Week 37 of Pregnancy

Key Takeaways at Week 37

• At 37 weeks, you may notice some mild spotting and increased vaginal discharge. This is normal. However, if you lose your mucus plug or observe more than a little blood, contact your doctor immediately. It is critical to study the indications of labour

• Baby weighs approximately 2.5 kg, give or take. However, this does not indicate they are entirely developed. They could benefit from an additional two or three weeks in utero, even if you feel like you are done

• Around week 37 of pregnancy, many expectant mothers find themselves organising cabinets and washing floors. This is the phenomenon affectionately known as "nesting." It could be instinctual since your body recognises that the baby will arrive soon. After all, you're 37 weeks pregnant, which is called "early term," suggesting the baby is nearly ready

• If you are in Week 37 of your pregnancy you are in the third trimester and in the ninth month

• 3 more weeks remaining in your pregnancy

Baby's Movement and Baby’s Development at Week 37

Baby is learning several new skills, like inhaling, exhaling, sucking, and blinking. In less adorable news, the baby is producing the first sticky faeces (known as meconium) in preparation for their first diaper.

Your baby's toenails began to grow around week 17 and became visible around week 20 (despite being mostly translucent!), but they are only now fully grown. At 37 weeks, the baby's toenails cover their tiny toes, reaching the end of each. Infant toenails are delicate and pliable, and they grow slowly, so you won't need to do much with them shortly after birth.

If your baby is facing head down, it's likely that their head will have "engaged" with your pelvis by 37 weeks, especially if this is your first pregnancy. This implies that the broadest part of Baby's head has passed past the opening of your pelvis, paving the way for their future passage down the birth canal during labour and delivery. If this isn't your first pregnancy, the baby may not engage until labour begins.

Your Baby's Brain is Developing

Even at 37 weeks pregnant, your baby's head continues to develop. At birth, it will be half an inch larger than their chest! What's your baby doing with all that brain space? In part, they improve the connections between neurons and muscles, allowing your child to acquire fine motor abilities such as grasping a small toe. But birth does not mark the end of brain development.

During the first two years of life, your baby's brain develops at a rate unprecedented in its history. In fact, the brain grows by 175% in the first year of life. Remember that both nutrition (with brain-nourishing DHA in breast milk or formula) and stimulation (via everyday learning activities) are vital methods to help your baby's brain develop.

Is My Baby Developed at 37 Weeks?

While you're almost there, the baby is still working hard in your womb. Their circulatory and musculoskeletal systems are complete, but their lungs, brain, and nervous system require some final touches. A week or two really can make a big impact.

• Baby Weight: Over 2.9 Kg
• Baby Length: Over 20-21 inches long
• Baby Size: Comparable to a bunch of Swiss chard

Is it Safe to Deliver at 37 Weeks?

Another week or two in your belly will reduce the likelihood of potential health issues for the baby. You're certainly eager to see and hold the baby in your arms, but resist the temptation to schedule an early induction (unless your doctor recommends it) or try to induce labour on your own with a homemade treatment. If you go into labour naturally, that's fine, but there's no reason to rush things.

Pregnancy Symptoms and Body Changes This Week

During week 37 of pregnancy, your body is constantly changing. As your baby grows, so will you, and you may feel specific pregnancy symptoms throughout this period.

• You may lose the mucus plug and notice the bloody appearance. If you do, notify your healthcare professional at your next appointment.
• The pressure from your baby's head on your pelvis and bladder may cause you to make frequent bathroom trips. A belly support band can help relieve pressure on your joints and ligaments by dispersing your baby's weight across your tummy and back.
• A belly support band may also aid with lightning crotch, a late pregnancy symptom characterised by brief, sharp pains in the vagina, pelvis, or rectum. This common problem could be caused by stretched ligaments, the baby's movement, or pressure on the pelvic nerves.
• Back pain, particularly sciatica, is prevalent in the third trimester. This ailment is caused by a shifting centre of gravity and loosened ligaments, which compress or irritate the sciatic nerve in your spine. You will have discomfort extending from your lower back down the back of your legs to your feet. Stretching, warm baths, and a heating pad may provide some relief.
• Remember how nauseous you felt when you had morning sickness? It could be back as a sign that the big day is approaching. Diarrhoea can potentially indicate labour at 37 weeks.

Body Changes This week

You may feel your baby wriggle rather than kick. It's quite cramped in there now!

You may see your healthcare practitioner once a week. They will examine your baby's position, growth, and overall health, as well as your cervix for symptoms of dilation and effacement (thinning).

Despite your growing belly and increased discomfort, you may experience a strong desire to clean, cook, or organise. If so, you're nesting, which is very typical at this stage of your pregnancy. Indulge that instinct slightly, but don't overdo it as you need to save your strength for the birth process.

37-week Ultrasound

An ultrasound may be performed as part of a biophysical profile. The profile is intended to assess the baby's health using ultrasonography and the findings of a non-stress test.

For mothers who are pregnant with twins, your doctor may recommend induction or c-section. Some physicians propose doing this at 38 weeks pregnant with twins, which means you may meet your infants in only a week!

No matter how or when you're going to deliver your baby (or babies!), try not to become frustrated while waiting. Remind yourself that it might happen today, tomorrow, or in a few weeks. If you're becoming antsy, just remember that it is only a matter of some more time.

Your Baby Bump at Week 37

Are you pregnant with twins? About 60 per cent of twins are born before week 37, so if your twosome is still going strong, you're in the minority among multiple moms. And, while you're undoubtedly feeling really uncomfortable and eager to get those babies out, sticking it out is actually very beneficial to their health.

What if I am Unable to Walk at 37 Weeks Pregnant?

We understand that with the weight on your tummy and pelvis, swollen feet, and general exhaustion, the furthest you want to walk may be to your sofa to lie down. But, unless your doctor says otherwise, take a walk around the block. Exercise helps with a variety of issues in the third trimester, including sleep, body aches, and swelling, and walking is one of the most safe types of physical activity.

Signs of Labour at 37 Weeks

At this stage in your pregnancy, it's a great time to review the indications of labour. Your chances of going into labour increase every day, so it is best to be prepared.

Labour indicators are typically divided into two categories: those that indicate that labour will begin soon and those that indicate that labour is already underway.

If you experience these indicators of labour at 37 weeks, you will go into labour soon (but we can't estimate how soon because each pregnancy is unique).

• Mucus plug and/or bloody show: You may notice a small amount of viscous mucus leaking over your pants, either all at once or gradually. This is the mucus plug that has been keeping your cervix safe all along. As your cervix dilates, the mucus plug is discharged to create room for the baby. The mucus plug may or may not contain traces of blood; if it does, this is known as the "bloody show."

• Nausea: Some women claim they begin to feel sick to their stomach right before labour starts. So, at 37 weeks pregnant, nausea could indicate that the baby is about to arrive.

• Diarrhoea: When you're 37 weeks pregnant, diarrhoea can be simply diarrhoea or a sign of impending labour. This is because when your hormones adjust in preparation for delivery, they can also stimulate your bowels.

Call your OB if You Encounter any of the Following

• Water breaks: If you feel water seeping out, whether in a gush or a drip, it's most likely amniotic fluid. The majority of women go into labour within 24 hours of their water breaking

• Regular contractions: Has your belly tightened on a regular basis? If the contractions keep repeating and appear to be arriving more often, you're in labour. As your uterus contracts, your cervix dilates, allowing the baby to pass through during birth. If this is your first pregnancy, you may experience consistent contractions for several hours before entering what is known as "active labour", that is, when contractions become extremely painful and require your whole attention

• Backache: Sometimes the baby is positioned in a way that causes additional strain on Mom's spine. If you experience chronic back pain that is more severe than you have had previously during your pregnancy, or if the pain extends from your abdomen to your back (or vice versa), you may be in labour

Your doctor will advise you on when to take yourself to the hospital. If your water has burst, your doctor may recommend that you be admitted immediately since you may need to be monitored for infection. If you're feeling contractions but your water hasn't broken, they'll most likely need to happen every five minutes or less before many hospitals will admit you, so the farther away you are, the sooner you'll need to leave your house.

Tips for 37 Weeks Pregnant

Here's what you can do this week as you near the finish line. You'll meet the baby in no time!

Drink plenty of water because dehydration might cause your uterus to contract, which can be uncomfortable. Remember, it also relieves other pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn.

A little ginger may help you find some relief. Make your own tea with fresh ginger and hot water, drink ginger ale, or eat crystallised ginger separately or sprinkle it on top of yoghurt and berries. If the nausea is severe, ask your doctor to consider a ginger supplement. Munching on a ginger biscuit may also work!

Hyaluronic acid is a pregnancy-safe moisturising powerhouse that may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, so look for a cream or oil with it in the ingredients. (And the farther up the list, the more hyaluronic acid is in the product.) To notice possible results, you must apply it on a daily basis and massage it into your belly, which will feel amazing if you have dry, itchy skin or abdominal pressure!

If you're in nesting mode, you want to get everything done, but you can't do it alone. Make a to-do list with your partner and divide up the tasks. You will be ready for the baby in no time!

Checklist for Week 37

• Ensure your hospital bag is packed and ready
• Schedule a prenatal visit
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working
• Create a safe sleeping environment for your infant, whether it's a bedside bassinet or cot
• Choose baby's home-coming attire

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is diarrhoea an indicator that labour is nearing?
   It could be. Some women suffer diarrhoea as their bodies prepare for labour, but this can occur several weeks (or even a few hours) before labour begins. You should not assume that experiencing diarrhoea in the third trimester indicates you're about to go into labour, but if the diarrhoea is accompanied by other labour symptoms such as increasing contractions and loss of mucus plug it could be an indication that labour is about to begin.
2. Should I be worried if the baby is still breech?
   Perhaps, but not necessarily. Babies can turn at the last minute, so there is still time for them to get in position. Still, it's a good idea to discuss with your healthcare practitioner what will happen if the baby does not turn around in time. A scheduled C-section may be required to safely deliver a breech baby. However, many physicians will attempt to reposition Baby inside the womb at least once; a surgery known as the external cephalic version may be performed in order to get the baby to shift head down.