37 weeks pregnant
At 37 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a winter melon: around 48.6 cm head to heel and 2.86 kg. Early term. Baby is practising sucking, gripping and breathing.
Your baby at 37 weeks
Early term. Baby is practising sucking, gripping and breathing.
| Size | About the size of a winter melon |
|---|---|
| Length | 48.6 cm head to heel |
| Weight | 2.86 kg |
Your baby is now early term. The lungs are nearly mature, and your baby is practising sucking, grasping and breathing movements. Your baby is gaining around 200 g a week and weighs about 2.9 kg. Most babies are head-down by now, ready for birth.
How far along are you at 37 weeks?
At 37 weeks pregnant you are in the ninth month of your pregnancy and the third trimester. You have about 3 weeks to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 37 weeks your baby has been growing for about 35 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 37 weeks
You may feel pelvic pressure and a burst of nesting energy. Learn the signs of labour and when to call.
Common symptoms at 37 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- Losing your mucus plug. A jelly-like discharge, sometimes pink or blood-streaked, called a show.
- Pelvic pressure. A heavy, low feeling as your baby settles into your pelvis.
- Strong Braxton Hicks. Sometimes hard to tell from early labour.
- Nesting. An urge to get everything ready.
- Backache. A dull ache low in your back.
- Loose stools. Some women notice this as labour gets closer.
Your checklist for week 37
- Learn when to go to hospital. Your unit will give you its own advice; a common rule is when contractions come every 5 minutes, last a minute, for an hour, or sooner if your waters break.
- Keep your bag, notes and phone charger ready.
- Make sure your partner knows the route and parking.
- Rest, eat well and stay gently active.
- Keep tracking your baby's movements daily.
Tip of the week: When to go to hospital
Many hospitals use the 5-1-1 rule for a first baby: contractions every 5 minutes, each lasting about 1 minute, for 1 hour. For second and later babies, labour is often faster, so go in sooner. Always call before you go in. Go straight away if your waters break, you bleed, your baby moves less or you feel unwell.
For your partner
You're on call now.
- Keep your phone charged and the tank full
- Time contractions with the app
- Stay calm and keep her company
When to call your doctor at 37 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- Your waters break. Note the time and colour; green, brown or smelly fluid needs urgent attention.
- Heavy bleeding, constant pain or reduced movements.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes, or fewer baby movements.
Questions about 37 weeks pregnant
What is a show?
The mucus plug that seals your cervix during pregnancy comes away as your cervix starts to soften. It looks like jelly-like discharge, sometimes pink or streaked with blood. Labour may start within hours or not for a couple of weeks. Heavy bleeding is not a show and needs urgent attention.
Is 37 weeks full term?
37 weeks is early term. Babies born now usually do well, but full term is 39 to 40 weeks, so unless there's a medical reason, doctors prefer to wait for labour or plan the birth from 39 weeks.
How do I know if my waters have broken?
You may feel a gush or a slow trickle of fluid that you can't stop. Amniotic fluid is usually clear or pale and has little smell. Put on a pad and call your maternity unit, who will usually ask you to come in to be checked.