Week 36: Early Term - When Baby Could Come

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Reaching Early Term Status

Week 36 represents an important milestone in your pregnancy journey – your baby is now considered "early term." While full term isn't until 39 weeks, babies born at 36 weeks have significantly better outcomes than those born just a few weeks earlier. This designation reflects the remarkable development that has occurred and acknowledges that your baby could potentially thrive if born now.

The classification system for pregnancy timing is:

• Early term: 37-38 weeks and 6 days
• Full term: 39-40 weeks and 6 days
• Late term: 41 weeks to 41 weeks and 6 days
• Post term: 42 weeks and beyond

However, it's important to note that every additional day in the womb continues to provide benefits for your baby's development.

Why Every Week Still Matters

While your baby could survive well if born at 36 weeks, continuing the pregnancy until full term provides significant advantages:

• Brain development: The brain continues rapid growth and myelination
• Lung maturation: Surfactant production continues to increase
• Fat accumulation: Better temperature regulation and energy reserves
• Immune system: More antibody transfer and immune development
• Feeding abilities: Improved coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing

Research shows that babies born at 39-40 weeks have lower rates of breathing problems, feeding difficulties, and NICU admissions compared to those born at 37-38 weeks.

Final Organ Maturation

While all major organ systems are functional, fine-tuning continues:

• Liver: Improving ability to process bilirubin and prevent jaundice
• Brain: Rapid myelination and neural connection formation
• Lungs: Increasing surfactant production and alveolar maturation
• Immune system: Enhanced antibody transfer and white blood cell function
• Digestive system: Improved enzyme production and gut maturation

Physical Appearance Near Completion

Your baby now weighs approximately 2.7 kilograms (6 pounds) and has the rounded, full appearance of a term baby. The vernix (protective coating) begins to decrease, and the lanugo (fine body hair) is being shed. Your baby's appearance is very close to what you'll see at birth.

Positioning and Engagement

Most babies have settled into the head-down position by 36 weeks, and many begin to "engage" or "drop" into the pelvis. This positioning change may:

• Improve your breathing as pressure on your diaphragm decreases
• Increase pelvic pressure and bladder pressure
• Change the shape of your belly
• Signal that your body is preparing for labor

Early Labor Signs to Watch For

While you hope to reach full term, it's important to be aware of signs that labor might be beginning:

• Regular contractions that increase in intensity and frequency
• Water breaking (rupture of membranes)
• Bloody show (mucus plug discharge with blood)
• Persistent lower back pain
• Pelvic pressure and cramping
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Sudden burst of energy (nesting instinct)

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of these signs, especially before 37 weeks.

Preparing for Possible Early Delivery

Even though early term babies generally do well, it's wise to be prepared:

• Have your hospital bag packed and ready
• Know the route to your delivery location
• Understand your healthcare provider's protocols
• Review signs of labor with your partner
• Ensure car seat is properly installed

Your Body's Preparations

Your body is also preparing for labor and delivery:

• Braxton Hicks contractions may become more frequent
• Your cervix may begin to soften and efface (thin out)
• Ligaments are loosening due to the hormone relaxin
• Your pelvis is preparing to expand during delivery

Recipe: Energy-Sustaining Date and Nut Balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates, soaked for 10 minutes
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Coconut flakes for rolling (optional)

Instructions

1. Drain dates and blend with coconut oil and vanilla until smooth
2. Add nuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt
3. Process until mixture holds together when pressed
4. Roll into 1-inch balls
5. Roll in coconut flakes if desired
6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving
7. Natural energy boost for late pregnancy

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Reaching early term status can bring mixed emotions:

• Relief: Knowing your baby could thrive if born now
• Anticipation: Excitement about meeting your baby soon
• Anxiety: Concerns about labor, delivery, and parenthood
• Impatience: Ready for pregnancy discomforts to end
• Nesting urges: Strong desire to prepare and organize

These feelings are completely normal and shared by most expectant parents approaching delivery.

Final Preparations

Use these final weeks to:

• Complete any remaining nursery preparations
• Stock up on newborn essentials
• Prepare meals for after delivery
• Arrange newborn care supplies
• Review your birth plan with your healthcare provider
• Practice relaxation and breathing techniques

The Home Stretch

Week 36 represents the beginning of the final phase of your pregnancy journey. While your baby could arrive safely now, the goal is to continue the pregnancy until full term when possible. Each additional day provides valuable development time that will benefit your baby throughout their life.

The transformation from a single cell to a fully formed human being capable of independent life is nearly complete. The foundation laid during these 36 weeks will serve your child throughout their entire life, making every day of this pregnancy journey incredibly valuable.

Sources:

1. Committee on Obstetric Practice. (2017). “Definition of term pregnancy”
2. Tita, A.T., et al. (2009). “Timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery at term and neonatal outcomes”