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Weeks 34 to 36 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions

Your belly has grown quite large. It's almost time to give birth! Your baby's lungs are almost ready to breathe air. The skull bones are firm enough to protect your baby's head. But they're soft enough to move down through the birth canal.

  • You might be wondering what to expect during labor. Because each birth is different, there's no way to know exactly what childbirth will be like for you. Talk to your doctor or midwife about any concerns you have.

  • You'll probably have a test for group B streptococcus (GBS). GBS is bacteria that can live in the vagina and rectum. GBS can make your baby sick after birth. If you test positive, you'll get antibiotics during labor.

4 tips for weeks 34 to 36 of pregnancy

  • Choose what type of pain relief you would like during labor. You can choose from a few types, including medicine and non-medicine options. You may want to use several types of pain relief.

  • Know how medicines can help with pain during labor. Some medicines lower anxiety and help with some of the pain. Others make your lower body numb so that you will feel less pain.

  • Tell your doctor about your pain medicine choice. Do this before you start labor or very early in your labor. You may be able to change your mind during labor.

  • Learn about the stages of labor.

    • The first stage includes the early (latent) and active phases of labor. Contractions start in early labor. During active labor, contractions get stronger, last longer, and happen more often. And the cervix opens more rapidly.
    • The second stage starts when you're ready to push. During this stage, your baby is born.
    • During the third stage, you'll usually have a few more contractions to push out the placenta.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have severe vaginal bleeding. You have soaked through one or more pads in an hour, and the bleeding is not slowing down.
  • You have sudden, severe pain in your belly that does not go away.
  • You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You have a seizure.
  • You see or feel the umbilical cord.
  • You think you are about to deliver your baby and can't make it safely to the hospital or birthing center.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have vaginal bleeding.
  • You have belly pain.
  • You have a fever.
  • You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
  • You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
    • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
    • Swelling in your leg or groin.
    • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.
  • You have symptoms of preeclampsia, such as:
    • Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet.
    • New vision problems (such as dimness, blurring, or seeing spots).
    • A severe headache that will not go away.
  • You have a sudden release or slow trickle of fluid from your vagina. This may mean your water has broken.
  • You've been having regular contractions for an hour. This means that you've had at least 6 contractions within 1 hour, even after you change your position and drink fluids.
  • You notice that your baby has stopped moving or is moving less than normal.
  • You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
    • Pain or burning when you urinate.
    • A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
    • Pain in your low back (below the rib cage and above the waist).
    • Blood in your urine.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You have vaginal discharge that smells bad.
  • You feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for more than a few days.
  • You have skin changes, such as a rash, itching, or a yellow color to your skin.
  • You have other concerns about your pregnancy.
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