Pregnancy Week By Week - 37 Weeks Pregnant

Editorial Team

Congratulations, you are now eight months and about one week pregnant. You are just three weeks until your due date. Antibodies continue to transfer from your body through the placenta to improve your baby’s immune system. At this stage, your baby’s lungs are mature enough to adjust to life outside the uterus.

Your baby is now about the size of a small watermelon measuring about 49cm long and weighing about 2.9kg. Your baby’s body fat is now around 8% and this will increase to 15% in the next three weeks in time for the birth.

You may find it harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night and you may also be experiencing intense dreams. Anxiety about both labour and becoming a parent can cause your subconscious to go into overdrive.

Some of the symptoms you will experience at this stage are:

  • Heartburn
  • Spotting
  • Stretch marks
  • Abdominal pressure
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Contractions
  • Nausea

The Braxton Hicks contractions may last longer and feel more uncomfortable and you might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. You may start to experience what is known as a ‘nesting instinct’.

This is when you have a sudden burst of energy and start cleaning everything in sight but regardless, you need to conserve your energy for labour and delivery.

Take a few minutes out of your day to count kicks and record other movements. If you notice after regular tracking that your baby isn’t moving around as much, it’s a good idea to call your doctor. Your baby might be having a slow day. Very rarely, the reduced fetal movement might indicate a cord accident or other issue that needs emergency medical attention.

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