You have now entered the 37 th week of pregnancy which is considered “Full term”. In case you go into labor at this stage your practitioner will not make any efforts to stop it. If you have to deliver your baby in
Week 37 it is absolutely safe and your baby will not have any problems in the normal course. It is time to start making enquiries about the childbirth facilities in your hospital and also make all preparations at home to go in for childbirth. The countdown has finally begun.
About the Baby
Your baby would be 20 inches or slightly more in length. Your baby weighs anywhere between 6.5 to 7 pounds and continues to gain weight at a steady rate and will do so till about the final week of
Pregnancy. If your baby is a boy he would be generally, slightly heavier than a baby girl. The baby has now assumed the birth position (although the baby is capable of taking a turn during the final stages of delivery). The brain of your baby is still developing. Your baby is preparing for coming into this wonderful world.
About the Mother
You would have gained approximately 35 pounds by now. Your uterus is about 6.5 inches above your navel in
Pregnancy Week 37. You must visit your practitioner every week without fail and keep him/her informed about any changes observed. You would continue your frequent trips to the bathroom as your
growing baby continues to exert more pressure on your lower abdomen. You may start experiencing mild pains (false labor) inorder to get additional information on this pregnancy weeks visit
Pregnancy Week by Week. You will be able to make out labor pains as they would be more severe and more frequent. Continue with your exercise and practice your breathing exercises regularly.
Your vaginal discharge may be heavier in the coming days. This goes to show that your body is preparing for childbirth. In case you observe any kind of abnormal discharge or blood, report it immediately to your practitioner. Keep track of the fetal movements and report any abnormality in movements or slowing down of movements to your practitioner. Your baby has now moved further down into your pelvis and you would feel better and more comfortable breathing during this
Pregnancy Week 37.
Pack your bags for your trip to the hospital for childbirth. It would be better to have everything organized at home and ready for hospital as you may have to move anytime from now during this
Pregnancy week. While packing your bags ensure that you take some loose comfortable clothing, sanitary napkins (as you would experience bleeding for quite a few days after delivery) and all the things that you would require for your daily routine.
Each woman is different and how each body would react is also different. It would be good to exchange notes with other women but do not try to generalize things. Clarify all your doubts on
child birth with your practitioner. He/she is your best guide during your
Pregnancy Week 37. Relax and enjoy the final stages of your pregnancy. You would soon have your bundle of joy in your arms.
