You've got an early-term baby in your womb while you are 37 weeks pregnant. Few more weeks to go for a full-term baby. Here's all you need to know about week 37.
Baby Development:
Your baby is now size of a bunch of Swiss chard
A 37 weeks pregnant baby position is head down, further into the pelvis. The position and movements of the baby can be determined through 37 weeks pregnant ultrasound. The thumb sucking practice is prepping your baby for breastfeeding. Fine hair and thick white substance covering your baby are shedding now. The lungs remain deflated until the first gasp of air which makes water delivery possible. The digestive system has a green sticky substance called meconium, the first poo. You still have a few weeks for delivery, but there might be exceptions. A baby born at 37 weeks is called an early baby and might need a month of NICU care.
Body Changes
Your cervix will begin to dilate very slightly to get ready for birth in a few weeks. The dilation causes sharp pain in your vagina. You may notice some is clear, pinkish, or slightly bloody vaginal discharge called mucus plug due to dilation. The uterus is pushing against your diaphragm, so you will experience shortness of breath. 37 weeks pregnant period pains on and off are normal but extreme diarrhoea and cramping must be brought to doctors notice immediately. Constant lower back pain, water breaking and extreme abdominal pain must not be ignored.
Find your due date/Calculating your due date:
Unless you've been tracking your ovulation, for a health practitioner to exactly know when you ovulated and conceived is hard to say. Most women ovulate about two weeks after the first day of their period. So, to calculate a standard timing, most health practitioners calculate the due date from the first day of your last menstrual period.
37 weeks pregnant symptoms:
Here are a few number of common symptoms a woman may notice throughout her Pregnancy Symptoms Week 37.- Shortness of breath
- Pinkish vaginal discharge
- Frequent urination
- Insomnia
- Swollen hands and feet
- Constipation and gas
- Varicose veins
- Abdominal pain
- Foggy memory
- Leaky breasts
- Itchy belly
Tips for You This Week
You can support your body to prepare for pregnancy by following the tips below:It's time to learn about various birthing positions and find a comfortable position. Pack due date needs in a bag and keep it handy. Make sure to sit upright while & after eating to deal with heartburn. Take care of your joints by bending your knees rather than your back when you pick things up. Invest in breast pads to help you with leaky breasts. Get plenty of sleep. Elevate your feet slightly when you sit. Always stand slowly after prolonged sitting or sleeping position as the blood pressure of the body is low at this stage. Try sleeping in a semi-seated position on your left side with one or both knees bent. Avoid exercising, eating or drinking too close to bedtime.