Congratulations on reaching 37 weeks of pregnancy! At this stage, your baby is roughly the size of a tray of lasagna, weighing about 6.5 pounds and measuring around 19 inches long. While this marks the official “full-term” milestone, it’s still ideal for your little one to remain in the womb a bit longer. If your baby hasn’t yet assumed the head-down position, now is a good time to discuss options with your healthcare provider to facilitate a safe delivery.
Your Body at Week 37
As you approach the finish line, discomfort may become a constant companion. Many expectant mothers find themselves oscillating between tiredness and bursts of energy. It’s essential to prioritize rest during this time. While last-minute preparations may seem pressing, taking a breather on the couch is often the best approach. Adequate rest will help you gather the strength you’ll need for labor and delivery.
You might also be experiencing “pregnancy brain,” a common phenomenon characterized by forgetfulness and mental fog that tends to peak in the third trimester. Although this can be frustrating while you’re trying to prepare for your baby’s arrival, keep in mind that it’s a normal part of the journey. You’ll regain your mental clarity soon enough!
Your Baby’s Development at Week 37
Your little one is reaching some exciting developmental milestones. At this stage, their facial muscles are fully formed, paving the way for those adorable smiles and expressions we can’t wait to see after the labor is over. Additionally, their lungs are now ready for breathing air, which is a vital step as they prepare for life outside the womb. Your baby is also actively engaging in movements like blinking, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, and even thumb-sucking.
Symptoms and Health Updates at Week 37
As your body prepares for labor, your cervix will begin to dilate and efface. Throughout your pregnancy, a mucus plug has protected the cervix from bacteria, and by week 37, you may notice it passing. However, this doesn’t mean you should rush to the hospital just yet; dilation is a gradual process, and you could still be days or weeks away from labor.
You might also be experiencing what is known as false labor, which can feel quite similar to the real thing. Unlike Braxton Hicks contractions, which are typically painless, false labor can be uncomfortable and occur at irregular intervals. A helpful hint to differentiate between the two is to change positions; if the discomfort subsides, it’s likely false labor.
As your baby descends into the pelvis preparing for birth, you might feel increased pelvic and lower back pain. This is quite common and affects about 80 percent of women in their ninth month. To alleviate some discomfort, consider using a pregnancy support sling or belt designed to ease pressure.
If you’re expecting twins, week 37 could be the time for delivery, as twins typically arrive two to four weeks earlier than singletons. When your water breaks, you may notice either a slow trickle or a gush. It’s important to distinguish between this and a minor urine leak, as the fluid from your water breaking is usually odorless. Once you confirm that your water has broken, start timing your contractions and notify your healthcare provider.
Navigating this final stretch can be overwhelming, but remember that your healthcare team is there to support you through every step of the process. You’re almost there!
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Summary
At 37 weeks pregnant, your baby is the size of a tray of lasagna, weighing around 6.5 pounds. While your body prepares for labor with symptoms like cervical dilation and potential false labor, rest is crucial. Your baby is reaching significant developmental milestones and gearing up for their grand entrance.