37 weeks pregnant: What to expect + baby, & self-care tips

Congratulations—you’re 37 weeks pregnant! It’s almost time to welcome your new bundle of joy into the world, and goodness, things are shaking up. This is everything you should expect about being 37 weeks pregnant, including some great self-care tips.

Your baby is now considered full-term. Their lungs are fully developed, and they’re ready to take their first breath when they enter the world. You may notice that movements feel different as your baby has less room to stretch and kick.

The size of a baby at 37 weeks is similar to a stalk of Swiss chard. They are approximately 48 cm (18 inches) from the top of their head to their heel (crown-heel length). Curled up, they are 33.8 cm (13 inches) from the top of their head to their buttocks (crown-rump length). A 37-week pregnancy baby’s weight in kg is roughly 2.9kg.

You’re getting very close to meeting the newest addition to your family. They just have a bit more growing to do first.

For moms, this stage often brings increased Braxton Hicks contractions, pressure in the pelvis, and some fatigue. It’s a great time to focus on self-care—practice relaxation techniques, finalise your hospital bag, and rest as much as possible to conserve energy for labour.  Let’s take a closer look at the next seven days leading into your upcoming childbirth.

Your baby at 37 weeks of pregnancy

At 37 weeks, your baby is practising the skills that will serve them once they arrive. They’re also starting to get in position for labour. Here is a closer look at the key developments from this week:

Getting ready for the real world

This week, your little one is preparing to make its grand entrance. A baby at 37 weeks in the womb has increased dexterity. They’re continuing to grasp small objects, like their nose and toes. Your 37-week fetus is also continuing to blink and take practice breaths by inhaling amniotic fluid. 

Preparing for their first feed 

To prepare for breastfeeding after birth, your little one has been practising sucking their thumb and swallowing amniotic fluid. They should have this coordination down pat between week 36 and week 38. 

Your baby at 37 weeks

Previously, a baby born during a 37-week pregnancy was considered full-term. However, research has shown in the last decade that essential developments continue until the very end of pregnancy. For this reason, 39 weeks is generally considered a full-term pregnancy. 

With that being said, if you do go into labour at 37 weeks, your baby might spend a bit of time in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU), but it should be just fine. 

ALSO CHECK OUT: Baby Zodiac Calculator

Your body in the 37th week of pregnancy

Your body is gearing up for labour when going through pregnancy at 37 weeks, which can cause some uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Luckily, you only have a few more weeks to go! Here are some things you may be experiencing this week:

• Losing your mucus plug. The mucus plug is a thick glob of mucus that can be clear, pink, yellow or even brownish in colour. It “plugs” the cervix, which helps protect the fetus from infection. It can come out anytime from 37 weeks pregnant onward. Although, it doesn’t happen the same way for all women. Some don’t lose it until days or even hours before labour. It may come out all at once, or it may be a more gradual process.

• Nesting. The pre-birth ritual of nesting is a common symptom of late pregnancy. It’s often described as a “burst of energy” and entails organizing and cleaning in preparation for the baby’s arrival. This can include polishing up the nursery, making freezer meals, or tidying up your home. 

• Lightening. Near the end of pregnancy, your baby will drop and settle lower into your pelvis, referred to as lightening. It usually occurs 2 to 4 weeks before labour begins but can also happen days or hours before delivery. 

It may cause an increase in vaginal discharge as well as more pelvic pressure. You might also need to make more frequent trips to the bathroom as the baby’s head rests more heavily on your bladder. On the plus side, there will be less pressure on your diaphragm once the baby drops, which will give way to easier breathing.

Taking care of yourself during the 37th week of pregnancy

Self-care and last-minute preparation for the baby during your final trimester have probably never felt so important. 

To make your life a little easier, here are some helpful tips and things to concentrate on when thinking about what to do at 37 weeks pregnant:

• Prepare freezer meals. Stocking up on freezer meals will be a lifesaver once the baby arrives. Simply cook up large batches of your favourite dishes and store them away until a later date. This allows you to fuel up on nutritious food and means you won’t reach for unhealthy snacks as often. When hunger hits, you’ll have a ready-made meal in the time it takes to heat up in the microwave.

• Keep drinking water. Staying hydrated is necessary for all stages of pregnancy, but leading up to labour, it’s especially important. The uterus is a muscular organ, and just like any other muscle in the body, it works best when fully hydrated. 

• Get an exercise ball. Also called a birthing ball, an exercise ball is an excellent tool for gentle late-pregnancy workouts and stretching. When sitting on the ball, you can perform simple movements, like hip circles, pelvic tilts, and other side-to-side motions. Once labour starts, you can also sit on the ball to help open up your hips and pelvis. 

When purchasing, make sure to get the right size ball according to your height. 

• Install your car seat. It won’t be long now until your little one arrives. A car seat is an absolute must-have for transferring your baby home safely from the hospital. Each model will be slightly different and usually requires several steps to secure in place. For this reason, it’s best to get a jump on putting it in now.

• Enjoy a date night. The nights spent between you and your partner are going to look a little different in a few weeks. Take the opportunity to enjoy a carefree date night while you still can. And remember, sex during pregnancy is completely safe and a great way to connect with your significant other.

Frequently asked questions about a week 37 pregnancy

Although we’ve covered quite a bit already, these are some more popular questions about a 37-week pregnancy.

What should I be doing at 37 weeks pregnant?

Adding to the list of things you need to be doing, eating a healthy diet and learning how to identify and handle contractions are two of the most important. 

Is week 37 safe for delivery?

Although it is ideal to push your pregnancy a week or two extra, you can give birth perfectly well and healthily at 37 weeks pregnant.

How likely is it to go into labour at 37 weeks?

Statistically speaking, fewer women go into labour during weeks 37 to 39, and the majority carry term from 39 to 42 weeks.

What if my baby is breech at 37 weeks?

Some babies remain breech (bottom or feet down) at this stage. Your healthcare provider may discuss options such as an external cephalic version (ECV) to turn the baby or, in some cases, scheduling a caesarean section.

Is it normal to lose a bit of weight at 37 weeks pregnant?

Some women experience small weight fluctuations at this stage due to fluid shifts or changes in appetite. If you notice a sudden or significant drop, speak with your doctor or midwife for personalised advice.

Should I prepare newborn clothing in a specific size now?

It’s helpful to have a mix of sizes, including newborn (up to about 4.5 kg) and 0–3 months. Babies vary greatly in birth weight, so having a range ensures you’re prepared.

How can I balance work if I’m still employed at 37 weeks?

Communicate openly with your employer about possible last-minute leave. Consider reducing workload, working from home if possible, or adjusting hours to accommodate fatigue and prenatal appointments. Also check out Claiming UIF maternity benefits: your comprehensive guide. 

How should I prepare my home for a potential early arrival?

Finish setting up the nursery, wash baby clothes and bedding, and stock up on essentials like nappies, wipes, and easy-to-prepare meals. Having everything ready can ease stress if baby comes sooner than expected.

How do I distinguish between a ‘bloody show’ and normal spotting?

A ‘bloody show’ typically contains mucus streaked with blood, signalling changes in the cervix as labour nears. Light spotting can happen due to cervical sensitivity. Any heavy bleeding or concerns should prompt an immediate call to your healthcare provider.

Are there recommended positions to ease late-pregnancy discomfort?

Many find relief by sitting on a birth ball, kneeling on all fours, or using pillows to support their bump when lying on their side. Experiment to see which positions help reduce pressure on your back or pelvis.

Is cord blood banking an option I should consider now?

If you’re interested, it’s best to research and make arrangements before labour. Cord blood banking involves collecting stem-cell-rich blood from the umbilical cord, which might be used medically in the future.

How can I manage last-minute anxiety about labour and birth?

Engage in positive coping strategies like breathing exercises, mindfulness, or prenatal yoga. Discuss any fears with your partner, friends, or a professional counsellor. Antenatal classes can also help clarify expectations.

What postpartum essentials should I gather just in case?

Consider having maternity pads, comfortable clothing, nursing bras, baby feeding supplies, and postpartum pain relief on hand. Preparing in advance can make the early recovery period smoother.

Read more: Everything you need to know about having a caesarean.

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Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for concerns about your pregnancy or health.