In the week 37, your baby is
the size of a Mini Watermelon
In Week 37 of pregnancy, your baby is nearly ready to arrive! Expect more discomfort, increased pressure, and exciting anticipation as you near delivery.
You've made it to week 37 of your pregnancy journey! This is an exciting time as your baby is nearly fully developed and preparing for birth. During this week, you may notice some changes in your body as well as your baby's movements. Let's dive into what you can expect during week 37 of pregnancy.
As you near the end of your pregnancy, you may experience some new or intensified symptoms. Here are a few common ones:
At 37 weeks, your baby is considered full-term and is nearly ready for birth. Here's what's happening with your little one:
At 37 weeks, you're so close to meeting your little one. Trust your strength and embrace the journey—you're doing amazing, mama!
As your body prepares for labour and delivery, you may notice some significant changes. Here are the most prominent ones:
Labor check-up
If your labour feels abnormal let the doctor examine you first for a correct diagnosis
Eat Healthy
Make sure to add variety in your meals to get energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals
Stay active
A moderately intense 30-minute physical activity on most days of the week is great.
Dental hygiene
Having healthy teeth and gums matters as poor dental care is linked to premature labour.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Ensure you take prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy and the postpartum period
During your 37th week of pregnancy, you'll likely have a prenatal checkup with your doctor. They will:
Your doctor will assess whether your baby is in a head-down position, which is the ideal position for delivery.
Your baby's heart rate will be checked to ensure it's within a healthy range.
Your doctor may check your cervix to see if it's begun to dilate or efface (thin out), which are signs that your body is preparing for labour.
Your doctor will review the signs of labour with you and discuss when to head to the hospital or birthing centre.
While your baby's movements may feel different due to the limited space in your uterus, you should still feel consistent movement. If you notice a significant decrease in fetal movement, contact your doctor right away.
If you experience regular, painful contractions, your water breaks, or you have heavy vaginal bleeding, call your doctor or head to the hospital or birthing centre.
Braxton Hicks contractions are usually irregular, not very painful, and don't increase in intensity or frequency. True labour contractions are regular, become more frequent and intense over time, and don't go away when you change positions.
Unless your doctor has advised against it, sex is generally safe during pregnancy, even at 37 weeks. However, if your water has broken or you're experiencing bleeding, avoid sexual intercourse and contact your doctor.
Some essentials to pack include comfortable clothing, toiletries, a camera, snacks, and any important documents like your birth plan and insurance information. Don't forget items for your baby, such as a going-home outfit, diapers, and a car seat.
Try techniques like prenatal yoga, gentle stretching, deep breathing, and massage to help alleviate discomfort. Rest when you can, and don't hesitate to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends.
Absolutely. It's common to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness as your due date approaches. Talk to your support system and doctor about your concerns, and remember that your body is designed for this incredible journey.
If you notice a significant decrease in your baby's movements, lie down on your left side and focus on counting kicks. If you don't feel at least 10 movements within 2 hours, contact your doctor immediately.
