Your Pregnancy at Week 37

Your Pregnancy at Week 37

Have You Got Everything Ready?

Week 37

your baby this week:

Your little one is now considered full term. If you are having multiples, they are considered term. Most babies at this week will vary in weight and length, though the boys tend to have more weight and length than the girls.

If your baby is born this week, all of their internal organs are now developed enough to function outside of the womb. From this point on, your baby is merely adding a few more ounces of fat to their frame each week.

your body:

Your doctor or midwife will check for dilation at this week's appointment. In order for your baby to pass through your birth canal, your cervix will need to dilate open to 10 centimeters.

They will also look for cervical ripeness (the consistency of your cervix). Usually firm, like your nose, your cervix will become as soft as the inside of your cheek before labor.

Your doctor or midwife will also check the position of your cervix because as you get closer to labor, your cervix will move frontwards.

While your doctor or midwife is down there, they will look for effacement (how thin your cervix is). When your cervix is 100 percent effaced, it's time to deliver!

Louise Broadbridge - Our Expert Midwife

Hi, my name is Louise, I am a Registered Midwife, founder of Let's Talk Birth and Baby and the face behind Instagram's The Honest Midwife. I have worked in health settings for the past 30 years, the majority of which have been working in children and family settings.

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your tips & to do's:

What can you expect those initial hours and days after the birth of your little one to be like? Labor can be intensely stressful and exhausting. Depending on how long you labor, as well as the time of day that you deliver and how smoothly everything goes, you may find yourself wanting more than a nice, long nap.

There will be a lot going on around you. Nurses will be monitoring both you and your newborn, and visitors will be coming and going. Your new baby may sleep most of time and only wake to eat or fuss. You'll be working on breastfeeding and maybe even working with a lactation consultant. Sometimes, that expected, instant bond with your baby doesn't happen immediately.

Many new mothers find that the hormonal imbalance following delivery leaves them reeling. You may cry with happiness, or sadness, without really understanding why. You may feel lonely, despite friends and family being around you. Some women miss feeling so close to their little one, as they did when they were still carrying their baby within. Keep in mind that it is entirely normal.

Many women have conflicting emotions about this amazing life change. Feeling sadness or stressed is a natural reaction. You will have a lifetime to sort out your feelings and enjoy your new baby, so give yourself time to adjust. If you get overwhelmed by your feelings, find you aren't able to care for your baby as you should, or feel that things just aren't right, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor or midwife. The baby blues are a normal part of motherhood and will gradually pass. Postpartum depression is a more serious concern and should be discussed with your doctor.

your symptoms

Pregnancy is exhausting, but when you hold that little baby, you'll realize it was all entirely worth it. Here is a list of symptoms you may experience during week 37.

  • Constipation and/or hemorrhoids
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Stretch marks
  • Sweating
  • Heartburn
  • Braxton Hicks
  • Interrupted sleep
  • Backaches and/or leg cramps
  • Swelling or bloating
  • Crazy dreams
  • Nesting

Articles For You to Read This Week

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Vaginal vs C-Section Delivery

Try a vaginal delivery this time, they said. Recovery will be easier and faster, they said. You'll bounce back quicker, they said. Well...

To Epidural or Not To Epidural - That is the Question

To Epidural or Not To Epidural... That is the Question

The question about whether or not to opt for an epidural during labor is on most women's lips whilst planning their birth. Every woman has a number of options...

What They Don't Tell You About Labor

What They Don't Tell You About Labor

So, you've been to all the prenatal classes and you've read all the books and you now think you are suitably prepared and know what to expect, right? Wrong! I'm about to tell...

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Our Top Rated Products to Buy This Week

Boppy® Anywhere Nursing Pillow

$29.99
The Boppy Anywhere Nursing Pillow provides spot-on feeding support and comfort for you and your little one anywhere you need it.

Pearhead™ Belly Art Casting Kit

$19.99
Commemorate the precious journey of your pregnancy by creating a cast of your belly with this Pearhead Belly Art Casting Kit. It's easy-to-make and decorate, creating a lasting keepsake.

Babyprints Keepsake Wall Hanging by Pearhead™

$6.99
This keepsake kit allows you to create the perfect baby print. It uses no water, and simply air dries, giving you plenty of time to do it over until you get it just right.

SKIP*HOP® Greenwich Vari Diaper Backpack

$99.99
Keep your little one's essentials easily accessible while on-the-go with the SKIP*HOP Greenwich Vari Diaper Backpack.

 
 
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Articles shown are a mixture of informative pieces, anecdotal accounts and professional advice from our panel of Bloggers, Writers and Experts. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official view of this site.