’s the real deal?
Many women experience false labour before true labour starts. False labour consists of contractions that usually stop just as easily as they start. False labour contractions can be painful but, unlike true labour contractions, they are irregular and do not increase in intensity and frequency.
 
Before active labour (which actually dilates the cervix) begins, you may experience prelabour. Prelabour can last hours — or even days — without any dilation occurring. That's frustrating, but it helps to remember that early labour is still accomplishing something: softening and thinning the cervix so it's ready to begin dilating. For the whole story, check out Labour Day Primer.
 
Labour day tips: epiurals
Will you have an epidural? Many women do, but the percentage varies dramatically from province to province. Like every other intervention, you should be informed of the pros and cons before you say yes.
 
Looking ahead
Did you know that you have a substantial effect on what kind of father your partner will be? Here’s what every mom needs to know about new fathers.

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