Welcome to our week-by-week pregnancy guide! We’re excited to provide you with all the essential information about what to anticipate during your pregnancy journey, including symptoms, fetal development, bodily changes, and upcoming medical appointments. Here’s a comprehensive overview of week 37.
Your Body at 37 Weeks Pregnant
It’s Becoming Challenging
You’re nearing the finish line, but it may not feel comfortable. At 37 weeks, many mothers-to-be experience a mix of fatigue and anxious energy. Prioritizing rest is crucial, as the last-minute tasks can be handled later—perhaps even from the comfort of your couch! When labor begins, you’ll want to conserve as much energy as possible. While sleep may continue to elude you due to discomfort in finding a position, take time to rest and relax. You’ll appreciate it later.
Pregnancy Brain & Mood Fluctuations
By now, you’re likely familiar with “pregnancy brain,” a delightful phase of forgetfulness and confusion that often intensifies in the third trimester. This can be frustrating, especially as you try to prepare everything for your baby’s arrival, but know it’s completely normal. Rest assured, your mental clarity will return soon.
Your Baby at Week 37 Pregnant
At this stage, your baby is approximately the size of a tray of lasagna, weighing about 6.5 pounds and measuring roughly 19 inches long. While your baby is considered “full-term” at this point, it’s best if they remain in place for a little longer. If they haven’t turned head-down yet, consult your healthcare provider about possible methods to encourage this position and avoid a breech delivery.
Your little one is reaching some thrilling developmental milestones. Their facial muscles are now fully formed, promising adorable expressions and smiles in the near future (after navigating the labor experience, of course). Additionally, their lungs are prepared for breathing air. While they’re cozy in the womb, they’re busy blinking, moving side to side, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, and even sucking their thumb.
Your Symptoms and Health at Week 37 Pregnant
Cervical Changes
Even though labor might still be weeks away, your body is preparing for the big event. This means that your cervix will begin to dilate and efface. Throughout your pregnancy, a mucus plug has sealed your cervix to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. At week 37, you may pass this plug, indicating that your cervix is starting to open. However, don’t rush to the hospital just yet; you could still be days or even weeks from labor.
False Labor
You may have already felt Braxton Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions that occur before real labor. At week 37, you might experience what’s known as “false labor.” Unlike Braxton Hicks, these contractions can be painful and may mimic the sensations of true labor. They come at irregular intervals, so it’s important to distinguish between the two. Changing positions can often help—if the discomfort eases when you lie down, it’s likely false labor. However, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor with any concerns.
Pelvic Discomfort
As your baby’s head descends into your pelvis, it can create significant pressure and discomfort in your hips, pelvis, and bladder. Many women experience this pain during the ninth month of pregnancy; around 80 percent report it. While complete relief may not be possible, using a pregnancy sling or belt can help alleviate some of that pressure.
Expecting Twins
For those expecting twins, week 37 may mark the end of pregnancy or the onset of delivery. Typically, twins arrive two to four weeks earlier than singletons, either due to the size of your bump triggering contractions sooner or due to your doctor’s recommendation for safety. By now, you should focus on resting as much as possible.
As you approach labor, your cervix will dilate and thin out, continuing this process until your babies arrive. When your water breaks, you might experience either a trickle or a gush of fluid. It’s important to note that this fluid is odorless, which can help you differentiate it from a urine leak. Once you confirm your water has broken, make note of the time and start timing contractions.
Initially, labor contractions usually last between 30 to 60 seconds with breaks of 5 to 20 minutes in between. As you progress in labor, the contractions will become more intense, lasting 45 to 60 seconds with shorter breaks of 3 to 5 minutes. At this point, it’s time to head to the hospital! While it may feel overwhelming, rest assured that your healthcare team will be there to support you and your babies every step of the way. You’ve come this far; just one final push to meet your little ones!
For more information on fertility and conception, consider reading about fertility boosters for men or explore at-home intracervical insemination options. Additionally, for a thorough understanding of assisted reproductive technologies, check out this Wikipedia article on in vitro fertilization.
In summary, at 37 weeks pregnant, expect discomfort as your body prepares for labor. Your baby is developing rapidly, reaching significant milestones, and it’s essential to keep communication open with your healthcare provider about any concerns or symptoms you may experience.
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