Pregnancy Guide

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Admin2025-11-18
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4m

Weeks 33-36: Preparing for Delivery ​

Entering weeks 33-36 of the third trimester, the fetus is basically fully developed. You will now enter the stage of weekly prenatal checkups, and the countdown to delivery preparation begins.

Fetal Development ​

Physical Development ​

  • Length: About 43-46 cm
  • Weight: About 2000-2500 g
  • Subcutaneous Fat: Further increase
  • Skin: Wrinkles decrease, becoming smoother

Important Developmental Features ​

Immune System ​

  • Acquiring passive immunity antibodies from the mother
  • Own immune system continues to develop
  • Establishing immune protection for life outside the womb

Organ Maturation ​

  • Lungs are basically mature, approaching full term
  • Digestive system is perfect, can process breast milk
  • Thermoregulation ability enhanced
  • Kidney function fully developed

Sensory Development ​

  • Sensory systems developed perfectly
  • Clear response to external stimuli
  • Obvious sleep-wake cycles
  • Beginning to have memory and learning abilities

Important Checks and Monitoring ​

Weekly Checkup Content ​

  • Fetal Heart Monitoring (NST): Monitor fetal condition
  • Fundal Height and Abdominal Circumference: Assess fetal growth
  • Fetal Position Confirmation: Ensure fetal position is suitable for delivery
  • Blood Pressure and Urine Protein: Monitor for gestational hypertension

Key Checkup Items ​

Amniotic Fluid Assessment ​

  • Monitor Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI)
  • Both polyhydramnios and oligohydramnios need attention
  • Affects fetal development and delivery method

Placental Function Check ​

  • Ultrasound to check placental maturity
  • Assess placental position and function
  • Determine if early delivery is needed

Cervical Maturity Assessment ​

  • Cervical length measurement
  • Degree of cervical dilation and effacement
  • Predict delivery time

Delivery Preparation ​

Hospital Bag Checklist ​

For Mom ​

  • Documents: ID, insurance card, prenatal records
  • Clothing: Nursing clothes, nursing bras, loose pajamas
  • Hygiene: Maternity pads, disposable underwear
  • Toiletries: Pregnancy-safe toiletries, nipple cream

For Baby ​

  • Clothing: Onesies, swaddles, hats, socks
  • Diapers: Newborn diapers, wet wipes, diaper rash cream
  • Feeding: Bottles, formula, bibs (if needed)
  • Toiletries: Baby wash, lotion, cotton swabs

Other Essentials ​

  • Electronics: Charger, camera
  • Food: Chocolate, energy bars
  • Daily Items: Water cup, straw, towel

Understanding Delivery Methods ​

Natural Birth ​

  • Pros: Fast recovery, fewer postpartum complications
  • Cons: Significant pain, uncertain process
  • Suitable for: Normal fetal position, no serious complications

C-Section ​

  • Pros: Determined time, controllable pain
  • Cons: Slow recovery, surgical risks
  • Indications: Abnormal fetal position, narrow pelvis, serious complications

Painless Delivery (Epidural) ​

  • Method: Epidural anesthesia
  • Pros: Significantly reduces pain, stay awake
  • Cons: May prolong labor, anesthesia risks

Physical Changes and Discomforts ​

Physical Changes ​

  • Abdomen extremely distended, mobility inconvenient
  • Breathing becomes more difficult
  • Edema may worsen
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Pelvic pain and discomfort

Common Discomforts ​

Braxton Hicks Contractions ​

  • Features: Irregular, weak intensity, short duration
  • Management: Change position, rest, deep breathing
  • Note: Distinguish from true labor contractions

Heartburn ​

  • Cause: Uterus compressing the stomach
  • Management: Small frequent meals, avoid spicy food, elevate upper body

Back Pain ​

  • Cause: Center of gravity shifts forward, ligaments loosen
  • Management: Moderate exercise, warm compress, massage

Lifestyle Guide ​

Diet Adjustments ​

  • Key Nutrients: Iron, Calcium, Vitamin C
  • Dietary Principles: Easy to digest, high nutrition
  • Avoid: Spicy, greasy, overeating

Exercise Suggestions ​

  • Walking: Moderate daily walking
  • Pelvic Exercises: Promote fetal engagement
  • Breathing Exercises: Prepare for labor
  • Avoid: Strenuous exercise, standing for long periods

Rest Arrangements ​

  • Sleep: Left lateral position, ensure adequate sleep
  • Rest: Avoid overexertion, take naps
  • Activity: Reduce going out, avoid crowded places

Mental Preparation ​

Emotional Management ​

  • Anxiety: Learn about delivery to build confidence
  • Fear: Communicate fully with doctors, understand the process
  • Expectation: Positive mindset, welcome the new life

Support System ​

  • Partner Support: Learn together, encourage each other
  • Family Support: Seek help and care
  • Professional Support: Attend prenatal classes, consult doctors

Symptoms to Watch For ​

⚠️ Seek Medical Attention Immediately:

  • Regular contractions (every 5-6 minutes)
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Water breaking
  • Significantly reduced fetal movement
  • Severe headache
  • Vision disturbances
  • Symptoms of high blood pressure

Next Week Preview ​

After week 37 you will enter:

  • Full-term pregnancy stage
  • Delivery possible at any time
  • Weekly prenatal checkups
  • Final delivery preparations

Gentle Reminder: This is the final preparation stage. Maintain a good physical and mental state, pay close attention to physical changes, and be ready to welcome the new life at any time.