Pregnancy Week 37
Baby’s Growth During the 37th Week of Pregnancy
This week your baby is officially full term though your due date is still three weeks away. If your baby arrives after this point, the lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside. In preparation for the big debt, baby is inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid to get the lungs ready for the first breath, sucking the thumb to prepare for the first suckle of milk, blinking, and turning from side to side. Meanwhile, it’s still a busy time to pack on the pounds as the average baby is now weighing in at 6 1/2 pounds.
A large majority of babies come into the world with 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches of hair. And don’t be surprised if your baby’s hair isn’t the same color as yours. Fair-haired couples have been surprised by dark-haired babies and dark-haired couples are somethings thrown when their child comes out as blonds or redheads. While other babies, of course, come out with nothing more than peach fuzz.
Body Changes in the 37th Week of Pregnancy
Congratulations! You’ve reached full-term. A pregnancy is considered to be a “full term” pregnancy at 37 weeks pregnant.
Braxtion Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently and may be growing more uncomfortable. There’s also a chance you have noticed an increase in vaginal discharge. If by chance you see what is commonly referred to as the “bloody show,” (mucus with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or your panties, labor is probably only a few days away or less. However, if you have spotting or bleeding, call your doctor immediately.)
Typically by this point in pregnancy it’s become harder to get comfortable enough to get a good night’s sleep. If you find that you can’t sleep well try to take it easy through the day, it may be your last chance to do so for awhile. During periods of relation, continue to monitor your baby’s movements and let your doctor know immediately if you notice a decrease.
Your doctor will begin looking for signs of labor this week. The doctor’s checklist will include: baby’s position in relation to your pelvis (engagement) and whether effacement (thinning of the cervix) and dilation (opening of the cervix) have begun. You’ll also want to be sure to ask your doctor about the results of your Group B strep culture.
