37 Weeks Pregnant
Your baby is the size of a Winter melon 🫐
🌱 Baby Development at Week 37
EARLY FULL TERM! Baby is considered early term. All organs are functioning. Brain and lungs are still developing (reason full term is 39 weeks). Baby continues to gain weight. Nails may need trimming at birth.
🤱 Common Symptoms
🥗 Nutrition Tips
- Light easily digestible foods
- Dates continue
- Stay very hydrated
🏃♀️ Exercise Tips
- Walking to encourage labor
- Squats
- Rest when possible — conserve energy for labor
🏥 Medical Tests & Appointments
🔬 Hormone Changes
Progesterone begins declining allowing estrogen to dominate — triggering labor preparation. Oxytocin receptors at maximum.
📖 Week 37 Pregnancy — In-Depth Guide
At 37 weeks pregnant, you’ve just got a few more weeks to go until your big day. At this stage, you may find yourself doing things to keep yourself busy such as mopping the floors and cleaning out closets.
This is referred to as nesting, which is basically your brain’s way of thinking about preparing for your baby’s arrival.
This may be a great time for you if you haven’t done so already to put the finishing touches on your baby’s nursery and finalize baby names.
When you enter into your 37th week , your baby is approximately the same size as a romaine lettuce, and will be in your arms in roughly three weeks.
🩺37th Week Pregnancy Symptoms
you may easily confuse some of the symptoms with signs of labor, so here’s the lowdown on how to differentiate between the two.
First, here are a few common symptoms when you’re 37 weeks pregnant.
▸ Spotting
This is normal at this stage given that your cervix is extra sensitive and sex among other things can trigger the bleeding. However, if your bleeding is more than a few drops, contact your OB immediately as there may be an issue with your placenta, and it’s important to get treated immediately.
▸ Heartburn
This is one of those symptoms you’ve probably been experiencing for the past few weeks, and is caused by your baby applying pressure on your digestive system.
Abdominal Pressure
Abdominal Pressure
If your baby has moved down into your pelvis, great chances are that he/she is applying a considerably high amount of pressure on your abdomen resulting in a few aches and pains.
▸ Stretch marks
You may noticenew stretch marks on your pregnant belly, which as you might have guessed are caused by your growing baby. Vitamin E cream and certain body oils can help with stretch marks, so speak to your doctor to see whats the best stretch mark remedy for you.
▸ Trouble Sleeping
You probably aren’t getting the best sleep for the past few weeks of your pregnancy. Your best bet is to drink lots of water, and maybe try a few exercises during the day.
▸ Nausea
You may be having tummy troubles all through your pregnancy, and having them when you’re 37 weeks pregnant is a good sign that you’ll go into labor very soon. If you’re nausea gets severe or you find that you can’t keep food down, get in touch with your OB so that they can check the issues and rule out any complications.
▸ Contractions
Contractions and cramping are common symptoms when you’re 37 weeks. You may be able to get some relief from them if you lie down, but make sure you always are well hydrated.
Signs of Labor at 37 Weeks
There’s no better time than 37 weeks pregnant to educate yourself on the signs of labor. Some of the common ones include:
Mucus plug
You may at times notice mucus discharge leaking out onto your underwear aka mucus plug. This actually has been protecting your cervix all along and may or may not have a small amount of blood on it.
Diarrhea
This may be a sign of impending labor, and is mostly caused by the hormones that are preparing your body for delivery.
Regular contractions
Not Braxton Hicks, but these contractions are repetitive and will be more frequent.
Water breaking
If you feel water surge out, this is a good sign that’s its amniotic fluid and your water has broke. Most women enter labor within 24 hours after their water has broken.
Back pain
This may be caused owing to your baby’s position, but if it’s more constant and severe, it may be a sign of labor.
📷37th Week Pregnant Ultrasound - What to Expect ?
37 weeks ultrasound image
Your doctor may ask you to take a biophysical profile when you’re 37 weeks, which is a combination of an ultrasound and non-stress test.
If you’re pregnant with twins, your OB may speak to you about induction or C-section, which mostly happens when you’re 38 weeks pregnant. Regardless of when you’re going to have your baby.
It is important that you stay calm and relaxed and wait for the big day.
✅Pregnancy Week 37 Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our medical team