37 weeks pregnant

What to expect this week

What's happening this week

Week 37 and your baby is full term and ready for the off!

Your baby in week 37

Your baby now weighs close to 3kg (but will be gaining about half a pound a week) and will be around 50cm long from head to toe. They’re now considered full term and ready to meet you! Whether they do or not in the coming days is another matter entirely, and lots of first babies do stay put for a bit longer!
Your baby’s lungs are more than likely capable of adjusting to life outside the womb, and your baby now has a tummy full of meconium, which will form the contents of their very first nappy (green and sticky!).
At birth, your baby’s head is the same size as their hips, abdomen and shoulders and will change shape through the first few weeks after the birth.
They will now also be in the ‘engaged’ position, head down, and ready to go. If they are born this week, they might still have a little lanugo hair on their bodies, or patches of vernix, the waxy white substance that has protected them in the womb.
You baby’s immune system is continuing to develop this week and after birth your breast milk will continue to supply them with the necessary antibodies to stay healthy.

You at 37 weeks pregnant

Most women will go into labour between 38 and 42 weeks of pregnancy, although you will be closely monitored and induction will be discussed once you go beyond 41 weeks.
You are probably feeling quite anxious to meet your baby now, and might be feeling a bit worn out and tired of lugging your baby bump around! There really is not long left to go, so try and relax and chill out as much as possible and wait for those first early labour signs to appear. This could be your waters breaking, contractions starting, or seeing a 'show', as the bloody mucus plug that is covering your cervix comes away ready for your baby to be born. Phone your midwife for advice if you experience any of these.

What to think about in week 37

Once your baby has arrived, obviously everyone is going to want to come for a peek and a cuddle – but as many of your friends with babies will no doubt tell you, this can become quite overwhelming in the days immediately after giving birth!
Although you won't know just now exactly how you are going to feel once your baby is here, it could be a good idea to have a chat with your partner sooner rather than later about how you are going to handle the constant influx of well-wishers eager to see your new baby. Some new parents can find themselves desperate for a bit of time on their own with their newborn in those first few days, so making sure you are both agreed on a visitor strategy could save a lot of stress!
Care to share? Talk to other mums-to-be in the Bounty Community who are also at 37 weeks and eager to meet their little one.