You are almost there! You are into the last few weeks of pregnancy at thirty-seven weeks. Soon, your baby will be here, and a new, exciting chapter awaits you. But you still need to get through pregnancy week thirty-seven.
You might experience back pain, false contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, and you might be feeling antsy as your due date approaches.
But what else happens this week? That is what we are here to tell you. Keep reading for an in-depth guide to your thirty-seventh week of pregnancy, including common symptoms, how big your baby is, and more.
What’s Coming Up In The Article?
- What Does It Mean To Be 37 Weeks Pregnant?
- Will You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test At 37 Weeks?
- Should You Get An Ultrasound At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
- Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
- Is Pregnancy Viable At 37 Weeks?
- What Are The Common Symptoms When You Are 37 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Big Is A Baby At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Are The Common Miscarriage Symptoms At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 37 Weeks Pregnant?
- What Body Changes Should You Expect At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
- How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
Key Points
- Your baby is considered full-term
- You might lose your mucus plug this week
- You should pack your hospital bag if you have not already
- You might experience practice contractions this week as your body prepares for labour
- Your baby is about the length of a leek this week
- Your baby is fully developed and is ready to be born
- Your baby weighs roughly three to four kilograms
- You might experience tiredness, headaches, and cramping this week
- You might notice the signs of labour this week, including abdominal pressure, cramping, or your waters breaking
What Does It Mean To Be 37 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-seven weeks pregnant, you are considered full-term! For women carrying twins, you will likely give birth this week, as twin pregnancies don’t often last more than thirty-eight weeks.
Your baby is considered mature and big enough to survive in the outside world at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. However, you will likely carry your baby for a few more weeks as they gain weight. Your baby’s movements will still need to be monitored, but you should notice that they develop a pattern of more active hours and calmer hours. This is your baby developing some sleep cycle, which you can use to get some rest when their kicks ease.
You might notice signs that labour is on its way, like tightening or cramping around your stomach; this is often Braxton Hicks contractions and shouldn’t be painful. You might lose your mucus plug this week or notice increased back pain as your baby adds pressure to your lower spine.
Most women will finish work and head on maternity leave this week. Remember to familiarise yourself with your pay entitlement throughout your maternity period and create a budget to stick to if needed.
Will You Get A Positive Pregnancy Test At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
You might not get a positive pregnancy test at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. Pregnancy tests measure the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in your blood or urine to confirm a pregnancy. During the first trimester of pregnancy, your hCG levels rise dramatically before levelling off and reducing in your second and third trimesters.
At this stage in pregnancy, your hCG levels might be too low to trigger a positive pregnancy test despite having a pregnant belly and feeling your baby move regularly! An ultrasound scan is the most accurate way to confirm a pregnancy at thirty-seven weeks pregnant.
Should You Get An Ultrasound At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
You might be offered an ultrasound at thirty-seven weeks pregnant if you have not had your second third-trimester ultrasound. You might also be offered one this week if your doctor monitors your baby for any complications. Some pregnant women also pay for a private ultrasound or 4D scan this week.
An ultrasound at thirty-seven weeks will show your fully formed baby. They will have put on weight since your last scan but will spend the next few weeks continuing to gain weight before life outside of your womb. Your baby’s development might also be checked this week. They should have fully developed lungs, and your baby’s bones should have hardened. The bones in your baby’s head will not harden yet as their skull remains softer until eighteen months.
You might also see your baby in the head-down position for birth. Your baby’s head should be pointing downwards towards your crotch, ready for its journey down the birth canal. Don’t worry if your baby is not in position yet; there is still some time before this could become an issue.
Are There Any Other Scans Or Tests I Should Consider At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-seven weeks pregnant, you might have your group b strep test if you have not already. This test checks the bacteria in your vagina to see if you have strep b or not. Strep b can be extremely dangerous for babies, but fortunately, it is entirely preventable by having this test. Speak to your doctor if you still need your strep b test.
You might also have another screening test for gestational diabetes if you are considered high-risk. Your doctor might also perform a blood or urine test to check your iron levels and for any infections that could complicate your pregnancy and labour.
Can You Detect A Heartbeat At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
You can detect a heartbeat at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. Your baby’s heartbeat can be heard through an ultrasound, stethoscope, or a Doppler machine. Your midwife will likely use a Doppler machine or stethoscope between ultrasound appointments to ensure your baby’s heart is beating as it should.
You can also use Doppler machines or stethoscopes at home to hear your baby’s heartbeat. It can be tricky to get them into the right position, especially if your baby is moving a lot. Don’t panic if it takes you a few minutes to find your baby’s heartbeat.
Your baby’s heartbeat will still sound fast, averaging 110 to 160 beats per minute.
Is Pregnancy Viable At 37 Weeks?
Pregnancy is viable at thirty-seven weeks, provided there are no complications. A pregnancy is considered viable when your baby can survive outside of the womb; at thirty-seven weeks, your baby is considered full-term and could be born. Your baby will weigh roughly three kilos, and while it might be small, it could survive without any intensive neonatal care.
Depending on any complications or health concerns, your baby might be able to leave the hospital after only a night or two, too! Your doctor will explain all this to you and whether your baby needs to stay longer. Babies born at thirty-seven weeks are not considered premature either, so providing there are no complications, your baby can safely be born at thirty-seven weeks pregnant.
Of course, they might need to spend some time under observation, but this is standard for any baby.
What Are The Common Pregnancy Symptoms At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
The common pregnancy symptoms at thirty-seven weeks pregnant include Braxton hicks contractions, which are painless contractions around your bump, tiredness, or headaches. You might also notice weight gain or feel some relief from other symptoms like indigestion, heartburn, and frequent urination. As your baby moves down to your pelvis, these earlier pregnant symptoms can ease any discomfort.
Your pregnancy symptoms can change daily and might vary in severity. You will also want to watch for signs of labour this week. These include:
- You lose your mucus plug
- Your waters break
- You need to use the toilet more frequently
- Your back hurts
- You notice contractions or tightening around your bump
Speak to your midwife or doctor if you have any of these symptoms and think you might be in labour.
Is There Any Change To HCG Levels At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Your hCG levels continue to fall this week, averaging between 940 and 60,000 u/L.
Should I Expect Any Cramping At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Cramping can happen at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. You might notice round ligament pains on the side of your stomach or practice contractions that can feel uncomfortable. Cramping can also be a sign of labour. You might feel tightening across your bump or period pain like cramping. Leg cramps can also be common this week.
Speak to your midwife or doctor if you think your cramping could be early labour or if you are concerned about cramping.
Will I Experience Morning Sickness At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Morning sickness usually happens during the first sixteen weeks or so of pregnancy. However, some women still suffer from morning sickness or feel nauseous at thirty-seven weeks pregnant.
Will My Breasts Feel Tender At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Your breasts will likely feel tender or sore this week. They might also start to leak colostrum, an early yellow milk full of antibodies. You can add breast pads to your bras to keep them dry and stain-free. You might also notice that your breasts ache or feel full this week as your first milk comes in.
Will I Have Food Cravings At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Food cravings can happen throughout pregnancy, including at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. You might crave unusual combinations or foods that you previously did not like.
Will I Pass Urine More Frequently At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
You might pass urine more frequently at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. Some women notice that this drops this week as their baby moves, relieving pressure on their bladder. This depends on your baby’s positioning; don’t panic if you are urinating more frequently.
Will I Feel Tiredness Or Fatigue At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
You might experience tiredness or fatigue at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. Trouble sleeping is common during pregnancy, as you struggle to get comfortable. Adding a pregnancy pillow or a pillow between your knees can help.
Will I Feel Bloated At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
You might feel bloated at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. You can switch your three meals daily for smaller meals throughout the day and avoid eating late at night to help with bloating.
Will I Get A Headache At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Headaches are common throughout pregnancy, including at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. Typically, women who suffer from headaches before pregnancy will experience more headaches during pregnancy.
Will I Experience A Metallic Taste In My Mouth At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
A metallic taste in your mouth is more common during the first few months of pregnancy, but you can also experience it during pregnancy week thirty-seven.
Will I Have A Heightened Sense Of Smell At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
A heightened sense of smell is more common during the first trimester of pregnancy, but you can experience it at thirty-seven weeks pregnant, too.
Can You Experience Shortness Of Breath At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
You might experience shortness of breath this week, but it should improve. As your baby moves into the head-down position, you should find your lungs have more room to breathe, and any shortness of breath you are experiencing should improve. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about shortness of breath at thirty-seven weeks pregnant.
Is It Normal To Get Diarrhea At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Diarrhea can be a sign of early labour at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. Keep an eye out for any other labour symptoms, and speak to your doctor if you are unsure.
Should labour be ruled out, monitor your diarrhea and speak to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after forty-eight hours.
Can You Get Vaginal Discharge At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Vaginal discharge happens throughout pregnancy, including week thirty-seven. Your discharge will likely be clear or milky. Speak to your doctor if you notice any changes in your vaginal discharge, as this can be a sign of an infection.
Will I Experience Lower Back Pain At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Lower back pain can happen at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. Your ligaments and joints are looser than before to prepare your body for delivery, which can add pressure to your back, causing pain. A hot or cold compress can be used to provide pain relief.
Will I Experience Mood Swings At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Mood swings can happen throughout pregnancy, including thirty-seven weeks pregnant. Your mood swings are generally linked to fluctuating hormone levels.
Is Spotting Normal At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Spotting should be reported to your doctor immediately at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. While some spotting is harmless, it can also suggest serious complications, and you should have it checked in a hospital immediately.
What Other Symptoms Are Common When 37 Weeks Pregnant?
The following symptoms are also common at thirty-seven weeks pregnant:
- Shinier and thicker hair
- Oily and spotty skin
- Brown patches or darkened skin on your face
- Vaginal infections
- Urine infections
- Swollen feet and hands
- Raised basal temperature (feeling hot)
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Piles
- Bleeding and swollen gums
- Stretch marks
How Big Is A Baby At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Your baby is about the size of a leek and measures roughly 48.6cm from head to heel. Your baby now weighs around three to four kilos and is ready to be born.
Your baby’s digestive system now has meconium in it. This is a sticky green substance that becomes your baby;’s first poo once they are born. There might also be bits of fine hair, the lanugo that covered your baby’s skin earlier in pregnancy.
Your baby is now fully developed but will likely spend the rest of your pregnancy gaining more weight before birth.
Can You Feel The Baby At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, you can feel your baby at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. While your baby has less room in your womb than before, that does not stop their movements. You might be able to tell now when your baby is awake and resting based on their movements. Try to get your rest when your baby is calmer; this way, the kicks won’t keep you awake!
Continue to monitor your baby’s movements this week. Any decreases in movements should be reported to your midwife or doctor immediately. They will likely send you to a hospital where they can monitor your baby to ensure that the decrease in movements is not a cause for concern.
You might feel your baby wriggle a lot as it gets into the head-down position, ready for labour. This can be uncomfortable, especially when your baby drops and adds pressure to your pelvis. Speak to your doctor to see if there is any pain relief they can offer you.
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Miscarriage At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-seven weeks pregnant, a miscarriage is classed as a stillbirth. The common symptoms include a decrease in baby movements or movements stopping entirely, cramping, bleeding, and any pregnancy symptoms disappearing. Some women might not experience any of these symptoms and won’t know they have lost their baby until they have an ultrasound. Other women will notice their waters break, and they might deliver their babies quickly.
You will need to deliver your baby at this stage in your pregnancy. This is usually done in a hospital, and you might be offered medication to induce labour and speed the process up. Some women are allowed to return home to wait for labour to start naturally, but this depends on your situation and if you are experiencing any complications.
Your doctor and midwife can explain your options and offer any support you might need. They can also help you access long-term support to help you through this difficult time.
What Are The Chances Of Miscarriage At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
The chances of a stillbirth at thirty-seven weeks pregnant are very low for an uncomplicated pregnancy. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 2.6 of every 1000 births were a stillbirth in 2020. This includes pregnancies with complications and gives you a low chance of stillbirth.
Of course, there are factors that can increase your chance of a stillbirth. These include smoking during pregnancy, weight, and any conditions that could impact a pregnancy. Your doctor can walk you through these factors and how they might relate to you and your pregnancy.
What Precautions Should I Take To Maintain My Health At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
The following precautions should be taken to maintain your health at thirty-seven weeks pregnant.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Continue taking your prenatal vitamins. These should be taken for the duration of your pregnancy to ensure you and your baby receive the necessary vitamins and nutrients. You can take a prenatal multivitamin, but check the dosage to ensure you are getting everything you need from it.
Look for a prenatal multivitamin containing iron and vitamin D if pregnant through the winter. Your doctor can provide recommendations if you are unsure what prenatal vitamins to take.
Eat A Healthy Diet
You should also eat a healthy and balanced diet this week. You want to fuel your body with plenty of nutrients to keep you as healthy as possible for the remainder of your pregnancy. Plus, all the foods you eat are passed to your baby, and you want to ensure they only get the best!
This week, a varied and balanced diet of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and carbohydrates should be consumed. Try to eat fibre-rich foods this week if you are struggling with constipation, too. Speak to your doctor if you are unsure what to eat at thirty-seven weeks pregnant.
Stay Hydrated
It is essential to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated during pregnancy, too. Research by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)found that drinking water helps form the amniotic fluid around your baby, aids digestion, and circulates nutrients.
The ACOG recommends drinking eight to twelve glasses of water daily during pregnancy to remain hydrated.
Stop Smoking
Stop smoking if you have not already done so. Smoking during pregnancy is incredibly harmful to both you and your baby. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that smoking during pregnancy doubles your risk of abnormal bleeding during pregnancy. It can also increase your chance of congenital disabilities, low birth weight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The CDC recommends that you completely abstain from smoking during pregnancy. You can speak to your doctor if you need help to quit smoking.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
At thirty-seven weeks pregnant, the following foods should be avoided.
- Raw juices and smoothies
- Highly processed foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurised dairy and dairy products
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Raw sprouts
- Organ meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Deli or processed meat
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked fish
- Seafood with high mercury content
Are There Any Drinks I Should Avoid At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid all alcoholic drinks at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can cause stillbirth and a variety of physical, intellectual, emotional, and behavioural disabilities. These disabilities can affect your baby’s life, including poor coordination, small head size, shorter-than-average height, and poor concentration.
Research by the CDC found there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. You can speak to your doctor if you need help to stop drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
You should also reduce your caffeine intake during pregnancy. The Royal College of Midwives found that consuming 350mg or more of caffeine a day can increase your risk of low birth weight, preterm labour, or stillbirth. They recommend consuming no more than 200mg of caffeine daily during pregnancy to prevent this. You should also reduce your caffeine intake to 200mg daily if you breastfeed your baby.
Are There Any Supplements I Should Avoid At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
You should avoid any supplements your doctor has not recommended at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. Most supplements will state they are unsuitable for pregnant women as they could harm your baby. Speak to your doctor if you are unsure, but it is best only to consume supplements if you are directly told to do so by your doctor.
Can I Exercise While 37 Weeks Pregnant?
You can exercise while thirty-seven weeks pregnant if you feel comfortable. We recommend incorporating low-impact exercises like walking into your exercise routine. Short, regular walks will keep you moving without adding any pressure to your baby bump.
Swimming or yoga can also be done at thirty-seven weeks, but ensure that any yoga positions are suitable for you while pregnant. You can speak to your doctor if unsure what exercises will suit you at thirty-seven weeks pregnant.
Is It Safe To Travel When 37 Weeks Pregnant?
It is not advised to travel at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. Most airlines will not allow you to fly at thirty-seven weeks pregnant as it can be risky. You don’t want to go into labour at 30,000 feet! Your doctor might also advise against travelling across the country in case any complications arise or you go into early labour. Women experiencing pregnancy complications will be advised to avoid all travel in case they need to see their doctor urgently.
You can speak to your doctor if you have travel plans that cannot be rearranged at thirty-seven weeks pregnant.
Are There Any Acitivites I Should Avoid At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
The following activities should be avoided at thirty-seven weeks pregnant.
- Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water slides
- Motorcycles and four-wheelers
- Contact sports
- Diving
- Downhill skiing
- Gymnastics
- Hot Yoga
- Hot pilates
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Horseriding
- Hot tubs
- Sauna
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Snowboarding
- Waterskiing
- Cleaning cat litter
- Lifting
Is It Safe To Have Sex When 37 Weeks Pregnant?
It is considered safe to have sex at thirty-seven weeks pregnant unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or midwife.
How Should I Sleep At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
You might experience trouble sleeping at thirty-seven weeks pregnant. It can be hard to find a comfortable position, especially if your baby is kicking you all night! You can add a pillow between your knees or a pregnancy pillow to help you get comfortable during the night.
Napping when your baby is resting is also a good idea to ensure your body gets the rest it needs.
What Position Is It Safe To Sleep In When 37 Weeks Pregnant?
The safest position to sleep in at thirty-seven weeks pregnant is to sleep on your side. This will not add any pressure to your baby or placenta while sleeping.
How Do You Calculate Your Due Date From 37 Weeks Pregnant?
The best way to calculate your due date is to use the date of your last menstrual period. This is the LMP method and is the most common way to calculate your due date. To do this, take the first date of your last period and count forward forty weeks or 280 days to see your estimated due date.
You will also be provided with an estimated due date by your doctor or midwife. This is usually given during the first ultrasound, the dating scan. Your baby’s development is assessed and measured to determine how far into your pregnancy you are. An estimated due date is then provided based on this.
Remember, these due dates are simply estimates. It is common for women to give birth before or after these dates, so don’t panic if your due date passes and your baby does not arrive. Also, do not panic if you go into labour before your due date. At this stage in your pregnancy, you could give birth at any time with no complications.
What Body Changes Should You Expect At 37 Weeks Pregnant?
This week’s biggest body change is your baby getting into the head-down position, ready for labour. When this happens, you might feel some pressure or pain in your pelvic area, but it should pass. You can do some things if your baby is still bottom down or in the breach position.
Sit down and lean forward with your hips above your knees. This can coax your baby into position, but no hard evidence can back it up.
Nother body change is more vaginal discharge than normal as your body prepares for labour. You might also notice Braxton Hicks or practice contractions. These should be uncomfortable but not painful. Speak to your midwife or doctor if you experience any pain with these.
You might also feel the urge to clean, organise, or declutter your home. This is the nesting instinct and is common for women towards the end of their pregnancy. You might need help to complete all the cleaning, especially with a big baby bump in front of you. Enlist the help of your partner, family, and friends to help you get your home ready for your baby.
You might also notice changes to your walk if you have not already. As your belly grows, walking normally can be harder, and you might develop a pregnancy waddle. Don’t worry; this does disappear after birth!
What Is Your Body Doing During This Process?
Your body is starting to get ready for giving birth. Losing your mucus plug and increased vaginal discharge is one of the first steps. You might also notice painless contractions or some backache.
Your body continues to move, and increased blood flow through your body, too. This means that your blood travels slower than normal and can cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy if you stand up too quickly. Take your time; you don’t want to risk fainting or falling over.
Your body is coworking hard this week, feeding your baby and preparing for delivery. Make sure that you rest often. You don’t want to exhaust yourself before your new baby arrives!
How Can You Prepare For Pregnancy?
The following tips can help you prepare for the remainder of your pregnancy.
Finalise Your Birth Plan
It’s time to give your birth plan another look to see if there are any changes you want to make. Your midwife might ask you to do this if they have not already. You might also be asked whether you want to give birth in a hospital or birth center. Your midwife can provide you with advice about which of these you should choose and if you have any complications that will dictate where you can give birth.
You should confirm with your birth partner that they want to be present and discuss how they can help you during your labour. Again, your midwife can help you with this if needed.
Pack Your Hospital Bag
Pack your hospital bag this week if you have not already. You want this bag to be packed before you give birth so that nothing slows you down as you head to the hospital. Not having your bag packed won’t slow down your baby’s arrival, but it will add extra stress to the situation.
Your midwife will likely tell you what you need in your hospital bag. Ideally, you want essential items like clothing and toiletries for you and your new baby. There are plenty of videos online that will show you what to pack in your hospital bag, but this is our favourite.
Buy Your Final Baby Items
As your due date approaches, ensure you have everything you need for your new baby. This includes clothing, nappies, toys, and larger items like your cot, pram, and car seat. Now is also an excellent time to ensure that the pram is built and that your car seat is correctly installed into your car.
We recommend professionally installing your car seat, especially if this is your first pregnancy. Let the experts install the car seat so you can drive with peace of mind that your baby is safe and secure.
All of these items can be expensive. Keep an eye out for sales or deals that will allow you to save some money. You can also purchase your baby’s items second-hand, but take care when buying a pram, cot, or car seat. Do your research to ensure these items are safe for your baby.
Use Your Support Network
Remember to reach out and make use of your support network. Your friends, family, and partner are there to help you through the final few weeks of pregnancy and the new chapter in your life as a mother. You can reach out for support from others, too.
There are apps and social media groups designed for new and expecting mothers to meet each other and offer support and advice where needed. Look for some in your local area or any new mother and baby classes you can attend. These aren’t always free, so look in local community centres or libraries to see what free support you can access.
Final Thoughts
You are approaching the end of your pregnancy now! Pregnancy week thirty-seven can be exciting, especially if you notice the start of labour. While many women still have a few weeks left to go, don’t panic if you experience more vaginal discharge or see your mucus plug in your underwear. These are signs that your baby is on its way.
Remember to speak to your doctor or midwife about any concerns and continue with light exercise where possible. It won’t be long before you can meet your new baby.