37 Weeks pregnant: Baby Size, Symptoms, What to Eat, Pregnancy Tips

Highlights

Labor approaching

You could go into labor at any time – though most women give birth in the two weeks before and after their estimated due dare. You’ll know you’re in labor when your contractions are getting stronger, longer, and more frequent.

Cervix check

Your doctor or midwife may check your cervix to see how much it has effaced (softened and thinned) and dilated (opened). Dilation and effacement may not start until you go into labor, or it may gradually occur over several days or weeks toward the end of your pregnancy.

Almost to the finish line

You’re getting close now, but doctors don’t consider your baby “full term”until 39 weeks. Spending the next two weeks in the womb allows your baby’s brain, lungs, and nervous system to fully mature.

37 weeks is how many months?

You’re in your ninth month!

Your Baby’s Development

Week 37
Baby’s Growth

How Big is Your Baby?

Your baby's hair Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. Of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

Don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Also, it may fall out within the first six months and grow back a different color and texture! Your baby's eyes You may not see your baby's true eye color at birth.

Some babies are born with their final eye color, but other newborns have dark blue or slate-gray eyes that gradually change to blue, green, hazel, or brown over the first year.

Gaining weight Your baby is continuing to put on weight, and the added fat is smoothing out their skin. A padding of fat will help keep them warm after birth.

Mother’s Changing Body

What to Expect?

Practice contractions Braxton Hicks contractions – the intermittent uterine contractions that you may feel throughout pregnancy – may be happening more frequently now.

As you approach delivery, Braxton Hicks may last longer and become more uncomfortable (although if they're truly painful, that's a sign they might be the real deal). Braxton Hicks often strike when you're dehydrated, when you've been active, or when you have a full bladder. There's a silver lining to more frequent Braxton Hicks, or "practice contractions."

Unlike contractions that happened earlier in pregnancy, Braxton Hicks in late pregnancy may help your cervix dilate and efface. This could make the main event progress more quickly. It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and true contractions.

Usually, Braxton Hicks aren't painful, and they come at irregular intervals. They go away if you change positions or rest. True labor is more intense. Contractions usually start in your back and move toward the front of the belly, as opposed to Braxton Hicks, which start in the front.

True contractions come at regular intervals, even if you move around or rest. They become more intense and closer together with time. Once you're having true contractions, you may wonder when it's time to go to the hospital or birth center.

If your pregnancy is uncomplicated, your doctor or midwife will probably have you wait to come in until you've been having contractions that last for about a minute each, occur every five minutes for about an hour, and are very uncomfortable.Good to know!

Pregnancy Symptoms

Your baby form

Pregnancy Tips

It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and true contractions. Usually, Braxton Hicks aren't painful, and they come at irregular intervals. They go away if you change positions or rest. True labor is more intense. Contractions usually start in your back and move toward the front of the belly, as opposed to Braxton Hicks, which start in the front. True contractions come at regular intervals, even if you move around or rest. They become more intense and closer together with time.
If your leaky breasts are bothering you or leaving marks, slip nursing pads into your bra to absorb the liquid.
If you have heavier spotting or bleeding or foul-smelling discharge, call your doctor or midwife right away.
Most of the time, you'll feel movement throughout the day. But if your abdomen suddenly seems too quiet and peaceful, pay close attention and count your baby's movements. If you don't notice 10 distinct movements in two hours, call your provider. Decreased movement can be a sign of distress, and it's always better to err on the side of caution.
To keep gas and bloating at bay, eat smaller meals and don't drink too much in one sitting. After eating, go for a gentle walk to get your digestion moving. If you notice certain foods (like beans or broccoli) trigger your gas, avoid those for now.
Although it may seem counterintuitive, exercise can help with lower back pain. Swimming is a particularly great workout during the last few weeks. The water takes pressure off your bones and joints, including that aching back. Pelvic tilts can also help a sore back.
Another relaxing remedy? A prenatal massage to loosen sore muscles. Treating yourself to an afternoon of self-care before your baby arrives is time well spent.