How to Flourish at 36 Weeks Pregnant

BABY DEVELOPMENT

Your little darling is getting plumper with each passing day! In fact, about 15% of your baby’s total body weight comes from fat. That fat doesn’t just lead to irresistibly cute and chubby cheeks – it also helps your baby stay nice and warm in the outside world. All this time, the umbilical cord – i.e. the lifeline between you and your baby – has been providing your growing bundle with continuous, automatic nutrition. It’s only after birth that your baby’s digestive system really starts to work and fully develop. 

YOUR BODY

By now, your baby bump’s probably grown so big that even bending down and tying your shoes takes superhuman effort! Choose comfy shoes or sandals that you can easily slip in and out of. When it’s time to dress up, go ahead and ask your partner for help. We bet your husband would love to feel needed and be able to help out. In fact, some extra rest will do you good just about now, and even everyday tasks can be quite tiring when you’re already carrying around a large belly. So don’t be afraid to ask support from family and friends when it comes to doing the daily housework, shopping, or cooking. You’ll be surprised at how ready and willing everyone will be to lend a hand!

NUTRITION

The more relaxed you feel at this stage, the better. And one of the ways to stay more zen is through a healthy and balanced diet. Eat lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, and good carbs. Remember that some foods are more nutrient-dense (i.e. they contain more nutrients per calorie) than others. Sufficient amounts of magnesium, in particular, can help manage daily stress. You can find magnesium in some types of mineral water, dark chocolate, as well as sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Vitamin B6, on the other hand, is important for the healthy functioning of the nervous system. It can be found in bananas, nuts, soybeans, and whole grains.

From dairy products and white meat, you can get the amino acid Tyrosine, which can start off a healthy chain reaction of stress-limiting hormones in your body. And last but not least, the pleasure we get from enjoying a good meal releases endorphins, the natural hormones responsible for feelings of wellbeing and euphoria. All the more reason to eat well during pregnancy!

TIPS

For some couples, baby names will come easy. For others, coming up with the perfect one can be a source of friction. It doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re looking for baby girl names or baby boy names, you can find inspiration everywhere – naming books (which often have mythical and exotic names as well as more traditional ones), family trees, famous people, or characters from favorite books or films. One possibility is to approach the selection process slowly by using lists. You make one and your partner makes one. If there are names that are on both lists, your job is done!

A little tip: Don’t get too many friends or relatives involved in the hunt for your baby’s name. You’ll soon tire of hearing things like “Hey, that’s the name of my first pet!” every time you mention a name you like. If you and your partner find a name you’re both happy with, go for it!

Week 37 has more in store for you! Find out what happens next by clicking here.