Week 37 of Pregnancy
Third trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of a winter melon or small pumpkin
19.5 inches · 6.5 lbs
Baby this week
- •Lungs are nearly mature and ready for breathing air
- •Shedding most of the lanugo (fine body hair) and vernix caseosa (protective coating)
- •Positioning lower in the pelvis as labor approaches
- •Brain development continues with rapid growth in neural connections
You this week
- •Increased vaginal discharge or bloody show (mucus plug loosening)
- •Braxton-Hicks contractions becoming more frequent and intense
- •Pelvic pressure and heaviness as baby drops lower
- •Difficulty sleeping despite exhaustion
- •Lower back pain and hip discomfort
- •Swelling in feet and ankles that may worsen by evening
This week's tips
- •Practice your birth plan and hospital/birth center procedures—you're in the home stretch
- •Rest when you can; these final weeks are taxing on your body and mind
- •Try pelvic floor exercises and gentle stretches to prepare for labor
- •Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals to manage heartburn and discomfort
- •Trust your instincts about unusual symptoms—contact your provider if anything feels off
- •Arrange backup childcare and final labor support details if needed
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
You're entering the final stretch. Most babies born between now and week 40 are considered full-term. Focus on rest, staying connected to your birth team, and listening to your body's signals as it prepares for labor.
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For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
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