Pregnancy week by week · trimester 3
🍈 37 weeks pregnant: your baby is about the size of a winter melon
At 37 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a winter melon, considered early term and adding their finishing touches.
Your baby this week
Your baby is around 48.6cm long and about 2.85kg, roughly the size of a winter melon. From 37 weeks, your baby is considered early term, and a birth from now is not called premature. They are adding the final layers of fat that will help them keep warm, and their lungs are almost ready for air. Some babies have a full head of hair already, others very little. Movements should carry on in their usual pattern, even though they may feel different in the snug space.
You this week
You may feel heavy, tired and more than ready to meet your baby. Pelvic pressure, more frequent Braxton Hicks and constant trips to the loo are common. You might notice a show, where a plug of mucus comes away from your cervix; it can be clear, pink or a little blood streaked, and labour may still be days away. Nesting and impatience often arrive together. Rest, eat well, and let small things go.
Kind things to do this week
- Read up on the early signs of labour and when to call your maternity unit.
- Keep your hospital bag and maternity notes by the door.
- Save your maternity unit's phone number in your phone and your birth partner's.
Appointments around now
If this is your first pregnancy, your next appointment is usually at 38 weeks.
Questions to ask your midwife
- When should I call the maternity unit once contractions start?
- What happens when I first arrive in labour?
When to call your midwife or maternity unit
If your baby's movements slow down, stop or feel different to their usual pattern, contact your maternity unit straight away, day or night. Do not wait until the next day. Please also call your midwife or maternity unit if you have bleeding, fluid leaking, a severe headache, changes to your vision, sudden swelling, or itching (especially on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet). If your waters break, or you think labour has started, call your maternity unit for advice.
OBubba from bump to baby
Follow your pregnancy week by week, free.
OBubba is free through pregnancy, with a weekly update, kick counting and contraction timing. On the day your baby arrives, the same app becomes your baby tracker.
Questions
Is 37 weeks full term?
From 37 weeks your baby is considered early term, and a birth from now is not premature. Full term is usually counted from 39 weeks.
What is a show in pregnancy?
A show is the plug of mucus that seals your cervix coming away. It can be clear, pink or a little blood streaked. Heavier bleeding is different, so call your maternity unit if you have any.
Not sure how far along you are? Use the due date calculator.
Sources
OBubba gives general information. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Your midwife and maternity unit are always the right people to ask, any time of day or night.