Week 37 of Pregnancy

At 37 weeks, you’re 9 months pregnant with the end in sight. Your baby is considered ‘full term’ now. Your baby is practicing special skills this week (like sucking his thumb and grasping) that he’ll show off upon his arrival. Continue reading the blog to learn more –

Pregnancy Developments and symptoms at 37 Weeks Pregnant:

  • Heartburn: Baby continues to put pressure on your digestive system as you near your due date. Avoid spicy foods and drink plenty of water to prevent heartburn.
  • Stretch marks: New stretchies might appear on your 37 weeks pregnant belly and each week from here on out. Keep that body oil on hand and slather it on when you can. Also, keep drinking lots of water, even though you’re heading to the bathroom, oh, every two minutes.
  • Abdominal pressure: If baby has dropped down into your pelvis in anticipation of labor, they’re putting increased pressure on your abdomen, which might make you feel some new aches and pains down below—and a greater urge to pee too.
  • Contractions: At 37 weeks, cramping or contractions are to be expected. After all, you’re going to have a baby soon—your body is ramping up! You may find that your contractions go away if you sit or lie down. That means they’re Braxton Hicks, not real labor contractions.
  • Feeling movement:
    • Keep monitoring your baby’s kicks, and let your provider know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though your baby’s quarters are getting cozy, they should still be as active as before. Since they’re getting stronger, their movements might become more noticeable, or even painful.
    • 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.
  • Gas and bloating:
    • Now that you’re 37 weeks pregnant, your baby is crowding your stomach, intestines, and other organs. That can lead to a host of symptoms including gas, bloating, constipation, and indigestion.
    • 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.
    • Though gas is a normal part of pregnancy, call your provider if your intestinal discomfort ever feels more like abdominal pain or cramping, if you have blood in your stool, or if you have severe diarrhea or constipation.
  • Lower back pain:
    • More than 60% of pregnant women have lower back pain. Especially at this point in pregnancy, it can be very painful– but there are many possible ways to get relief. First, think about your posture. Try not to slouch or arch your back. That’s easier said than done when you’re carrying a nearly full-term baby– but still, try to stand as straight as possible.
    • Although it may seem counterintuitive, exercise can help with lower back pain. 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.

Baby Development:

  • Your baby is probably about 18 inches (45.7 cm) long and weighs 6 to 7 pounds (2.7 to 3.2 kg).
  • While you’re so close to the finish line, baby is still doing some important work in your belly. Their circulatory and musculoskeletal systems are done developing, but their lungs, brain and nervous system are still getting some last-minute touch-ups.
  • If your baby is not in the head-down position, you should talk with your health care provider and partner regarding the various options that are available. There are several methods to help babies turn, including both natural and medical techniques.
  • Baby’s hair: Most of the fine lanugo hair covering your baby has now gone. The amount of hair babies are born with on their head varies, ranging from completely bald to a full head of 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.

37 Weeks Pregnant: What you should be preparing for

  • Get ready for baby’s hearing test:
    • Don’t be surprised to learn that your newborn’s hearing will be tested before he even leaves the hospital. And don’t worry: Most babies pass with flying colors.
    • But it’s important to get your baby’s hearing checked as soon as possible since it’s so critical to language development, which starts well before he says that adorable, much-anticipated first word.
  • Get an exercise ball: Looking for a good late-pregnancy workout? Get on the ball! An exercise ball is a safe and effective tool for strengthening your core muscles during pregnancy. And looking not-too-far ahead, it can also provide welcome relaxation and physical relief during pregnancy and labor.
  • Stretch out your meals:
    • Feeling more bloated than ever? You can blame the pregnancy hormone progesterone for slowing down your digestion—which then leads to bloating and cramping.
    • One way to beat the bloat: Eat your meals slowly. When you scarf down your lunch, you swallow more than just food. You also take in a lot of air, which will then settle into your stomach as gas bubbles.
  • Quench your thirst: Make sure you drink plenty of water, because dehydration can make your uterus contract, causing discomfort. And remember, it also helps with other 37 weeks pregnant symptoms like heartburn.
  • Practical plans for the birth: Still haven’t packed your hospital bag? Get to it! Your baby could arrive any day now. If you have other children, arrange for someone to look after them when you go into labour. This is also a good time to consider your support after the birth too. Who could you ask to help every now and then?

Conclusion

Always consult with healthcare professionals for guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Enroll in our free lactation webinar to understand more about pain suffered during breastfeeding, possible causes, and solutions for the same.