Pregnancy Week 37
Your baby has reached early term and is getting ready for life outside the womb. The brain and lungs continue to mature, your baby is gaining more body fat, and many babies are settling into a head-down position as birth gets closer.
Your Baby This Week
Early Term
At week 37, your pregnancy has reached the early-term period.
Your baby has undergone major development, but important changes continue during the remaining weeks, particularly in the brain, lungs, and ability to regulate body temperature after birth.
Brain & Nervous System
Your baby’s brain continues to mature and develop important connections.
The nervous system is becoming increasingly coordinated, helping control movement, reflexes, breathing, feeding, and other functions after birth.
More Body Fat
Your baby continues gaining fat beneath the skin.
This makes the body appear fuller and provides an important energy reserve that will help your baby maintain body temperature and energy after birth.
Preparing for Birth
Many babies are in a head-down position by this stage, preparing for delivery.
Your baby’s movements may feel different because space is becoming increasingly limited, but regular movement remains important.
Almost Ready to Meet You
Your baby is about the size of a winter melon. The brain and lungs continue maturing while your baby gains more fat and prepares for birth.
Your Body This Week
Your body is increasingly focused on the final stages of pregnancy and preparation for labor.
Increased Pelvic Pressure
As your baby moves lower into the pelvis, you may experience more pressure in your pelvis, hips, or bladder.
Frequent Urination
The baby's position and growing uterus can place additional pressure on your bladder, making you need to urinate more often.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
You may notice more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions. They can sometimes feel stronger as your body prepares for labor.
Changes in Discharge
You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. Some people also notice the loss of the mucus plug as the cervix begins changing.
Tips for week 37
- Continue taking your prenatal vitamin every day.
- Eat balanced meals containing protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Continue including iron-rich foods.
- Choose calcium-rich foods to support your baby's developing bones.
- Include healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat fiber-rich foods to help support digestion.
- Rest whenever you feel tired.
- Continue paying attention to your baby's usual movement pattern.
- Continue gentle, pregnancy-safe activity if approved by your healthcare professional.
- Keep your prenatal appointments.
- Make sure your hospital or birth-center bag is ready.
- Keep important contact numbers easily accessible.
- Review your birth preferences with your healthcare team.
- Know the signs of labor and when to contact your maternity care team.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs.
- Limit caffeine to 200 mg or less per day.
Nutrition This Week
Your baby continues developing even though pregnancy has reached the early-term period.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Iron Rich Foods
Calcium Sources
Protein Rich Foods
Folate Rich Foods
Healthy Fats
Fruits & Vegetables
Whole Grains
Stay Hydrated
Nutrition Tip
Keep your meals balanced and regular during these final weeks. Choose nutrient-dense foods that provide protein, iron, calcium, fiber, and healthy fats rather than focusing on eating larger amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my baby full-term at Week 37?
Week 37 is considered early term, not full term. A pregnancy is considered full term from 39 weeks through 40 weeks and 6 days.
How big is my baby at Week 37?
Your baby is approximately the size of a winter melon. Exact size and weight vary from baby to baby.
What is developing during Week 37?
Your baby’s brain and nervous system continue maturing, while the lungs continue developing. Your baby is also gaining body fat and preparing for life outside the womb.
Is my baby likely to be head-down?
Many babies are head-down by Week 37, but not all. Your healthcare professional can check your baby’s position and discuss options if your baby is breech or in another position.
Should my baby's movements decrease now?
Your baby’s movements may feel different because there is less room, but they should not simply stop or significantly decrease. Pay attention to your baby’s usual movement pattern and contact your healthcare professional promptly if you notice a significant change.
How can I tell if labor is starting?
Signs can include regular contractions that become stronger and closer together, leaking or breaking of the amniotic fluid, and changes in vaginal discharge.
If you think you are in labor or your water breaks, contact your maternity care team for guidance.
Can labor happen at Week 37?
Yes. Because Week 37 is early term, labor can occur naturally during this period. Your healthcare team can advise you about when to go to your hospital or birth center.
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