“You are now full term. Every breath, every step, every heartbeat is a countdown to the moment your baby is in your arms.”

Welcome to Week 37 of pregnancy—an exciting milestone that marks the official start of full-term pregnancy. Your baby could arrive any day now, and while it’s common for first-time moms to go past their due date, your body is preparing in earnest. The countdown to birth feels more real than ever, and your baby is ready to thrive outside the womb.

This week brings a unique mix of anticipation, physical intensity, and the deep emotional undercurrent that comes with preparing for childbirth. Let’s explore what’s happening with your baby, your body, and what you can expect as you enter this final stretch.

Fetal Development at 37 Weeks

Your baby is now about the size of a bunch of Swiss chard—roughly 19 to 20 inches long and weighing between 6.3 and 6.9 pounds (2.9 to 3.1 kg). Although some last finishing touches are still in progress, your little one is developmentally ready for life outside the womb.

• Lungs are mature: By Week 37, your baby’s lungs are fully developed, which means they are likely to breathe well on their own if born now.
• Fat accumulation: Extra fat layers are forming under the skin to help regulate body temperature after birth.
• Refining reflexes: Sucking and grasping reflexes are strong. Your baby might even be practicing these skills right now in the womb!
• Head down: Most babies are now in the vertex (head-down) position. If yours isn’t, your provider may discuss next steps like monitoring or scheduling a C-section.
• Brain and nervous system: Neurological development continues, with neurons still forming and myelination progressing to support post-birth function.

Your Body at 37 Weeks Pregnant

As you reach full term, you may notice a clear shift in how your body feels. Discomforts may intensify, and “nesting” energy might hit in bursts. The idea that labor could start at any moment is both thrilling and overwhelming.

• Increased Braxton Hicks contractions: You may feel more intense and frequent practice contractions, especially toward the end of the day.
• Pelvic pressure: If your baby has dropped (lightening), you may feel strong pressure in your hips, bladder, and pubic bone.
• Loss of mucus plug: A thick or blood-tinged discharge may appear as your cervix begins to dilate.
• Fatigue and insomnia: Discomfort, frequent urination, and mental restlessness can make sleep elusive.
• Colostrum leakage: Some women may start to leak colostrum (the first milk), which is rich in antibodies for baby’s first feedings.

Emotional Landscape

Your emotions may shift quickly this week—from joyful anticipation to nervous energy to sudden bouts of worry. This is entirely normal. Labor and birth are profound events, and your mind and body are bracing for that transition.

• Stay present: Ground yourself with breathing techniques or journaling. Your feelings are valid and worth processing.
• Talk it out: Share your fears or excitement with your partner, friend, or doula.
• Know your signs: Review when to go to the hospital or call your provider, so you feel more in control when labor begins.

Labor Signs to Watch For

Labor could start soon—or not for a few weeks. Either way, it helps to recognize what’s typical and what warrants a call to your provider.

• Lightening: A sensation of your baby “dropping” lower into your pelvis.
• Bloody show: Pink or brown-tinged discharge as your cervix softens and begins dilating.
• Water breaking: A sudden gush or steady trickle of amniotic fluid.
• Regular contractions: Timeable contractions that become longer, stronger, and closer together.
• Back labor: Persistent low back pain that comes and goes rhythmically.

Preparing for the Hospital or Birth Center

Have your bags packed and placed near the door or in your car. Review your birth plan with your provider, and confirm logistics with your support partner.

Hospital bag checklist:

• Comfortable robe and nightgown
• Toiletries and phone charger
• Birth plan and ID
• Outfit for baby and car seat
• Snacks and a water bottle with straw

Nutrition and Hydration

Even if appetite dips, consistent nourishment is essential. Your energy demands will be high in labor and after birth.

• Complex carbs: Whole grains and fruits give slow-burning energy.
• Protein: Critical for tissue repair—lean meats, legumes, and dairy work well.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can trigger false labor contractions.

Gentle Movement and Comfort Measures

Keep your body limber and aligned for birth. Gentle movement helps baby settle into optimal position and relieves aches.

• Walking 15–30 minutes daily
• Pelvic tilts and hip circles on a birth ball
• Stretching or prenatal yoga to reduce tightness

Final Mental and Emotional Prep

Take time this week to connect with yourself. Breathe deeply. Talk to your baby. Reflect on how far you’ve come and how strong you truly are. Labor and delivery are not just a physical process—they are a rite of passage into motherhood.

Consider affirmations like:

• “My body was made for this.”
• “I trust my instincts and my baby.”
• “Each wave brings me closer to meeting my child.”

Looking Ahead to Week 38

As you inch closer to your due date, each day may feel longer. But your baby will arrive at just the right time. Week 38 continues the focus on final preparation and signs of labor, along with supporting your energy and mental strength.

Stay centered, stay hopeful—and trust your body. We’re almost there.