37 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Preparing for Labor, and Coping with Late Pregnancy Symptoms

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Baby Development at 37 Weeks
   • Size and Weight
   • Hair and Eye Color
   • Continued Weight Gain
3. Signs of Approaching Labor
   • Braxton Hicks Contractions
   • Leaking Breasts
   • Vaginal Discharge and Spotting
   • Monitoring Fetal Movement
4. Late Pregnancy Symptoms and Coping Strategies
   • Gas and Bloating
   • Lower Back Pain
5. Preparing for Labor and Delivery
   • Birth Announcements
   • Car Seat Installation
   • Nesting Instinct
   • Newborn Hearing Screening
6. Full-Term vs. Early-Term Delivery
7. When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
8. Celebrating Your Pregnancy Journey
9. Conclusion
10. References

Introduction

Congratulations on reaching the 37th week of your pregnancy! As you approach your due date, your body and your baby are undergoing final preparations for labor and delivery. This comprehensive guide will walk you through your baby's development, signs of approaching labor, and strategies for coping with late pregnancy symptoms.

Baby Development at 37 Weeks

Size and Weight

At 37 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a bunch of Swiss chard, measuring about 19.02 inches (48.3 cm) from head to toe and weighing around 6.68 pounds (3.0 kg) ¹².

Hair and Eye Color

Many babies are born with a full head of hair, while others may have only peach fuzz. Your baby's hair color at birth may not be their final color, as it can change over time. Similarly, your baby's eye color may change during the first year of life ³.

Continued Weight Gain

Your baby is still gaining weight, and the added fat is smoothing out their skin. This extra padding will help regulate their body temperature after birth ⁴.

Development Area	37 Weeks Pregnant
Length	19.02 inches
Weight	6.68 pounds
Hair	May have full head of hair or peach fuzz
Eyes	Color may change during first year
Fat Accumulation	Continuing to gain weight and smooth out skin

Signs of Approaching Labor

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions may become more frequent and intense as you approach labor. These "practice contractions" can help your cervix dilate and efface, potentially making labor progress more quickly ⁵.

Braxton Hicks Contractions	True Labor Contractions
Irregular intervals	Regular intervals
Do not increase in intensity	Increase in intensity
Disappear with rest or position change	Persist despite rest or position change
Usually not painful	Increasingly painful
Start in the front of the belly	Start in the back and move to the front

Leaking Breasts

You may notice leaking breasts during the last few weeks of pregnancy. The thick, nutrient-rich liquid is called colostrum, or "liquid gold," and will be your baby's first milk ⁵.

Vaginal Discharge and Spotting

Increased vaginal discharge, loss of the mucus plug, and bloody show are all signs that labor may be approaching. However, heavy bleeding or foul-smelling discharge should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately ⁵.

Monitoring Fetal Movement

Continue monitoring your baby's movements and notify your provider if you notice a decrease in activity. Your baby should remain active despite the increasingly cramped quarters ⁵.

Late Pregnancy Symptoms and Coping Strategies

Gas and Bloating

As your growing baby crowds your digestive organs, you may experience increased gas and bloating. To minimize discomfort, eat smaller meals, avoid trigger foods, and take gentle walks after eating ⁵.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain affects over 60% of pregnant women. To alleviate discomfort, maintain good posture, engage in low-impact exercises like swimming, and consider prenatal massage or other relaxation techniques ⁵.

Preparing for Labor and Delivery

Birth Announcements

Plan how you'll share the news of your baby's arrival with family and friends. Consider various methods, such as social media posts, phone calls, texts, emails, or mailed announcements ⁵.

Car Seat Installation

Ensure your car seat is properly installed by 37 weeks. If you're unsure about the installation, have it checked by a certified technician at an inspection station or your local fire or police department ⁵.

Nesting Instinct

You may experience a strong urge to clean, organize, or prepare for your baby's arrival, known as nesting. While nesting is normal, be mindful of your limitations and take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion ⁵.

Newborn Hearing Screening

Your baby will undergo a hearing screening before leaving the hospital. If your baby doesn't pass the initial test, follow up with your pediatrician or a hearing specialist to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment ⁵.

Full-Term vs. Early-Term Delivery

Although you could go into labor at any time, doctors consider babies born at 39 weeks or later to be full-term. Allowing your baby to spend the next two weeks in the womb supports the full maturation of their brain, lungs, and nervous system ⁴.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• Regular, painful contractions that increase in frequency and intensity
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or foul-smelling discharge
• Sudden decrease in fetal movement
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain or cramping
• Any other concerning symptoms or changes in your health

Celebrating Your Pregnancy Journey

As you near the end of your pregnancy, take a moment to celebrate your body's incredible accomplishments. Consider capturing memories of your pregnancy through photos, belly casts, or other creative projects ⁵.

Conclusion

As you navigate the 37th week of your pregnancy, remember to stay informed about your baby's development, be aware of signs of approaching labor, and prioritize self-care. By preparing for labor and delivery, managing late pregnancy symptoms, and celebrating your journey, you'll be better equipped to welcome your little one into the world with confidence and joy.

References

Footnotes

1. Hadlock, F. P., Harrist, R. B., & Martinez-Poyer, J. (1991). In utero analysis of fetal growth: A sonographic weight standard. Radiology, 181(1), 129-133. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiology.181.1.1887021 ↩

2. Vintzileos, A. M., Campbell, W. A., Rodis, J. F., Bors-Koefoed, R., & Nochimson, D. J. (1984). The ultrasound femur length as a predictor of fetal length. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 64(6), 779-782. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6390277/ ↩

3. MedlinePlus (ADAM). (2023). Fetal development. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002398.htm ↩

4. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Fetal development: The 3rd trimester. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997 ↩ ↩²

5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2024). How your fetus grows during pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹