Week by Week Pregnancy, Weeks 33-36

From weeks 33 to 36 of pregnancy, your baby may grow to 18 inches in length & 6 pounds in weight. By the end of 36 weeks, your baby's respiratory and digestive system should be fully formed, allowing for normal feeding and breathing outside the womb.

By the end of this stage of pregnancy, your baby may begin to "drop," as their head lowers into your pelvis in preparation for delivery. Although this makes more room for your lungs, allowing you to breathe easier, the pressure of your baby's weight can impact your lower circulatory system causing your legs & ankles to swell. Taking frequent rest periods to raise your legs may help decrease the swelling. During this time, you will find yourself needing to go to the bathroom more frequently as your baby's weight presses down on your bladder, too.

In addition, many find it difficult to sleep well during the final trimester, not only from being uncomfortable, but also from their minds being preoccupied with a strong desire to clean and organize the home in preparation for the baby's arrival, called the "nesting syndrome." During these weeks, begin to pack an overnight bag to take to the hospital. Some items that you may want to pack are personal toiletries, a maternity hospital gown, a comfortable going home outfit for you and your baby, and a nursing bra, if you plan to breastfeed. If you have other children, this is a good time to make arrangements for their care. Since most women do not know the exact day and time that they will go into labor, preparing for the arrival of your baby, well in advance, will help you feel more at ease as you approach your baby's due date.
 
Written by: Shelley Scheibel RN, BSN

Reference Articles & Video:
http://babyworld.co.uk/2011/07/pregnancy-timeline-33-36-weeks-pregnant/
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/pregnancy-weeks-33-34-35-36.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI0mFY4swb4