Congratulations - at 37 weeks, your baby is now officially considered "full term"! Your baby weighs 2.7-3.2 kg and measures about 46 cm, practicing important skills like sucking and grasping for life outside. While lungs, brain, and nervous system are still getting final touches, your baby could arrive any day now. Stay alert for labor signs while enjoying these last weeks of pregnancy.
Your Baby at 37 Weeks
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Size and Development
Measurement
Details
**Length**
About 45.7 cm (18 inches)
**Weight**
Approximately 2.7-3.2 kg (6-7 pounds)
**Size comparison**
Like a large honeydew melon
Baby's Development This Week
What's Complete:
Circulatory system
Musculoskeletal system
Sucking and grasping reflexes
Fat layer for warmth
Still Developing:
Lungs (final touches)
Brain (continuing to grow)
Nervous system (maturing)
Baby's Hair:
Most lanugo has fallen off
Head hair varies (bald to full head!)
Hair color may change after birth
May fall out in first 6 months
Baby's Eyes:
Not final color yet
Usually dark blue or slate gray
True color develops over first year
What's Happening to Your Body
Common Symptoms at 37 Weeks
Symptom
Why It Happens
What Helps
Heartburn
Baby pressing on stomach
Avoid spicy foods, stay hydrated
New stretch marks
Skin stretching
Moisturize, stay hydrated
Abdominal pressure
Baby dropped into pelvis
Rest, support
Contractions
Body preparing
Rest, check if Braxton Hicks or real
Stronger movements
Baby growing
Normal if consistent
Gas and bloating
Crowded organs
Small meals, gentle walking
Lower back pain
Weight, posture
Prenatal massage, posture, exercise
Braxton Hicks vs Real Contractions
Braxton Hicks
Real Labor
Irregular
Regular timing
Don't get stronger
Progressively stronger
Stop with rest or movement
Continue regardless
Uncomfortable
Painful
Centered in front
Wrap around to back
Back Pain at 37 Weeks
Why It Happens:
Over 60% of pregnant women have it
Weight and posture changes
Hormone effects on ligaments
Nearly full-term baby
What Helps:
Good posture (don't slouch or arch)
Water exercise (takes pressure off)
Pelvic tilts
Prenatal massage
Warm compress
Prenatal yoga
Step-by-Step Guide for Week 37
Step 1: Know Newborn Hearing Test
What It Is:
Done before leaving hospital
Tests baby's hearing response
Why It Matters:
Hearing critical for language development
Early detection helps early intervention
Most babies pass easily
Step 2: Use Exercise Ball
Benefits Now:
Relieves back pain
Opens pelvis
Good alternative to sitting
Helps optimal baby positioning
During Labor:
Can provide comfort
Helps baby descend
Relaxes pelvic muscles
Step 3: Manage Bloating and Gas
Why It Happens:
Progesterone slows digestion
Baby crowding organs
Swallowing air while eating
What Helps:
Eat slowly
Smaller meals
Avoid gas-triggering foods
Gentle walking after meals
Stay hydrated
Step 4: Stay Hydrated
Why It Matters:
Prevents dehydration (can cause contractions)
Helps with heartburn
Reduces swelling
Keeps amniotic fluid healthy
How Much:
8-10 glasses daily
More if sweating
Water is best
Step 5: Finalize Practical Plans
Ensure You Have:
Hospital bag packed
Childcare arranged (if applicable)
Transport plan to hospital
Support person confirmed
Postpartum help arranged
Baby's essentials ready
Preparing for Birth
Exercise and Movement
Good Activities Now:
Walking (easy on joints)
Swimming
Gentle yoga
Birth ball exercises
Stay Active Because:
Helps baby position well
Prepares muscles for labor
Improves mood
Helps with sleep
Monitor Movements
What's Normal:
10 movements in 2 hours
Stronger movements now
Pattern should be consistent
May feel painful sometimes
Call Doctor If:
Fewer than 10 in 2 hours
Significant pattern change
Suddenly much quieter
Tips for Success
Know you're full term - Baby could arrive anytime
Monitor movements - 10 in 2 hours
Stay active - Walking, swimming, exercise ball
Manage back pain - Don't just suffer
Stay hydrated - Important for you and baby
Have plans ready - Hospital bag, childcare, transport
Rest when you can - You'll need energy for labor
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring movement changes - Always report concerns
Dehydration - Drink plenty of water
Not knowing labor signs - Learn them now
Overexerting yourself - Save energy
Not having backup plans - Arrange childcare, transport
Ignoring severe back pain - Seek relief
Sitting on soft couches - Use exercise ball instead
When to Seek Help
Call Doctor Immediately If:
Regular contractions getting stronger
Water breaks
Vaginal bleeding
Decreased baby movements
Severe headache
Vision changes
Abdominal pain more than cramping
Go to Hospital If:
Contractions 5 minutes apart for 1 hour
Water breaks (gush or trickle)
Heavy bleeding
Baby not moving
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: 37 weeks pe baby aa jaye toh premature hai kya?
A: No! At 37 weeks, baby is considered "early term" or "full term" and is fully developed. Most babies born at 37 weeks do very well without any NICU stay. Ideal is 39-40 weeks, but 37 weeks is considered safe.
Q: Baby ke baal ab honge ya delivery ke baad bhi badh sakte hain?
A: Hair at birth varies! Some babies are bald, some have full head of hair. Hair color may change, and birth hair often falls out in first 6 months and grows back different color/texture. Final hair pattern takes years to establish.
Q: Itna back pain ho raha hai - labor shuru ho raha hai kya?
A: Back pain alone usually isn't labor sign. It's common due to weight and posture. LABOR back pain is different - comes in waves, accompanies regular contractions, and wraps around from back to front. If back pain is rhythmic with tightening, it could be labor.
Q: Baby ke eye color kab pata chalega?
A: Most babies are born with dark blue or gray eyes regardless of final color. True eye color develops over first year as melanin production increases. By 6-12 months, you'll usually see permanent color, though subtle changes can continue for years.
Q: Ab labor kab bhi start ho sakti hai - main ready hoon kya?
A: Yes, labor can start anytime now! Make sure you have: hospital bag packed, transport plan, childcare arranged if needed, phone charged, contact numbers ready, and know when to go to hospital (regular contractions 5 min apart, water breaking, bleeding, decreased movement).
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This article was reviewed by a healthcare provider. At 37 weeks, your baby is full term - congratulations on reaching this milestone!
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