Pregnancy Calendar: 37 Weeks Pregnant

37 Weeks Pregnant

Your belly will probably reach its maximum when 37 Weeks Pregnant. Your baby will continue to grow until delivery, however, your uterus will not grow any bigger over the following week or two. Your pregnancy weight will reach its maximum too which means that you will put on about 25 to 35 pounds by the beginning of the 37th week of pregnancy. You will most likely continue to experience pregnancy discomforts which you developed during the previous weeks including spider and varicose veins, hemorrhoids, heartburn, difficulty finding comfortable position to sleep, swelling, backache, etc. Swelling, especially in the ankles is very common during the last weeks of pregnancy and it is not a cause of concern, however, call your doctor immediately if you experience sudden or severe swelling in your hands and face because it may be a sign of preeclampsia, a very dangerous condition that can cause serious pregnancy complications. The weight of your baby putting pressure on your bladder will result in more frequent trips to the toilet, especially at night. You may also leak some urine when sneezing or laughing. Unfortunately, there is nothing to do about it except for wearing panty liners to catch the urine. Pay attention to signs of urinary tract infection which is besides frequent urination accompanied by burning sensation while urinating. Untreated urinary tract infection can cause damage to your kidneys and trigger preterm labor. When 37 week pregnant, you will probably experience the Braxton Hicks contractions more frequently. They signal that your body is preparing for the real thing, however, they sometimes develop into real contractions. You are considered full term when 37 week pregnant, so do not be surprised if you will need to go to the hospital before your due date. Pay attention to signs of labor and go to the nearest hospital if you experience intense contractions occurring at regular intervals and lasting more than one hour, if you pass mucus plug or if your water breaks. Just in case, pack a bag for the hospital when you enter the 37th week of pregnancy because you will not have time to pack when the labor begins.

Your Baby:
Your baby will reach maturity in the 37th week which means that his or her organs including the lungs are fully developed and ready to function outside your womb. By now, your baby’s head will be most likely positioned down into the pelvis. If your doctor discovers that your baby is in the breech position (feet or buttock first), he or she may recommend turning the position of your baby by external cephalic version. It is a procedure which involves applying pressure to your abdomen and if successful, it will enable you to give vaginal birth safely. Your baby will reach about 19.5 inches from head to toe and weight about 6.5 pounds by the 37th week, while his or her skin will start to lose the wrinkly appearance.

Your baby is the size of a: Stalk of Swiss chard

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