37th week of pregnancy Week
Congratulations, you are now exactly 37 weeks pregnant! 🎉 This is a major milestone in your baby’s development because it is now considered “early”. So even if your baby is born, he/she will most likely survive! But it will still be good for his/her lungs and brain to stay inside for a few more weeks.
You may notice some body signals this week. Light spotting and increased vaginal discharge are normal , but if you lose your mucus plug or notice heavy bleeding, it’s a good idea to call your doctor right away. It’s time to review your labor signs! 🍼 ✨
Your baby is probably around 6 kilos , but he’s not fully “cooked” yet! 🍪 In the last few weeks, your baby is continuing to store fat and strengthen his immune system. During this time, you may feel incredibly energetic and want to organize your house, empty drawers, and clean everywhere. This is called the “nesting instinct.” 🏠 💖 Your body is preparing for the baby’s arrival!
Baby’s Development in the 37th Week 👶
Your baby is currently practicing basic skills like breathing, sucking, and blinking . And yes, he’s also making his first poop (meconium)! 🤭 Who can’t wait to change their first diaper? 🙋♀️
Let’s take a look at the tiny feet! 🦶 Her nails started growing at 17 weeks, became visible at 20 weeks, but are now fully developed. Those tiny nails are now covering your toes, but don’t worry, you don’t need to cut them right after birth— newborn nails are very soft and grow slowly.
If your baby is in a head-down position , their head is likely already settled into their pelvis. This is the first step in their journey to birth! 👏 If this is your first pregnancy , your baby’s head may settle into their pelvis before labor begins. However, if you’ve had a baby before , this process can wait until after you’re born. So, it all depends on your baby’s timing! ⏳ ✨
Baby Size at 37 Weeks 🥬
Your baby is now the size of a head of lettuce! 🥗 He is about 48.5 cm tall and weighs between 2.7-3.2 kg. He is also gaining about 14 grams every day. When you think about it, you can say that your baby is in weight storage mode right now! 😍
Is My Baby Fully Developed at Week 37? 🤔 👶
With the baby so close to birth, he’s pretty much fully developed! His circulatory and musculoskeletal systems are now fully developed. However, his lungs, brain, and nervous system are still getting the finishing touches. So staying in for a few more weeks could give him an extra boost. But don’t worry, he’ll probably be perfectly healthy when he does arrive. 💪 💛
How Many Months Is 37 Weeks Pregnant? 📆
You’re exactly in your ninth month! 🎉 Officially, you’re three weeks away from giving birth , but your baby could be arriving any day now.
Is There a 37 Week Ultrasound? 🖥️
If your doctor has ordered a biophysical profile (BPP), you may have an ultrasound at week 37. This test checks your baby’s overall health with a non-stress test (NST) along with ultrasound images.
If you’re pregnant with twins , your doctor may plan to induce labor at 38 weeks , meaning you’re probably just a week away from meeting your babies! 👶
Are you getting impatient? Remember, birthdays cannot be predicted! It all depends on your baby’s schedule. While you’re waiting, you can get into cleaning mode —have you thought about wiping down the back of the fridge? 🤭 🧹
Pregnancy Symptoms in Week 37 🤰
The symptoms you experience this week may be confused with labor pains! 🤯 Here’s what awaits you in week 37:
🔹 Heartburn : As your baby grows, it puts more pressure on your digestive system. Avoid spicy foods and continue to drink plenty of water! 🚫 🌶️
🔹 Spotting : Light spotting is normal because your cervix is preparing for labor. However, if the amount of bleeding is heavy, call your doctor! ☎️
🔹 Stretch Marks : Unfortunately, new stretch marks may continue to appear. Moisturize your body and increase your water consumption! 💦 🧴
🔹 Abdominal Pressure : If the baby is down, it can put extra pressure on the pelvic area, increasing the need to go to the toilet. 🚽 💨
🔹 Sleep Problems : It can be difficult to find a comfortable position with your growing belly. Do light exercise, reduce fluid intake before bed, and stay away from caffeine. 🛌 💤
🔹 Contractions : It’s normal to feel contractions or cramps at 37 weeks. But remember, real labor pains are regular and don’t stop! If they don’t go away when you sit down and rest, call your doctor. ⏳ 📞
🔹 Nausea : It could be a sign that you’re getting closer to labor! If you have severe nausea or vomiting, consult your doctor. 🤢 🚑
37 Weeks Pregnant Belly and Birth Symptoms 🤰 🎉
🔹 If you’re expecting twins, get ready! 👶 👶 Most twin pregnancies end before week 37. If there are still babies inside, you’re in the minority, but it’s great for their health! 💕
🔹 Are you having trouble walking? 🏃♀️ Increased pressure, swollen feet and general fatigue can make walking feel like torture. But taking short walks can help with your sleep, pain and swelling . Taking a few steps and increasing your blood circulation will give you some relief! 🚶♀️ 💨
Signs of Labor – Are You Ready? 🍼 🚨
Labor can begin at any time in the 37th week! Here are the signs you should look out for:
✅ Is birth approaching?
✔ You may feel intense pressure in your pelvic area as the baby descends.
✔ There may be more vaginal discharge or the passing of a mucous plug (mucus plug).
✔ If mild contractions become more frequent and regular, labor may be imminent!
🚨 Is labor starting?
✔ Real contractions do not stop and get stronger! If you have contractions that come every 10 minutes and do not decrease, call your doctor.
✔ Water breaking : If you notice a sudden discharge or leakage, call your doctor immediately.
✔ If you have severe back pain and regular menstrual cramps , you are probably in labor!
💡 Every pregnancy is different, pay attention to how your symptoms progress! Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you have any doubts. Baby is on the way! 🚼 💖
Signs of Labor: Is Your Baby On The Way? 🚼 ✨
- There are some obvious signs that may indicate that labor is approaching in the first week. Here are the things you should pay attention to:
Mucus plug and/or bloody discharge 🩸 : You may notice a thick, slimy discharge in your underwear. Sometimes it comes in one piece, sometimes in small pieces. This is the mucus plug that protects the cervix. As your cervix opens, this plug falls out and you begin to prepare for labor. There may be a little blood in the mucus plug—this is called a “bloody sting” and could mean that labor is imminent!
Nausea 🤢 : Some mothers report that they feel nauseous right before giving birth. If you suddenly feel nauseous, it could be that labor is approaching!
Diarrhea 🚽 : Hormonal changes can stimulate your intestines in preparation for birth. Mild diarrhea that lasts a few days could be a sign of the baby’s arrival!
What Should You Do If You Have Started Labor? 🚑 📞
If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away:
🚨 Your water breaking 💦 : If you notice a sudden gush of fluid or a trickle of fluid, it’s most likely amniotic fluid. Most moms go into labor within 24 hours of their water breaking!
🚨 Regular contractions ⏳ : If your belly is getting firmer at regular intervals and the contractions are getting stronger over time, labor may be starting! If it’s your first, these contractions can last for hours, but if it’s your second (or more) labors, the process may go faster.
🚨 Severe back pain 😖 : What is called “labor pain from the lower back” can occur when the baby puts too much pressure on your spine. If the pain doesn’t ease at all or you feel a sharp pain radiating from your abdomen to your lower back, it’s likely that labor has begun!
Is It Safe to Give Birth at 37 Weeks? 🤱
It would be better for the baby’s health if he or she stayed inside for a few more weeks. If labor starts on its own, that’s perfectly normal, but there’s no need to rush to induce early labor. 🕰️ 💕
Some Tips That Will Help You in Week 37! 🍼 ✨
There are only a few weeks left until the big day when you will hold your baby in your arms! Here are some tips to help you get through this week more comfortably:
💧 Drink plenty of water! : Dehydration can cause your uterus to contract, which can cause discomfort. Drinking water can also help with week 37 symptoms like heartburn, constipation, and bloating . Make it a habit to carry a water bottle with you!
🍵 Ease Nausea with Ginger! : If you’re feeling nauseous, ginger can be your best friend! You can drink some fresh ginger steeped in hot water, sip on a ginger soda that has lost its fizz, or add crystallized ginger to yogurt and fruit. If your nausea is severe, you can also take a ginger supplement after consulting your doctor. Even ginger cookies can help a bit! 🍪
🧴 Use a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid! : Dry, itchy and tight skin can bother you. Moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid , which can be used safely during pregnancy, can both relieve itching and reduce the appearance of stretch marks by deeply moisturizing your skin. Apply regularly every day and massage gently into your skin!
🏡 Include your spouse in the process! : If you’re in nesting mode, you don’t have to do everything alone! Prepare a to-do list and share the work with your spouse. If you want to get everything done before the baby arrives, sharing the tasks will make you less tired!
🎉 Although the last weeks require some patience, everything is for you to hold your baby in your arms in health! Almost there! 🥰
37th Week Pregnancy Checklist 📋 ✨
Don’t forget what you need to do this week! Here are a few important reminders to prepare you and your little one for birth in the 37th week:
- ✅ Schedule your 38th week prenatal appointment! 🗓️
Your doctor visits will now be weekly . Be prepared for possible birth scenarios by scheduling your 38th week check-up early! - ✅ Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors! 🚨
It is important to provide a safe environment for your baby. Make sure the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are working. If the detectors have low batteries or are missing, replace them immediately! - ✅ Prepare a safe sleeping area for your baby! 🛏️
Whether you use a bassinet or a bassinet that your baby can sleep in , create a safe sleeping area for your baby. Make sure there are no pillows, blankets, toys or anything else on the bed! - ✅ Choose your baby’s hospital outfit! 👶 🍼
It’s time to choose the first outfit you’ll bring your little angel home with! Prepare a comfortable, soft and seasonal combination , taking into account the weather conditions . 🌿
🎉 There is very little time left to meet your baby! Do your final checks and complete your preparations! 🥰 💖
