Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

36 Weeks Along But Not Looking Pregnant?

by Annabel Silva
(Corpus Christi, Texas )

My friend is 36 weeks along now. Her baby seems to be very close to her back and she hardly looks pregnant. What does this mean to her?

Answer:

Hi Annabel,

All women carry their babies differently and some women never really "show" very much. Some women will also "pop" at the very last minute. And of course some women look seriously pregnant right away!

So it's hard to say what it means for your friend. It could just be the way she carries her baby, and it won't mean much of anything.

It could indicate that her baby's position is posterior, with baby's back to her back. This isn't the best position for her baby (though it's not a terrible thing, either). She can do some "cat stretches" and spend time propped up on pillows on her hands and knees to encourage baby to get into a good position.

She should also avoid leaning back in chairs and lying on her back. Swimming and walking can also be good ways to get a baby to turn.

She may also have a small baby - or she could have a big baby that's just good at "hiding."

If she's worried it's always good for her to bring it up with her doctor or midwife - but otherwise she probably just carries her baby differently than other friends you two have.

Best of luck to her and to you.