Pregnancy Week by Week: Weeks 33-36

Oh baby! Your no-longer-little one is probably up to six pounds—or more by this point! Check out what’s happening during the final weeks of your pregnancy.

(Music playing) Female: You would do anything to get some sleep, but our little passenger is not making that easy. Up to 75% of pregnant women experience third trimester insomnia. Dr. Joshua Fink: Now that you have reached month 9, you are probably ready to burst. By the end of week 36, your no longer little baby will weigh about 6 lbs, and measure 20 inches or more in length. Expect weight to continue increase, but your baby does not have room to get much longer. These days, your fetus is acting more like a baby, closing his or her eyes while asleep, and opening them while awake. Your baby has also finally developed his or her very own immune system, a must for those upcoming days on the playground. And if your baby is a he, he will reach an important milestone this month. His testicles should be dropping from abdomen to scrutum. Now that your baby’s bodily systems are close to fully mature, he or she will focus on expansion, both in weight and in brainpower. It is interesting, that both the head that houses that brain and the bones that hold that weight are still quite soft. This is so your baby can push easily out of your birth canal, thinking about that impending birth. Not to mention dealing heartburn, leg cramps, and a gigantic belly maybe keeping you up at night. Third trimester insomnia is very common. Try to avoid exercise too close to bedtime. It can also help to enjoy a banana, or glass of milk in the evening, because both contain sleep enhancing hormones. Remember, in the beginning of your pregnancy? When you could not stop going to the bathroom? You are probably experiencing the same need to urinate constantly once again, because your baby’s head is now pressing squarely against your bladder, this is very normal. One place you could use some extra moisture is your eyes as they may suddenly become dry and uncomfortable. You can blame those pregnancy hormones for this irritation, which is due to a decrease in tear production, but take heart. The finish line is in sight, and soon, you will be holding that little boy or girl in your arms. Female: Want to learn more? Check out other videos and sources on this site for more information. (Music playing)