37th week of pregnancy

If an expectant mother has completed 36 weeks of pregnancy, she is said to be full-term. The 37th week can be described as the very last phase of pregnancy, as most women deliver by the 40th week.

Development of the baby:

The baby measures about 19 inches in the 37th week and weighs about 6 to 7 pounds.
By this time, the baby must have turned upside down inside the womb. If not, consult your doctor to know about the various options available in such a situation.
The baby is almost fully developed by now. He/she continues to gain fat which will help the baby upon entering the world.
Due to gaining weight, the skin will become smooth and wrinkle-free, giving the baby a cute appearance.
This is the time when the baby prepares to enter the world. The immune system is developed and the lungs are capable to adjust to live outside the womb. The inhalation and exhalation process increases to make the lungs more efficient.
Hair grows on the baby’s head. Depending on the genes of the parents, the colour of the hair is decided. The hair may be curly, wispy or straight, and change their nature even after thebaby is born.
The baby responds to light, sound and other stimuli. The baby will suck his/her thumb, flash eyes and move around in the womb this week.

Changes in the mother:

From now on, the mother will experience little or no change in the size of the uterus. The weight gain is also insignificant. The total weight gain can be anywhere between 28-35 pounds approximately.
The amount of amniotic fluid inside the womb starts decreasing now.
The frequency of Braxton Hicks contractions increases significantly.
You may pass mucous plugs now. Mucous plug serves to protect the baby by blocking the opening of cervix. The uterus starts dilating now, thereby expelling the mucous plug sooner or later.
The expecting mothers will feel an increased pressure on the pelvic bones due to the weight of the baby.
The vaginal discharge will increase now. If blood spots accompany the discharge then it indicates that the delivery date is nearing.

Attachment with the baby:

This week, the mother will simply be counting days for the birth of her baby. By now, mother’s have finished taking childbirth classes and know all that is need for childbirth. This is the time for her to do the last minute preparations for her baby. She might be apprehensive about the labour pains during most of time. The partner must help soothe her down.

Complications & tips:

As mentioned earlier, there may be blood along with your vaginal discharge. If the amount of blood is more than normal, one must consult the doctor immediately.
Some women can be under the attack of Group B infection. The doctor will run a test on the mother in such a situation, and provide the mother with antibiotics to prevent the entry of bacteria that can harm the baby.

Tip for the father:

The most important task during this time is to ensure you have completed all that you are responsible for. Like a supportive husband, finish all the necessary shopping, finish painting the nursery or decorating the crib, packing for the essentials and so forth, so that the mother does not have to worry. It is vital that you keep your partner cool and balanced during all this time.

Diet:

There is no especially prescribed during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Just try to include a variety of citrus fruits and green vegetables, meat, eggs and dairy products in your diet. Ensure that you eat a number of light meals and keep yourself hydrated, to keep you and your baby healthy.