Third trimester · 37 weeks pregnant
Week 37: early term
No longer premature. Signs of labour could start any time.
From 37 weeks and 0 days your baby is early term. Breathing, grasping and sucking are practised daily and the head is likely engaged. Lungs and brain still benefit from every extra day until 39 weeks.
Size and weight
About the size of
a bunch of Swiss chard
Length
48.6 cm
Weight
2.9 kg
Averages from standard growth charts. Measured crown to rump until week 20 and head to heel afterwards.
How your baby is developing
- The baby practises breathing, grasping and sucking and turns towards light.
- The brain and lungs keep maturing; full term starts at 39 weeks.
- The head is usually engaged in the pelvis.
- Most vernix is gone; the bowel is full of meconium.
How you may feel
- Pelvic pressure and "lightning" twinges
- Loss of the mucus plug or a pink-tinged "show"
- More Braxton Hicks
- Nausea, loose stools or back pain as the body prepares
- Insomnia
- Nesting
Early labour can feel like period cramps that come and go. Rest, eat, drink and time the tightenings. Call your maternity hospital or 103 when they are regular and strong, your waters break, you bleed, or movements reduce.
What's next
Tests and appointments
- Weekly visit: blood pressure, urine, position and movements.
- Your care team may discuss what happens if you go past 41 weeks.
What to do this week
- Rest when you can and eat regular, light meals.
- Keep gentle walks going; they help position and mood.
- Confirm your birth partner's plan and keep your phone charged.
Call your doctor or maternity hospital if
- Your baby is moving less than usual, or the pattern has changed
- Vaginal bleeding, or your waters break, especially if the fluid is green or brown
- A severe headache, vision changes, pain under the right ribs, or sudden swelling of your face and hands
- Regular painful tightenings before 37 weeks, or severe itching of your palms and soles
If something feels wrong, trust yourself and call 103 or your maternity hospital. You will never be wasting anyone's time.
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