Pregnancy Week 37
Your little one is almost here! Find out how baby-to-be is developing when you're 37 weeks pregnant, plus learn common signs of labor and plan your breastfeeding diet.
How Big is Baby?
Your baby is as long as stalk of Swiss chard. Because he's running out of room in your uterus, he mostly stretches and wiggles, instead of delivering big kicks.
Baby's Length: 19.13in.
Baby's Weight: 6.30lb.
Mom’s Changing Body
Sex might be the last thing on your mind now, but some experts believe it's beneficial and most agree it's harmless. At this point, your cervix is engorged with blood and feels sensitive, so you may see a little spotting after sex. If you notice persistent spotting or bright red discharge, though, call your doctor.
Baby’s Development
The umbilical cord begins passing antibodies to your baby in preparation for delivery. By stockpiling antibodies, your baby will be better prepared for the disease and germs he'll encounter outside the womb. Your baby's senses are also getting more time to hone their burgeoning skills. He can hear and recognize your voice. Once he's born you'll be able to see him turn his head in your direction when he hears you speak. He knows his mom! Along with his hearing, his eyesight is improving each day. His fingers are also becoming more coordinated. He can grasp his face or toes. And after birth he'll be able to grab onto your finger.
Weekly Tip
Your baby could arrive any day now. Exciting, sure. Terrifying? Yes, definitely. But no matter how scared you might be, you're way better off knowing as much as you can about D-day. So remember: No one knows exactly what sets off the big event, but somehow your body knows when your baby's fully cooked, so it starts releasing chemicals (called prostaglandins) that thin, soften, and dilate your cervix. When produced in large amounts, these prostaglandins will trigger your uterus to start contracting, or making involuntary muscle movements to push your baby down and out. (At some point, your water will break, too, but this is more like a side effect of labor than an actual trigger.)
Week 37 Ultrasound
Sometimes your doctor or midwife will ask for a test to check how well your baby is doing. One indicator of your baby-to-be's well being is a measurement of the amniotic fluid. This can also be part of a test called a biophysical profile, which will also include watching the baby's various movements. In this image, the sonographer is measuring the deepest pocket of fluid in each of four areas of your uterus. As you can see, your baby is getting a bit crowded in there!
Credit:
American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine - AIUM.org
What Week 37 of Your Pregnancy is Really Like
Pregnancy Confidential Podcast
What (REALLY) Happens During That First Week With Baby
Welcome to Week 37 of your pregnancy—and eek! Your baby is almost here. This has probably dawned on you no less than 30 trillion times in the last week and you might be starting to feel that panic over what this parenting thing will really be like—and how you'll really feel that week post-birth (will you even know what to do with a baby?). In this episode, we get real about what that very first week back from the hospital will be like, and we're not holding back...
This Week’s To-Do List
This Week’s FAQs
Must-Reads
-
Stages of Labor and Delivery: What to Expect When You Give Birth
From the first contractions through delivery of the placenta, here's your guide to the three stages of labor. -
How to Time Your Contractions
Timing is everything when it comes to labor, but do you know how to track contractions correctly? Here’s how to monitor contraction spacing and duration, which lets you know when to head to the hospital. -
Cervix Dilation Chart: The Stages of Labor Explained in Pictures
During labor, your cervix will dilate to open up the birth canal. Visualize the process with our handy cervix dilation chart, which uses fruit for an easy-to-understand comparison. -
Choosing a Labor Position
The labor position you choose should be comfortable, and help you do your job with as much ease as possible. Try different positions to see what works for you. -
39 Breastfeeding Secrets Every New Mother Should Know
Nursing your baby is no easy feat. Luckily, we've rounded up the only breastfeeding tips you'll ever need, from the experts who've figured out the smartest tricks, shortcuts, and solutions.
