In the 37th week of pregnancy, the baby’s lungs are fully developed, and they are preparing for birth. The mother may experience increased pelvic pressure as the baby continues to grow and prepare for delivery.
In the 37th week of pregnancy, expectant mothers are often filled with a mix of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation as they approach the final stages of pregnancy. This period is characterized by significant developments in both the baby’s development and the mother’s physical and emotional experiences.
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Baby’s development: By the 37th week, the baby’s lungs are typically fully developed, indicating a crucial milestone in their preparation for breathing outside the womb. The baby weighs around 6.3 pounds (2.9 kg) on average and measures about 19 inches (48 cm) in length. They are now considered full term and ready to be born.
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Pelvic pressure: As the baby continues to grow and prepare for birth, the mother may experience increased pelvic pressure. This can be attributed to the baby’s descent into the pelvis, getting into the optimal position for delivery. It may also result in frequent trips to the bathroom due to increased pressure on the bladder.
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Nesting instincts: Many expectant mothers experience an intense urge to prepare their surroundings for the baby’s arrival during the 37th week. This phenomenon, known as nesting, often involves organizing the nursery, deep cleaning the house, and ensuring everything is in order for the baby’s homecoming.
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Emotional state: As the due date draws nearer, it is common for expectant mothers to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Hormonal fluctuations, coupled with the anticipation of labor and birth, can lead to heightened emotions and mood swings. It’s essential for partners and loved ones to provide emotional support during this time.
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Quote: “Giving birth and being born brings us into the essence of creation, where the human spirit is courageous and bold and the body, a miracle of wisdom.” – Harriette Hartigan
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Interesting facts:
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In the 37th week of pregnancy, the baby’s skin becomes less wrinkled as they gain more weight and fat.
- The lanugo, the fine hair that covered the baby’s body, begins to disappear in preparation for birth.
- The baby’s digestive system is now fully developed, ready for digestion and absorption of nutrients after birth.
- At this stage, the baby’s head will typically engage in the pelvis, but it may take a few more weeks for engagement in some pregnancies.
- Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as practice contractions, may become more frequent and intense in the 37th week.
Table of Key Developments in the 37th Week:
| Aspect | Development |
|---|---|
| Baby’s Lungs | Fully developed, preparing for breathing outside the womb |
| Baby’s Weight | Approximately 6.3 pounds (2.9 kg) on average |
| Baby’s Length | Around 19 inches (48 cm) on average |
| Mother’s Physical Experience | Increased pelvic pressure, frequent bathroom trips |
| Emotional State | Heightened emotions, mood swings |
| Nesting Instinct | Intense urge to prepare surroundings for the baby’s arrival |
Remember that each pregnancy is unique, and while these are common experiences, it is essential to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and support during this stage.
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At 37 weeks, the baby’s brain undergoes rapid development, almost doubling in size between weeks 35 and 39. The production of surfactant in the lungs is crucial for proper breathing after birth. As the baby has less space to move, there may be fewer kicks, so monitoring movement is important. Hormones relax muscles, including those in the intestines, causing constipation. Braxton Hicks contractions may increase, but they don’t cause cervical dilation. The nesting instinct may kick in, and setting up feeding and diaper changing stations can be productive. Getting appointments done, connecting with other parents, and researching baby groups and classes can be beneficial at this stage of pregnancy.
On the Internet, there are additional viewpoints
When you’re around 37 weeks pregnant, if it’s your first pregnancy, your baby moves down ready to be born. You may feel more comfortable when this happens, and you’ll probably also feel increased pressure in your lower abdomen. If it’s not your first pregnancy, the baby may not move down until labour.
At 37 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is considered "early term". The baby will be putting the finishing touches on vital skills like sucking and swallowing while the mother’s body may be giving signs that it’s preparing for labor and delivery. Symptoms at this stage of pregnancy include swelling in extremities, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and Braxton-Hicks contractions. The baby is too big to do much kicking and punching, and the mother is more likely to feel stretching, rolling, twisting, and turning.
As you enter week 37 of pregnancy, you are still gaining weight at a rate of around a pound a week, and you are feeling a whole host of symptoms, including gas and bloating, and fatigue and trouble sleeping. But baby will be here in a few weeks, and they’ve reached a milestone: at 37 weeks, they’re considered early term.
At 37 weeks pregnant, you and your baby are officially considered "early term." Your baby will be putting the finishing touches on vital skills like sucking and swallowing while your body may be giving you signs that it’s preparing for labor and delivery.
For week 37, your symptoms this late in pregnancy could be many familiar ones, including: swelling in your extremities nausea difficulty sleeping Braxton-Hicks contractions And these Braxton-Hicks contractions might be kicking into high gear by now.
At this point, baby is too big to do much kicking and punching. You’re more likely to feel her stretching, rolling, twisting, and turning as it gets more crowded in there. Your uterine wall continues to stretch out, becoming thinner and letting more light through as baby (hopefully) starts to adjust to a more regular schedule.