37 Weeks Pregnant

What Happens During the 37th Week of Pregnancy?

During the 37th week of pregnancy, numerous changes continue to happen in your body. They range from swelling to an increase in vaginal discharge. Other than that, your little one will also undergo transformation or change. Here, we will look into the different things happening during the 37th week of pregnancy in detail.

Hormonal Changes and Pregnancy Symptoms

While you are 37 weeks pregnant, you can notice swelling as a concern. A little bit of it won't be an issue. But when you find an increase, provide medical attention. Here, don't hesitate to speak with your OB-GYN or midwife to procure the correct treatment option for you. Other than swelling of your body, nausea is an issue that can affect you. Its intensity can increase during the last few weeks of your pregnancy. Hence, you have to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. It is because dehydration can pave the way for nausea during this time. Since there is increasing pressure on your digestive system, it can result in heartburn and similar issues. It occurs because of your baby's growth that happens at a rapid pace. Due to these changes occurring in your body, you might find it troublesome to sleep. Some of the reasons that lead to this issue are back pain, frequent urination, cramps in your calves, and other forms of discomfort. Hence, you have to take the necessary measures to reduce the intensity of these problems.

Besides, there will be an increase in the frequency of the Braxton Hicks Contractions that you face. Even though it happens, it doesn't mean it would result in dilations. Other than these symptoms, you might also notice a few drops of blood, which is normal. If you find an increase, do speak with your doctor for support and care. Here, you might also see a rise in your vaginal discharge. Under these circumstances, it will be better to wear a pantyliner if you think it can add comfort. These are some of the factors affecting you due to hormonal changes and pregnancy symptoms.

Bodily Changes

While you are 37 weeks pregnant, several bodily changes continue to happen. One of them is the increase in your body weight, which is a factor that can result in other concerns. It can pave the way for back pains, increase the frequency of urination, cramps, discomfort, etc. However, you don't have to worry about it as it is natural. Another point to note is that the changes in your body weight will depend upon the number of children you carry. Apart from them, your uterus will also show an increase in its size.

Here, you might notice an increase in stretch marks, which will last for a few weeks. In most cases, they might decrease after your delivery. If not, you don't have to be concerned about it as it's natural. Your chances of having stretch marks will increase if your mother had them while she was pregnant. Apart from these bodily changes, you might feel an increase in abdominal pressure. You could sense pressure in other parts of your body as well. Another significant change that can impact your body is your breast. Here, your nipples will become visible, which is a way of preparing your body for breastfeeding your little one. These are some of the bodily changes happening during the 37th week of pregnancy.

Fetal Development

During this time, your baby will be 48 cms and would weigh around 2.9 kg. If you deliver your little one this week, it is normal. It is because your baby is no longer premature, as all the developments have happened by this time. Besides, your little one will gain weight in the last couple of weeks too. At this time, your baby's head will be moving downwards, which is a way of preparing for the delivery. However, sometimes, your baby might remain upright without undergoing this change. Here, your doctor will have to take measures to ensure that your baby is in the correct position. When your baby is in the position for delivery, it is known as engagement.

Other than that, you might notice that there is a decrease in the punches and kicks faced. It is because your little one doesn't have a lot of space to move around in the belly. Here, your little one will start breathing in and out the amniotic fluid. When it comes to your child's eyes, your kid will blink from time to time. It is a way to protect the eyes from any form of damage. Besides, your baby will be sucking to their thumb while you are in the 37th week. Your child can also hold on to their toes, nose, or ears using their fingers now.

Another significant change happening to your baby is an increase in the accumulation of fat in the body. It will be in the knees, elbows, shoulders, neck, wrist, and other parts. During this week, if you have an ultrasound scan, you can find out if there are any issues or distress. These are some of the components associated with fetal development during the 37th week.

Things to Take Care During the 37th Week

As you know, this is a crucial time for your pregnancy. Here, you have to take good care of yourself to enhance your and your baby's well-being. On behalf of that, you have to incorporate some healthy habits into your routine and lifestyle. Some of the elements you can consider are:

Maintain a Healthy Diet

While you are pregnant, you have to be careful of the food items you have. It is an excellent way for you to enhance your health and overall well-being. Here, ensure that you drink plenty of water and other fluids. Focus on the timing of drinking water and try to reduce it in the evening. Through this, you don't have to rush to the bathroom at night frequently.

Other than that, you should have the recommended food items mentioned by your doctor or dietician. Here, you avoid having raw meat, egg and also reduce having seafood items. Instead, try to focus on having nutrient-dense food items in your diet.

You have to focus on having enough calcium in your diet and take prenatal vitamins. Having iron supplements as per your doctor's recommendation can also be beneficial.

Take Care of Your Physical Health

Exercising is beneficial even when you are 37 weeks pregnant. Here, you have to include light exercises based on your health conditions. You can try out light stretches, walks, and pregnancy-friendly yoga too. However, your main focus has to be on your well-being. If you don't feel like exercising one day, don't pressurize yourself.

Similarly, you have to focus on your mental health. As your dates approach, you might feel anxious and stressed out while thinking about labor. Here, you can speak with your doctor, therapist, and family members to gain support. Even if it is not your first pregnancy, you can feel these issues. Here, you have to remember to seek assistance whenever you find it essential.

Speak with Your Doctor

It is time for you to speak with your doctor and clarify some of the doubts you might have. They include:

Other Tips

Apart from these, here are a few other tips that can help you during the 37th week of pregnancy.