37 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Symptoms, Body Changes, Baby Development & More!
You are so close to holding your bundle of joy in your arms. Weight gain will keep on adding up. Read further 37 weeks Pregnant guide for more details on pregnancy-related doubts. The doctor will also do a pelvic examination to see how the baby’s growth is progressing. The different symptoms can make you confused about the labor signs. So always keep an eye on the signs and rush to the hospital if you doubt something out of the ordinary.
Symptoms of 37th Week Pregnancy
During this time, the different discomforts can be confused with labor signs. You might face different signs & symptoms.
37 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Visible Symptoms
The visible symptoms are those signs that are visible.
- Spotting – When you have sex, you may bleed as the cervix gets extra sensitive during pregnancy. If it is more than just a few drops, then you must talk to your doctor. Bleeding can be a sign of some problems related to the placenta.
- Stretch Marks – another very common pregnancy symptom. As the skin gets stretched you get stretch marks and they make your skin very itchy and dry. You must apply dollops of moisturizer or lather your skin with oil. Also, drink plenty of water even if you have to run to the bathroom every 2 minutes.
37 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Invisible Symptoms
These signs are felt or experienced and are not visible.
- Heartburn and Constipation – As the baby is putting pressure on your digestive system, the digestion-related functions get affected. This may cause a burning sensation in the chest or acid reflux which is also referred to as Heartburn. You may also feel constipation-related problems so make sure to eat fiber-rich foods, drink plenty of water, and walk regularly.
- Pressure on the pelvis – As the baby drops down in your pelvic area, it may put extra pressure on the abdominal area. This may make you experience pain and a strong urge to pee.
- Uncomfortable Sleep – It is very normal for you to be up in the middle of the night during pregnancy. The growing belly may make your sleeping position uncomfortable. However, you must do plenty of light exercises, drink a lot of water and avoid intake of caffeine as much as possible.
- Braxton Hicks Contractions or Cramps – You are going to have a baby and it is your body’s way of prepping up. These contractions will go when you lie or sit down. However, if their intensity and severity increase with time it may be signs of labor.
Common Problems During 37th Week Pregnancy
A very common problem that occurs in women during this stage is an imbalance in the amount of amniotic fluid in the womb. Though the levels of amniotic fluid will be becoming lesser by week 37, fluctuations might occur though the chances are rare.
The baby generally maintains the amniotic fluid balance by swallowing and excreting the fluid every day. If the levels are very high or very low then it indicates some serious condition and can cause premature delivery.
Precautions/Warning During Week 37 of Pregnancy
What precautions you should take during week 37 of pregnancy?
37 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Baby Growth and Development
How is your baby growing and developing during the 37th week of pregnancy?
Although the growth of the baby is almost complete, the doctors will not consider the baby full-term until 39 weeks. The next two weeks will be allowing the baby’s brain and lungs to mature fully. So even if you have planned for a C-section, the doctor will schedule it not before 39 weeks.
The lungs of a baby are capable of getting adjusted to life outside the womb. The tummy of a baby is filled with meconium which is going to be the first nappy contents.
The size of the baby’s head at a birth time will be the same as its abdomen, hips, shoulders, etc, and will start changing shape during the initial weeks of birth.
If the baby is born this week then they might have some Lanugo hair and patches of a waxy substance called vernix on their body. The immune system of the baby will continue developing new and even post-delivery. Breast milk will continue supplying them with the antibodies for staying healthy.
Baby Size in 37th Week of Pregnancy
What is the baby’s size in the 37th week of pregnancy?
In the 37th week of pregnancy, your baby is approximately 48.6 cm long and is the size of Swiss chard.
Parental Care During 37th Week of Pregnancy
Your doctor will continue monitoring you and your baby’s progress and ensure that there are no concerns related to health. Doctors will continue checking for bacterial infections like Group B Streptococcus in the vagina so that they can be treated. The doctor will also make use of ultrasound to monitor the levels of amniotic fluid. It is time to wrap up any of your pregnancy classes and wait in anticipation of the baby’s arrival.
Changes in the 37th Week of Pregnancy
Pregnant women may face changes in looks, feelings, and experience.
37 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Changes in Feelings
How will you feel during the 37th week of pregnancy?
Many mixed feelings are associated with week 37 of pregnancy. Some women will feel a lot of discomfort due to inadequate sleep, anxiety, excitement, etc. It is also common to have constipation and heartburn-like symptoms as the digestive organs may be getting compressed due to the expanding uterus. It can be prevented by eating small portions of meals, avoiding greasy, fatty foods and not eating an hour before bedtime.
Most of the women are very excited to hold the baby and at the same time dread the labor pain.
37 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Changes in Experience
What changes you will experience during week 37 of pregnancy?
The bellies of many women do not grow any bigger post-37 weeks of pregnancy. But there will be many other changes happening in your body during this time which prepare you for delivery. The Braxton hicks will occur very frequently as well as the intensity will increase. The cervix may also start to dilate or efface. You will also notice the symptoms including increased vaginal discharge which will be with mucus or blood. Your mucus plug which blocks the entry of any infection in the cervix area may also start to lose. All these symptoms indicate that the delivery is a few days away.
37 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Changes in Look
What will you look like during the 37th week of pregnancy?
Women will look very much pregnant with an enlarged belly and bigger boobs. There is a low possibility that the belly size will increase any further beyond this. There will be swelling on the hands, ankles, feet, etc.
Diet During the 37th Week of Pregnancy
What should you eat during the 37th week of pregnancy?
Which food you should avoid during the 37th week of pregnancy?
Sex During 37th Week of Pregnancy
Is it safe to have sex during the 37th week of pregnancy?
You and your husband may be worried to get indulged in sex during week 37 of pregnancy. However, it is better to discuss it with your gynecologist about it since the answer to this depends on your pregnancy. Do not apply any pressure on the tummy and use comfortable positions. If you have any medical complications then discuss with your doctor.
Doctor consultation in the 37th week of pregnancy
Do I need to visit a doctor in the 37th week of pregnancy?
What should you discuss with the doctor?
Get yourself checked for fluctuating amniotic fluid levels and bacterial infections in the vagina. Amniotic fluids do start decreasing at this stage of pregnancy but an imbalance in the fluid can harm the baby. Discuss it with the doctor about it so that you can stay healthy for the rest of the weeks. Also talk about pain management methods, delivery plans, and who you want in the room with you at the time of delivery.
37 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Test/ Procedure
What are the tests or procedures you should have in the 37th week of pregnancy?
At this time the doctor may use a vaginal swab to check for the presence of bacterial infections. The amniotic fluid levels will also be checked to notice if there is any imbalance that can affect the child. The baby shifts to a heads-down position during delivery by this time. If not, then the doctor may suggest doing an external cephalic version wherein he will try to maneuver the baby to the standard delivery position from the external of the uterus.
Supplements in the 37th Week of Pregnancy
Omega 3 fatty acid (DHA) is a very important supplement to be consumed especially during the third trimester. It reduces the risk of premature labor and postpartum depression. E.g. Salmon, Tilapia, shrimp, red snapper, catfish, etc.
It is very important to take supplements of folic acid, iron, and calcium during pregnancy. Folic acid helps to reduce the risk of birth defects, and neural tube defects in babies such as spina bifida. Iron is also important to prevent anemia and fulfill the demand for increased blood flow. To absorb folic acid and iron you must consume vitamin C in the form of oranges, lemonade, etc. Calcium is important as the bones are getting harder day by day.
37 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Important Points to Know
What is important to know during the 37th week of pregnancy?
The baby is considered full-term now. The body of pregnant women is preparing itself for labor and the baby is getting ready for arrival. So, you need to know the tell-tale signs of labor and identify the difference between Braxton hicks and real contractions. Call the doctor if you have any painful contractions which last for 1 minute and are coming after every 5 minutes. You may also experience bleeding, intense pelvic pressure, change in vaginal discharge, etc along with contractions.
Preparation Guidelines for Baby
How should you start preparing for a baby’s birth?
Taking care of a newborn baby is very exhausting so rest as much as you can before the big day arrives. You’ll be experiencing early signs of labor and a lot of discomfort. Keep your hospital bag packed and ready. Continue doing Kegel exercises for making your pelvic muscles strong and increase your endurance. You can also head to the nearest swimming pool as it is an excellent workout to make your body prepared for delivery.
Think positive things about the upcoming delivery and labor process. Spend some quality time with your family and friends and get pampered by being the center of attraction. Also, you can indulge in salon sessions by getting a pedicure, manicure, or a nice body massage. These activities will keep you diverted from negative thoughts.
Shop and stock all the baby essentials do small arrangements like buying and fitting a car seat, decorating the nursery, keeping the crib ready, etc. You can also keep a list of baby names ready for both genders. Choose a name that your baby will like.
