As you approach the final stretch of your pregnancy, you are now less than a month away from welcoming your little one. Here’s what you can anticipate during this pivotal week.
Changes in Your Body
If you’ve been tracking the size of your uterus throughout your pregnancy, you may notice some changes week by week, especially now. Significant weight gain should become less noticeable as you near the finish line. Typically, the total weight gain during pregnancy should be around 25 to 35 pounds (11.3 to 15.9 kg).
Around this week, the amount of amniotic fluid begins to decrease. You might also experience more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions, which are your body’s way of preparing for labor. Your cervix will start to dilate and thin out, and you may pass the mucus plug that seals the cervical opening to keep out bacteria during your pregnancy. The passage of this plug indicates that your body is gearing up for childbirth, but be aware that actual labor could still be hours, days, or even weeks away.
How Big is Your Baby?
By now, your baby is likely around 18 inches (45.7 cm) long and weighs between 6 to 7 pounds (2.7 to 3.2 kg).
What’s Happening with Your Baby?
Though your baby is considered full-term after this week, it’s generally best for them to stay in the womb until they are fully ready. If your baby is not positioned head-down, it’s wise to discuss with your healthcare provider and partner the various options available to encourage turning, including natural and medical techniques. For more information about breech babies and turning your baby, check out our post on understanding the soft cup method.
Planning for This Week
Now is the time to wrap up any birthing classes and finalize preparations for your baby’s arrival. Make sure your hospital bag is packed, and you might even want to practice the route to the hospital to ensure you’re ready when the time comes.
Tips for Enhancing Your Pregnancy Experience
At this point, it feels like a waiting game. Even though the exact day of delivery is uncertain, you can still take steps to prepare. If you have any last-minute preparations, like organizing your home, now is a great time to complete them. Some women prefer to streamline their lives by preparing freezer meals for when you and your baby return home.
Partner Support
Is there anything you can do to support your partner in these final weeks? Perhaps they’ve mentioned needing help assembling the crib or painting the nursery? It’s also a wonderful opportunity for you to take your partner out for one last date before the baby arrives.
For additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination, you might find this article from ACOG to be particularly helpful.
Additionally, if you’re considering starting a family, services like Vegas Pregnancy offer free sperm donor matching, while Make A Mom provides at-home insemination options. To learn more about how at-home insemination works, visit Make A Mom’s how-it-works page.
For further insights, check out Modern Family Blog for expert advice on navigating this exciting phase.
Summary
As you enter week 37 of your pregnancy, you are approaching the momentous occasion of childbirth. Your body is undergoing significant changes, and your baby is nearing their due date. Prepare for the upcoming weeks by finalizing your plans and being proactive in supporting your partner.