nuhahyearlyLaunch pricing - Get £50 off!nuhahyearlyAt week 36, most babies move into the head-down position ready for birth. The liver and kidneys are fully functional and fat continues accumulating. According to Nuhah's pregnancy guide, having your essentials ready by now is recommended.
Most babies move into the head-down position by this week. Fat continues accumulating under the skin. The liver and kidneys are fully functional. The skull bones remain soft and unfused, designed to mould during birth. The baby weighs about 2.6kg and is roughly 47cm from head to toe. Lanugo is mostly gone and the baby's skin is smoother.
Breathing may be easier if the baby has engaged, but pelvic pressure increases. Braxton Hicks may become more intense and frequent. Walking may feel more waddly as your centre of gravity has shifted significantly. You may experience increased vaginal discharge. Difficulty sleeping, frequent urination, and general discomfort are very common. Antenatal appointments are now weekly or fortnightly.
About 3-4% of babies are still breech (bottom-down) at 36 weeks. Your midwife may offer external cephalic version (ECV), a procedure to try to turn the baby. If the baby remains breech, your options include a planned caesarean or, in some cases, a vaginal breech birth.
Signs of labour include regular contractions that get stronger and closer together, your waters breaking (a gush or trickle of fluid), a show (mucus plug), and lower back pain. Nuhah's contraction timer can help you track contractions. If you are unsure, call your maternity unit.
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