37 Weeks pregnant: Labor signs, baby development, and discomfort relief
- Updated Dec 3, 2024
- Published
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Created with Hector Chapa, MD, FACOG, Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, USA
At 37 weeks pregnant, your baby is early term and preparing for birth. With just weeks (or days!) left to go, your baby weighs around 2.9 kilograms (6.4 pounds) and measures about 19 inches long. Focus on recognizing labor signs, managing discomfort, and finalizing your delivery plans.
You’ve reached 37 weeks pregnant, and your baby is considered early-term. This week is all about labor preparation, recognizing signs of labor, and managing late pregnancy symptoms. Let’s explore everything you need to know about week 37 of pregnancy.
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37 Weeks pregnant symptoms
Here are common symptoms you may experience at 37 weeks:
- Cramping and period-like cramps: Mild cramps may signal your body is preparing for labor.
- Pelvic pain: Increased pressure as your baby drops lower into your pelvis can make walking or turning in bed uncomfortable.
- Braxton Hicks contractions: Irregular practice contractions may feel stronger but are not labor.
- Nausea: Hormonal changes and pressure on your stomach may cause nausea to return.
- Swelling (edema): Swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands is common.
Braxton Hicks contractions vs true labor
| Aspect | Braxton Hicks Contractions | True Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Irregular, not progressively closer together | Regular intervals, getting closer together |
| Intensity | Weak, often described as mild discomfort | Increases in strength over time |
| Duration | Short, usually lasting less than 30 seconds | Longer, lasting 30-70 seconds per contraction |
| Location of Pain | Felt mainly in the front of the abdomen | Starts in the back and radiates to the front |
| Effect of Movement | Stops or decreases with activity or a change in position | Continues regardless of movement or position changes |
| Cervical Changes | Does not cause dilation or thinning of the cervix | Causes the cervix to dilate and thin out (effacement) |
37 Weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore
- Severe or regular contractions: Consistent, painful contractions may indicate labor.
- Decreased baby movements: A noticeable drop in activity requires immediate medical attention.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding: This could signal a complication like placental abruption.
- Severe headache or vision changes: These may indicate a complication of pregnancy called preeclampsia.
- Watery vaginal discharge: May signal breakage of your bag of water.
- Bleeding like a period: While bloody mucus discharge may be normal and is called the mucus plug, bleeding like a period requires medical evaluation.
Your body at 37 weeks pregnant
Your body is fully preparing for labor, and you may notice physical changes like pelvic pressure or increased Braxton Hicks contractions. You might also experience fatigue as your body works hard to support your baby and prepare for birth.
37 Weeks in months
You are approximately 9 months pregnant, with just three weeks to go until your due date. A due date (as calculated from the first day of the last period) is 40 weeks. The end of pregnancy should be by 42 weeks.
37 Weeks pregnant belly
Your belly may feel heavier as your baby settles lower into your pelvis, a process called “lightening.” This can ease pressure on your lungs but increase discomfort in your pelvis.
Baby development at 37 weeks of pregnancy
At 37 weeks, your baby is considered early-term and fully developed. They are practicing breathing, sucking, and swallowing, all essential skills for life outside the womb.
- Weight: Around 2.9 kilograms (6.4 pounds).
- Length: The fetus size is about 19 inches, roughly the size of a Swiss chard.
- Movements: You may notice slower but stronger movements as space becomes limited.
37-Week ultrasound
A 37-week ultrasound may be performed to check your baby’s position, amniotic fluid levels, and overall health. This scan can also confirm your baby’s readiness for birth.
Tests to expect at 37 weeks pregnant
Your provider will monitor your health and your baby’s progress with routine tests:
- Blood pressure check: Screens for preeclampsia or hypertension.
- Urine test: Detects protein and glucose levels to rule out complications.
- Fetal heartbeat and movements: Ensures your baby remains healthy and active.
- Cervical check: Your provider may check for dilation and effacement to assess labor progress.
- Group B strep (GBS) test: Ensures you’ll receive antibiotics during labor if needed. It is routine to collect a vaginal and rectal swab test for GBS from 36 weeks until 37 weeks 6 days. This is not an STI but part of the normal bacteria in some women.
Signs of labor at 37 weeks
It’s important to know the signs of labor this week, as delivery could happen any day:
- Regular, painful contractions: Occur at consistent intervals and grow stronger over time.
- Water breaking: A sudden gush or slow trickle of amniotic fluid may signal labor has started.
- Bloody show: Pink or red mucus discharge indicates your cervix is dilating.
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any of these signs.
How dilated should I be at 37 weeks?
Cervical dilation varies greatly at 37 weeks. Some women may be slightly dilated (1-2 cm), while others remain closed. Dilation doesn’t always predict when labor will start, so stay in close contact with your provider.
👉Find out more:
Health tips and self-care at 37 weeks pregnant
- Track baby movements: Keep monitoring your baby’s activity daily.
- Hydrate and rest: Staying hydrated and taking breaks can help with swelling and fatigue.
- Prepare for labor: Finalize your birth plan, pack your hospital bag, and arrange transportation.
- Manage discomfort: Use a maternity pillow to ease pelvic pain and practice relaxation techniques.
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Questions from the Femia community
How to relieve hemorrhoid discomfort?
Use a warm sitz bath to soothe inflammation and reduce discomfort. Applying witch hazel pads or over-the-counter creams can provide additional relief. Staying hydrated and eating high-fiber foods can help prevent constipation, which worsens hemorrhoids.
How to make labor easier?
Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques to manage pain. For some, aromatherapy helps with labor discomforts. Staying active with gentle exercises like walking can help labor progress more smoothly. Discuss pain relief options, such as an epidural or natural methods, with your provider.
What should I expect during a cervical check?
A cervical check involves your provider measuring how dilated (open) and effaced (thinned) your cervix is. It’s usually quick and may feel uncomfortable but helps assess your labor progress.
How can I stay comfortable at night with pelvic pain?
Use a pregnancy pillow to support your hips and knees while sleeping on your side. Try gentle stretches before bed and avoid sleeping in one position for too long.
The bottom line
At 37 weeks pregnant, your baby is early-term and nearly ready for delivery. An ultrasound may be performed to check your baby’s position, amniotic fluid levels, and overall health. This scan can also confirm your baby’s readiness for birth. Focus on monitoring labor signs, managing discomfort, and preparing for the exciting days ahead as you get closer to meeting your baby.
References
- “37 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development & Tips.” BabyCenter, www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/37-weeks-pregnant.
- “Week 37 of Pregnancy: Symptoms, Baby Development & More.” What to Expect, www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/week-37.aspx.
- “37 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Symptoms & Tips.” NHS, www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/1-to-12/37-weeks/.
- “Pregnancy Week 37: What to Expect.” American Pregnancy Association, www.americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/week-by-week/37-weeks-pregnant/.
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