Week 37 of Pregnancy
Your baby is about the size of a swiss chard
Your Baby This Week
Development milestones for week 37
Congratulations on reaching 37 weeks pregnant. Your baby is now considered "early term," meaning those little lungs and organs could function independently if birth happened today. Your baby weighs around 6.5 pounds and measures approximately 48 centimeters long, about the size of a bunch of Swiss chard. Fat continues accumulating beneath the skin, giving your baby that adorable plump look and helping regulate body temperature after birth. The grasp reflex is strong now. If you could see inside, your baby's tiny fingers would curl tightly around anything that touched their palm. Brain and nerve development continues refining, with your baby practicing essential reflexes like sucking, swallowing, and breathing. The lanugo (fine body hair) is mostly gone, and the vernix coating that protected their skin in the amniotic fluid is beginning to dissolve.
Your Body This Week
Changes you may experience
Your body is running final preparations for the big event, and honestly, you probably feel every bit of it. Sleep has become an Olympic sport requiring strategic pillow placement and frequent bathroom trips. That constant pressure in your pelvis makes walking feel like your baby might just fall out, though they will not. Many women experience an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions this week, and distinguishing them from real labor becomes the million-dollar question. Real contractions get stronger, closer together, and do not stop when you change positions or drink water. You might notice your mucus plug loosening, appearing as thick, sometimes bloody-tinged discharge. Some women lose it all at once while others see it gradually over days. Losing it does not mean labor is imminent, but it does mean your body is preparing.
Tips & Advice for Week 37
Practical guidance from real moms
Every text message asking "Any baby news yet?" is about to test your patience, so consider setting up a group text or status update system for when labor actually begins. If you are feeling restless and desperate to meet your baby, remember that babies born at 39 weeks have better outcomes than those born at 37, so try to embrace these last weeks. Many moms swear by date fruit for cervical ripening. Research suggests eating 4-6 dates daily in the final weeks may help. Evening primrose oil is another popular option to discuss with your provider. Keep moving with gentle walks, as gravity and hip movement can help baby descend. Practice your breathing techniques, review your birth plan one more time, and try to rest. Real rest. Your body is working incredibly hard right now.
Medical Guidance for Week 37
What to discuss with your healthcare provider
If your GBS test from last week came back positive, your provider will review the plan for IV antibiotics during labor. Discuss your birth preferences including pain management options. Your provider will check for cervical changes, though minimal dilation means nothing about when labor will start. Report regular contractions, especially if you are having more than four per hour. Water breaking, even a slow trickle, warrants an immediate call.
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.