Congratulations, you have successfully become pregnant for 37 weeks! It marks the official beginning of pregnancy of early periods; Although your child will not reach “full weight” for 39 weeks, their development has progressed far enough that delivery at this stage should generally be safe.
In 37 weeks, you can feel an array of emotions: relief, enthusiasm, and nervous expectations at the same time. Your stomach may be heavy because your body starts releasing signs of labor, and your baby continues to prepare for life outside the womb. Let’s walk through pregnancy week 37, including the baby’s development, your body’s changes, and what to expect as the countdown begins.
Your Baby’s Development at Week 37
At week 37 of gestation, your baby has reached nearly full-term and looks very similar to how they will appear upon birth.
Baby Size: This length approximates that of Swiss Chard or Romaine Lettuce.
The average weight range for adults is 2.8-3 kg (6-6.5 lbs).
Length: Around 48-49 cm. Lungs: Completely developed and ready to breathe air.
Skin: Pinker, plumper, and less wrinkled.
Brain and Nervous System: Still maturing, yet strong enough for life outside.
Fat layers: Increased to help regulate body temperature post birth.
By pregnancy week 37, your baby continues practicing essential skills such as breathing, sucking, gripping, and responding to light and sound.
37 Weeks Pregnant Baby Weight in kg
In 37 weeks of the womb, the average baby weighs about 2.8–3 kg. While some children may be slightly smaller or larger than this estimate, both variations remain healthy options.
Your doctor will track growth using ultrasound and fetal height measurements, but do not worry if your child feels small; The infant usually develops at its own rate, and a variance of up to several hundred grams is completely normal.
37 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms Boy or Girl
Women often hope that children will show whether symptoms can help determine the child’s gender. While estimates can be fun, there is no scientific evidence that symptoms suggest whether you are having a boy or a girl.
The stories of the old wives suggest that women may notice: Boy: There are fewer signs of carrying, snacking on salty foods, and oily skin signal signs.
Girls – Don’t hold back; show off your high spirits and delicious desserts while showing off a radiant complexion.
Reality check: At 37 weeks of gestation, pregnancy symptoms tend to focus more on hormone and body changes rather than any anticipated gender differences in your baby.
37 Weeks Pregnant Baby Position
By 37 weeks pregnant, most babies have moved into a head-down (cephalic) position and are ready for birth.
Head-Down (Vertex): For vaginal birthing, this position provides optimal results.
Breech: If your baby is headfirst or bottom first, your doctor may use an external cephalic version (ECV). This technique entails externally pushing on their head from above to turn them.
Transverse: Lying on its side–although unlikely at this stage, but possible.
At 37 weeks, even if your baby’s position isn’t ideal, don’t panic – some babies can turn in the final weeks, and your care provider will give guidance on next steps.
Is Week 37 Safe for Delivery?
Yes, week 37 gestation is generally safe for delivery. Babies born at this stage are considered early term not preterm but not yet full term either. Most 37-week babies breathe and feed well. Blood sugar or jaundice conditions require additional monitoring. At 39 weeks, development is nearing its conclusion, and delivery can usually occur safely at 37 weeks if labour begins on its own. Many doctors avoid inducing labour at 37 weeks unless medically necessary.
How Much Weight Does a Baby Gain in Week 37?
Week 37 pregnancy marks an average gain of 200-250 grams each week. This steady increase helps build fat stores that provide warmth and energy after birth.
What Should I Avoid at 37 Weeks Pregnant?
At 37 weeks pregnant, safety and comfort should take precedence. Here’s what to avoid at this stage of gestation:
Foods to avoid include raw fish, unpasteurized cheese, deli meats, undercooked meats, and excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption.
Activities: Heavy lifting, intense workouts, and standing for long periods are among the many essential skills.
Travel: Long-distance or air trips should be taken, since labour could begin at any moment.
Self-Medicating: Before beginning any new supplements or medicines on your own, be sure to speak to a healthcare provider first.
Avoid stress and overexertion as much as possible; rest as much as necessary while your body prepares for labor.
Is a Baby’s Brain Fully Developed at 37 Weeks?
Your baby’s brain continues to rapidly develop up until 37 weeks of gestation. By this week, the baby’s brain has gained approximately one-third of its weight since last month. Connections among neurons are rapidly being made. Development continues in the final weeks of gestation and even well into childhood. As much as your baby may be ready for life outside, these final weeks of development are key in terms of their brain and nervous system maturation.
37 Weeks Pregnant in Months
At 37 weeks pregnant, you are entering your ninth month.
Here is how it breaks down: during Month 9 of pregnancy = Weeks 36-40. Labour may start at any time during this month; some women give birth early, while others delay until after their due date; both are considered normal outcomes.
Your Body & Common Signs of Labor at 37 Weeks
Your body may be signaling you that labor could be close, with 37 weeks pregnant symptoms including:
Braxton Hicks contractions: Practice contractions that are irregular and less intense.
Increased Discharge: Clear, white, or slightly pink mucus is being produced in greater quantities.
Pelvic pressure: Babies born via cesarean section often “drop” into their pelvis, making walking or sitting uncomfortable.
Backache: Pressure on your lower back from carrying a baby is likely to result in discomfort.
Nesting instinct: Sudden bursts of energy to prepare for the baby’s arrival.
Signs of labor at 37 weeks to watch for:
Regular, painful contractions that do not subside with rest. Water Breaking (an abrupt or gradual release of fluid). Bloody discharge (leakage of mucus plug containing blood). Observing labor symptoms? Notify your physician or visit a hospital immediately.
Your 37-Week Checklist & Prenatal Visit
At gestation week 37, preparation is key. Here’s what to focus on:
Prenatal visit: For optimal pregnancies, at the first prenatal visit, you should receive: blood pressure measurement, urine check, and belly measurement. Track baby’s heartbeat and movement. Confirm the baby is in their proper position. Get Group B Strep (GBS) test results if applicable.
Checklist for Week 37 Pregnancy:
Pack your hospital bag if you haven’t done so already. Finalize and discuss your birth plan with your care provider. Install and test the car seat for your baby. Prepare the essentials for your newborn: diapers, wipes, and clothing. Practice relaxation techniques during labor. Keep emergency contact and hospital information accessible at all times.
As you wrap up week 37, your body is just finishing its preparation for the main event: ovulation. The journey is just beginning, and what happens next is crucial.
Ready to find out about ovulation, fertilization, and the very first signs of development?
Continue to Week 38 Pregnant: Your Next Steps and What to Expect
FAQs About 37 Weeks Pregnant
Can 37 weeks of pregnancy be safe for delivery?
Absolutely – these pregnancies are considered early term and usually healthy up until 39 weeks of gestation.
At 37 weeks of gestation, how big would a baby be?
At 37 weeks pregnant, what are some signs of labor?
Has my baby’s brain fully developed at 37 weeks?
Should I avoid eating raw or undercooked food at 37 weeks pregnant?
Alcohol, smoking, and heavy lifting should all be avoided at this stage.
1 Comment
Comments are closed.