Your Pregnancy: Week 36

Welcome to week 36! You're in the home stretch now!

At this stage, your baby's development is impressive — their lungs are fully formed and ready to take their very first breath after birth. Plus, their digestive system is all set to go, meaning they'll be able to feed and digest milk like a champ if they decide to make an early entrance into the world. They're now around 47.4cm long from head to heel, that's approximately the size of a romaine lettuce!

As you prepare for the final weeks of pregnancy, you may start to notice a tightening sensation in your lower abdomen from time to time. These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions, and they're totally normal. Think of them as your uterus doing some "practice runs" for the real deal when labour kicks in.

As always, it's essential to stay attuned to your baby's movements during this time - their regular movement is a reassuring indicator of their wellbeing. If you notice any changes, such as a decrease in movements, call your maternity unit for guidance straight away.

It's also essential to be aware of the signs that labour may be starting. As your due date approaches, keep an eye out for contractions that become longer, stronger and more frequent. When they start to follow a regular pattern, coming every five minutes and lasting at least 60 seconds, it could be a sign that labour is beginning.

When you notice these signs, don't hesitate to reach out to your Maternity Unit. Keeping a record of the duration and frequency of your contractions can be helpful for your midwife, so they have a clear picture of what's happening.

⬅️ YOUR PREGNANCY: WEEK 37

➡️ YOUR PREGNANCY: WEEK 35

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