Week 37 of pregnancy: your baby is getting ready to be born

Welcome to week 37 of your pregnancy! At Happymami, we know that every week brings its own emotions, expectations and questions. As you approach the end of your pregnancy, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. But you are not alone on this journey.

At Happymami, we want to share with you not only information based on the latest scientific evidence, but also our experience as mums and midwives. Over the years, we have supported countless mums, just like you, through this beautiful process, and we are here to guide you, support you and answer your questions.

So dive into this article and discover everything you need to know about week 37 of pregnancy. Let's get started!

Week 37 of pregnancy: your baby's development

Week 37 marks an important moment in your baby's development: they have reached the “at term” stage! This means that, although you still have a few weeks to go until your due date, if they decided to be born now, they would be considered at term and not premature. Let's look in detail at how your little one is progressing this exciting week:

Size and Weight: At this stage, your baby is about the size of a romaine lettuce. Their average weight is between 2.8 and 3.3 kilograms, and their length can be around 48 to 50 centimetres from head to toe.

Lung Maturation: Your baby's lungs are almost fully developed and ready to breathe air once they are born. Over the last few weeks, they have been practising breathing movements, getting ready for their first breaths outside the womb.

Skin Protection: The thick layer of vernix caseosa, a waxy substance that has protected your baby's skin from the amniotic fluid, is starting to come away, although you may still see traces of it at birth.

Reflexes: Your baby's reflexes are well developed. If you could take a peek, you might see them sucking their thumb or gripping tightly. These reflexes will be essential for their survival and adaptation outside the womb.

Position: Most babies at this stage will already have settled head down, getting ready for birth. However, if your baby has not yet taken up this position, don't worry, there is still time for them to do so.

Digestive System: Although your baby has been swallowing amniotic fluid, their first poo, called meconium, is building up in their intestines. This meconium, a sticky, dark green substance, will be their first bowel movement after birth.

Brain Development: Your baby's brain keeps growing and forming neural connections at a rapid pace. This brain development will continue after birth and throughout their life.

At Happymami, we know that every detail about your baby's development is fascinating and essential to you. Drawing on our experience as midwives, we are by your side at every stage, giving you information based on the latest scientific evidence.

Week 37 of pregnancy: symptoms

As you approach the end of your pregnancy, your body continues to adapt and prepare for the moment of birth. Week 37, being a late stage, can bring a series of symptoms that reflect your baby's imminent arrival. Below, we describe how you might feel this week:

Pelvic Pressure: With your baby descending and engaging in your pelvis, you are likely to feel noticeable pressure in this area. This “engagement” is a sign that your body is getting ready for birth.

Contractions: Braxton Hicks contractions may become more frequent and, at times, more intense. These contractions are one way your uterus prepares for the real labour.

Changes in Vaginal Discharge: You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge or even the loss of your mucus plug, a jelly-like substance that has sealed your cervix during pregnancy.

Difficulty Sleeping: Between anxiety, excitement and physical discomfort, you may find it hard to get a peaceful night's sleep.

Reflux and Heartburn: The pressure of your baby on your stomach can continue to cause bouts of heartburn and reflux.

Swelling: Swelling in your feet and hands is common. However, if you notice sudden or excessive swelling, especially in your face, it is crucial that you speak to your doctor.

Aches and Discomfort: Pain in your back, hips and legs may persist or even get worse due to your baby's weight and position.

Urinary Frequency: With your baby pressing on your bladder, you are likely to feel the need to urinate more often.

Mood Swings: The closeness of birth and hormonal fluctuations can bring on mood swings and intense emotions.

“Nesting” Urge: You may feel a renewed urge to prepare and organise everything for your baby's arrival, known as the “nesting” instinct.

How does the mum-to-be feel at week 37?

Week 37 is a stage full of expectations and mixed emotions. As the moment of birth draws closer, you may experience a whole range of physical and emotional sensations. Let's see how you might feel this week:

Physically, you may feel more pronounced tiredness. The extra weight of your baby, together with hormonal changes, can make every daily activity take extra effort. Pressure in your pelvis, caused by your baby dropping, can make walking, sitting or even sleeping uncomfortable. This pressure can also mean more frequent trips to the toilet, as your bladder is compressed.

Contractions, whether Braxton Hicks or the first signs of labour, can stir up anxiety and doubts, especially if this is your first pregnancy. Telling these contractions apart and knowing when it is the right time to go to hospital or speak to your midwife can be a constant worry.

Emotionally, week 37 can be a whirlwind. The excitement and anticipation of meeting your child soon intertwine with anxiety about how birth will go and how you will adapt to your new role as a mum. Fluctuating hormones can intensify these emotions, leading to sudden mood swings, from euphoria to tears.

Anticipation can also affect your sleep. Nights can be restless, whether because of physical discomfort, contractions or simply an active mind, thinking about everything that lies ahead.

You may also feel an instinctive need to have everything ready for your baby's arrival. This urge, known as “nesting”, can show up as a wish to clean, organise and make sure everything at home is perfect, as we mentioned earlier.

At Happymami, drawing on our experience as midwives, we deeply understand all the emotions and sensations you are going through at this stage. We want to remind you that every feeling, every worry, is a natural part of the process of becoming a mum.

Week 37 of pregnancy: Happymami tips

Week 37 marks an essential moment in your pregnancy journey. As you are now at term, your baby's arrival could be imminent. At Happymami, with our experience as midwives, we want to offer you some tips based on the latest scientific evidence so that you feel prepared and calm at this stage.

First and foremost, it is vital that you rest and listen to your body. Although the excitement and the “nesting” instinct may drive you to prepare every corner for your baby, don't forget to take moments for yourself. A good rest now will benefit you when labour begins. What's more, if you haven't done it yet, now is the ideal time to pack your hospital bag. Make sure you include everything you need, both for you and for your little one, and don't forget important documents and your birth plan.

Remember that an ally for your motherhood will be having a Happymami bottle customised to the shape of your breast. Whether you are going to breastfeed, mix feed or formula feed directly.

Because you may not know whether you will ever use it, but if you need to, with a Happymami bottle designed by you to be as close a match as possible, you increase bottle acceptance rates and you also prevent your newborn from teat-nipple confusion.

The mind also plays a crucial role at this stage. Practising relaxation techniques, such as meditation or prenatal yoga, can be an invaluable tool for managing any anxiety or stress you may feel. What's more, being well informed about the signs of labour starting will give you confidence and help you recognise when it is time to go to hospital or contact your midwife.

As for nutrition, staying hydrated and following a balanced diet will give you the energy you need to face birth. And while you prepare physically, don't underestimate the power of emotional support. Talk to your partner or to whoever will be with you during birth. Sharing your feelings and expectations will strengthen your bond and give you extra support.

Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, are another excellent way to prepare, strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. And while you get ready for the big day, plan your journey to hospital. Having a clear route and a backup plan will give you peace of mind.

Finally, trust yourself. Your body is incredibly wise and designed for this beautiful process.

Frequently asked questions about week 37 of pregnancy

Is week 37 considered at term?

Yes, from week 37 onwards, pregnancy is considered “at term”. This means that, although it is ideal for the baby to stay in the womb a little longer, if they were born this week they would be considered at term and not premature.

Is it normal to feel more contractions this week?

Yes, it is common to experience an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions as you get closer to birth. These contractions are one way your body prepares for the real labour.

What is the mucus plug and is it normal to lose it?

The mucus plug is a jelly-like substance that seals your cervix during pregnancy. It is normal to lose it in the weeks before birth, although it can also happen just before labour begins. Losing it is a sign that your body is preparing, but it doesn't necessarily mean that birth is imminent.

Should I be worried if my baby hasn't dropped yet?

Not necessarily. Some babies don't drop until labour begins, especially for first-time mums. However, it is important to discuss any concern with your midwife or doctor.

Is it safe to keep having sex in week 37?

In most cases, if your pregnancy has been healthy and you have no complications, sex is safe until the end of pregnancy. However, it is always advisable to check with your doctor or midwife.

What should I do if I feel that labour has started?

If you think labour has started, it is important that you contact your health centre, midwife or doctor. They will guide you on the next steps to take.

How can I tell Braxton Hicks contractions from real contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are usually irregular and don't increase in intensity. Real contractions, on the other hand, are more regular, intense and frequent, and are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as your waters breaking or losing the mucus plug.