37 Weeks Pregnant : What to Expect
Reviewed by Dr. Jacques S. Abramowicz, OB/GYN
As you continue to travel through your 9th and hopefully last month of pregnancy, the end of your 37th week is finally when you are considered “full term”. You’ve been pregnant for majority of the year, and you’re probably exhausted and ready for this baby to come out already! Try not to stress or dwell on this; your baby will be here soon enough. You may still have a few weeks to go, so try to keep your mind occupied elsewhere. Your baby will be here when he or she is ready. While most babies will do well if born at 37 weeks, it is best to be born after 39 weeks. This is why your doctor will not induce labor or perform a cesarean delivery before that, unless a medical reason dictates otherwise. Your caregiver may recommend a Group B strep test. Group B Strep (short for Streptococcus) is a type of bacteria that can be found in or around the area of the vagina or the rectum. It is not a problem unless your baby becomes infected as he/she comes out, in which case some serious conditions may develop. However, if the test is positive, antibiotics can be prescribed to take care of the problem and avoid infecting your baby.
Symptoms and Body Changes at 37 Weeks
As 37 weeks of pregnant you could be experiencing more and more pressure on your pelvic bones as the baby’s head uses them as a pillow. As your weight increases, you could be feeling the effects of gravity. Exhaustion is expected, so don’t think you need to be “super mom” just yet. There will be plenty of time for that in the near future. As your waistline has been expanding, so have your breasts. They are full of milk, ready for feeding, and beginning to secrete colostrum. Leakage from your breast is a common occurrence, as hormonal changes have caused the heaviness and increase in size. At this time your breasts may be sensitive and painful to the touch. These symptoms are normal. You may notice stretch marks around your breasts and waist, as well as in your hip region. You can expect to continue experiencing all of the aches, pains, and emotions that come with full term pregnancy. Hang in there, Mom!
Your Baby’s Development
Your baby is growing at a much slower rate these days. Fat deposition is allowing for continued weight gain (about ½ ounce per day) and growth of your baby, but again, it’s not as much as it was during earlier weeks. Before, his or her skin was very loose and wrinkly. These days it’s becoming much smoother. This too is due to the fat building under the skin. His/her lungs are well developed and breathing movements are more frequent as they get the hang of the inhale/exhale process. The amniotic fluid continues to decrease as your baby grows, and he or she weighs approximately 6 ½ to 7 pounds, and is about 19 inches long by now. The baby’s hair has been growing rapidly, and depending on genetics he or she could have a full head of hair at this point.
Pregnancy Week 37 Tips
Try to relax. As you travel through the final weeks of your pregnancy, it’s crucial you rest as much as possible. As always, when you lie down, try to stay on your left side. Light exercises can help relieve pain if you have the strength to do so. Continue eating small meals, multiple times a day. Fruits and vegetables in your diet help to maintain a healthy balance of nutrients for you and your baby. Make sure you are prepared for labor and childbirth by packing a bag or making arrangements for a way to the hospital if your partner is at work or unavailable when your water breaks. Having a birth plan prepared can also help ease your mind if unexpected events stray from the vision of childbirth you’ve been playing out in your head. Discuss with your caregiver what to do in the event your contractions start or your “water breaks”. Indeed, several events may occur from now on and knowing about them will prevent anxiety or panic. First, you may feel your baby “dropping”. Pressure will now be lower, in your pelvis and bladder rather than under your diaphragm and ribcage. This happens as your baby descends into your pelvis in preparation for the voyage out, a few weeks before birth if it is your first pregnancy and perhaps not until you actually are in labor if it is not your first time. Your Braxton Hicks contractions may be stronger and more frequent. This is normal. If you are concerned or not sure about what to do, call your doctor, midwife, or other caregiver. You may pass your mucus plug. As the name indicates, this is a plug made of thick mucus that occludes your cervix. It may come out as a whole or as increased vaginal discharge. Sometimes a little blood can be seen in it (hence the name “bloody show”). Again, there is no reason to panic. This may be a sign that labor will come soon. The contractions may also cause your bag of water to break. In fact, occasionally the waters break without contractions. This may be a small trickle or a large gush. Remember the rule: don’t panic but definitely call your health provider. Next is pregnancy at 38 weeks.
