Normal baby weight at 37 weeks

37 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Ultrasound, Baby Development

Reviewed by

Tanya Tantry, MD

Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Medical Consultant at Flo

Congratulations on officially becoming 37 weeks pregnant! It’s a big accomplishment to make it this far. Each passing day brings you one step closer to finally meeting your little one. Your baby is now considered ‘at-term’ and can actually arrive at any time now!

37 weeks pregnant in months

When you’re expecting, it’s quite easy to lose track of how many months pregnant you are because you’re so focused on counting weeks. Well, we’re here to tell you that you’ve officially entered the second week of your ninth month of pregnancy.

There are a lot of things going on in there with a baby, and a lot of changes happening in your body as it prepares for labor and delivery. Let’s find out all about it.

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How big is your baby at 37 weeks?

The average length of a baby at 37 weeks gestation is 19.1 inches (48.5 cm). Baby likely weighs 6.3 pounds (2.8 kg) and is packing on half an ounce (14 g) per day.

Remember when your little one was the size of a poppy seed? Bet he doesn’t feel so little anymore! Baby is now as long as a head of romaine lettuce.

37 weeks pregnant baby position

When does the baby head turn down? This is usually after 26 weeks. By week 37, your baby should be in this cephalic presentation. If he isn’t, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.

You might be wondering how to tell if baby’s head is down. You can do this via belly mapping. This lets you know how the baby is positioned in your womb.

Pregnancy week 37 fetal development

At this point, baby is too big to do much kicking and punching. You’re more likely to feel her stretching, rolling, twisting, and turning as it gets more crowded in there. Your uterine wall continues to stretch out, becoming thinner and letting more light through as baby (hopefully) starts to adjust to a more regular schedule.

Currently, baby is practicing breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid. The brain and lungs aren’t quite finished growing and developing, although if baby is born this week, everything is likely to be just fine.

Your body at week 37 of pregnancy

37 weeks pregnant belly

“Has baby dropped yet?” As you progress in your ninth month of pregnancy, you’ll probably be hearing this question a lot. It means that baby’s head has descended into your pelvis in anticipation of labor. When this happens, it’s a sign that you’ll be delivering baby within the next four weeks. Your belly will actually look like it’s lower down.

If you have dropped, your lungs will get some much-needed relief. Unfortunately, your bladder will pay the price, and at this point, you may feel a constant need to pee. All that pressure can also cause some other new aches and pains down there.

At this point, you’ll want to lather on that stretch mark cream, because in the next three weeks, you’re likely to see new marks and lines show up as your baby rapidly gains weight.

37 weeks pregnant symptoms

You may be feeling a lot of things at this point in your pregnancy. It all comes with the territory. These are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing in your 37th week of pregnancy.

Swelling. A little swelling in the extremities is normal at this stage of pregnancy. You may even find that your nose looks bigger!
Nausea. Nausea is a common symptom of pregnancy often associated with the first trimester, but the last few weeks can bring on some major queasiness! Talk to your doctor if you are vomiting to ensure that you don’t become dehydrated.
Heartburn. Baby is growing rapidly, which means he’s probably putting some pressure on your digestive system.
Trouble sleeping. Many women experience difficulty sleeping in their ninth month. Whether your bladder, lower back, cramping calves, or general discomfort is keeping you awake, there are things you can do to encourage better sleep. Cut down on caffeine, increase your water intake in the morning and cut down on drinking in the evening, do light exercise during the day, and get yourself a great body pillow for support while sleeping.
Contractions. Braxton-Hicks contractions — or “practice contractions” — may be more frequent now as your body prepares for birth. Braxton Hicks contractions do not result in dilation of the cervix.
Your abdomen will feel tight, but will likely relax within a minute or two on its own, with a change in position, or when you empty your bladder.
Spotting. A few drops of blood every now and then — and especially after sex — is normal at this stage of pregnancy. If it’s more than a few drops, call your doctor.
Vaginal discharge. Your vaginal discharge may increase to the point where you might need to wear a pantyliner (sanitary pads) .
Stretch marks. These last few weeks of pregnancy are really pushing your body to the limit — your skin may need some love, so apply that stretch mark cream liberally!
Abdominal pressure. You’re bound to feel pressure here, there, and everywhere in your abdomen. Try getting into an all fours pose to relieve some pressure.

Aside from all the physical symptoms you’re experiencing, there may be a lot of emotional changes going on as well. Excitement, fear, anticipation, and even anxiety may begin to arise as you mentally prepare for this little human’s entrance to the world.

You may find yourself cleaning, organizing, washing, and scrubbing — all part of “nesting”. Baby’s arrival is just around the corner, so who can blame you for wanting to be prepared?

Your ultrasound schedule will vary based on where you live, how your pregnancy is going, and who your doctor is. At this stage of pregnancy, most women will have had all their ultrasounds already.

If you suspect that something is wrong, or that baby is moving less than she is supposed to be moving at this point, your doctor may opt to do a quick ultrasound to make sure that everything is okay.

A 37-week ultrasound will help to determine how baby is doing in there, and to ensure that she isn’t in any distress.

You may feel like it’s the last thing you want to do right now, but light exercise is still recommended, even at this very late stage of pregnancy. Grab your partner or a friend and head outside for a stroll around the block. Do light stretches, and maybe even some pregnancy-safe yoga as well.

Don’t forget to drink water during pregnancy — it’s one of the most important things you can do to keep you and baby happy and healthy. Drink plenty of water through the morning and afternoon, and ease up a bit in the evening to prevent too many middle-of-the-night bathroom visits.

You’re in the home stretch. Keep on eating the recommended foods to eat during pregnancy, and stay away from raw meat, raw eggs, raw fish, raw seafood, raw sprouts, smoked fish or meat, and soft cheeses. As soon as that baby is out, you can have all the sushi, pasta carbonara, and smoked salmon you want!

These helpful pregnancy nutrition tips are especially useful during these last few weeks:

Eat nutrient-dense foods and minimize consumption of simple carbohydrates.
Make sure you’re getting enough calcium to help build your baby’s nervous system and bones.
Keep taking your prenatal vitamins which are essential for baby’s development.
Focus on eating lean meat and poultry and fatty fish for protein.
You should be getting 27 mg of iron per day.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of a few large meals.

Sex at week 37 of pregnancy

Sex at 37 weeks is perfectly fine for most pregnancies. Unless told otherwise by your doctor, you and your partner can continue to be intimate until your water breaks or you’re rushing to the hospital due to real labor contractions.

You’ll definitely want to experiment with different positions if your go-to is missionary. For example spooning (lying on the left side in order to reduce pressure on vena cava inferior). At 37 weeks, there can be too much pressure on your belly. Also, it isn’t a good idea to lie flat on your back for too long because it can compromise blood flow to the large blood vessels (abdominal part of the aorta, part of vena cava inferior) behind the uterus.

You may experience contractions after orgasm. That’s completely normal, and nothing to be concerned about. They usually disappear within a few minutes.

Another thing you may experience after having sex at 37 weeks is spotting. Your cervix is very tender now, and there’s a lot more blood flow in that area than usual, so you may get irritated pretty quickly. A little blood is usually not a cause for concern.

Feeling antsy? Week 37 is the perfect time to prepare mentally and physically for baby’s arrival. Here are some things you can do each day of week 37 to better prepare yourself for D-day.

37 weeks 1 day pregnant

Take some photos! Hold up a head of lettuce or a stalk of Swiss chard to indicate how big your baby is at week 37. Measure your belly and write it down. In a few years, you’ll marvel at just how much your belly grew in your last trimester of pregnancy.

37 weeks 2 days pregnant

Time to start packing your hospital bag! Get out your hospital bag checklist and make sure you have everything you need come go-time. If you don’t, make a shopping list so you could order online or head to the store and pick up those useful last-minute items (you know, like witch hazel, disposable undies, magazines, maternity sanitary pads, snacks, etc.).

37 weeks 3 days pregnant

Make an appointment with your doctor for your 38-week prenatal visit if you haven’t already. Sit down and write out a list of questions you would like to ask your doctor. They can include questions about the next few weeks of pregnancy, labor, delivery, after-care, or anything else you may be wondering about.

37 weeks 4 days pregnant

Read about labor and childbirth and make sure you know the signs of active labor. Include your partner in your research, and brush up on techniques and methods that your partner can use to make you more comfortable during contractions and throughout your stay in the delivery room.

37 weeks 5 days pregnant

Read up on baby blues and postpartum depression (PPD). It’s important to know about these things and to acknowledge that 15% of women experience PPD after birth. Learn the signs and make sure your partner can recognize the signs as well.

37 weeks 6 days pregnant

Try a perineal massage. It’s certainly not the most comfortable thing in the world, but a perineal massage may save you from some burning and tearing down there. The idea is to gently stretch the perineum — the area between your vagina and anus — to minimize burning, pain, and tearing during delivery.

Make sure your hands and perineum are well lubricated for the massage. Insert 2 fingers 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 inches) into your vagina and gently, but firmly apply pressure downward, toward your anus. Slowly pull your two fingers apart so that you are stretching downwards and outwards. When you begin to feel a tingling sensation, it means that you are stretching the skin. You can also stretch the perineum from the outside by gently pulling the skin outward toward your thighs.

Get your partner to help you with the perineal massage if you have difficulty doing it yourself.

37 weeks 7 days pregnant

Read about baby grooming basics and newborn care. Immerse yourself in a world of baby poop (How many times a day? What color should it be?), pee (How many wet diapers should a newborn be putting out?), spit up (How much is too much?), cleaning (Do I really need to clean the umbilical cord stump with alcohol every time I change a diaper?), bathing (Wait until the stump falls off!), and more.

What to ask your doctor?

You should feel comfortable asking your doctor about anything having to do with the rest of your pregnancy, labor, delivery, after-care, your next period, and more. Questions about your physical, emotional, and mental well-being are all equally important.

Here are some questions you can put on your list:

What happens if I go past my due date?
Can I walk around during labor?
Can I eat and drink during labor?
What are the standard post-birth newborn tests and procedures?
At what point do you decide if I will need an episiotomy?
Will I have lochia if the baby is delivered via C-section?
How long will I bleed after giving birth?
When should I be expecting my period?

Be sure to go over your birth plan with your doctor and ask about policies regarding induction, pain medication, emergency cesareans, delivery room rules (who is allowed in), and anything else you would like to be briefed on. Make sure you have all the answers you want, because this may be your last appointment before giving birth.

You made it to week 37 of pregnancy, and for that, you should be proud! By this point, baby is feeling crowded in there and each passing day brings him closer to his big debut.

The urge to clean, organize, and get all ready for a newborn is probably very strong, but don’t forget to put your feet up and relax a little before baby comes!

References

https://www.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/37-weeks-pregnant https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/37-weeks-pregnant#takeaway https://www.huggies.com.au/pregnancy/week-by-week/37-weeks-pregnant https://www.webmd.com/baby/your-15th-prenatal-visit-twins https://www.bellybelly.com.au/pregnancy/perineal-massage/ http://www.baby2see.com/development/week37.html

38 week pregnant

39 week pregnant

40 week pregnant

Fetus size by week: Your baby's weight throughout pregnancy

Find out how big your baby is during each week of their development with our fetal growth chart. From early in pregnancy, babies grow at different rates, so your baby's actual size by week may vary substantially – but look how they grow! At 20 weeks your baby may be just over 10 inches long and weigh less than 12 ounces, but by 32 weeks they'll reach almost 17 inches and top 4 pounds. At 33 weeks they may be over 17 inches and closer to 5 pounds, and by 37 weeks they'll reach 19 inches and about 6.5 pounds.

How do you determine fetus size by week?

There are different methods for estimating how big a fetus is, which is why you'll find different numbers depending on the source.

Experts have formulas they use to come up with the estimated fetal weight (EFW) and height of a fetus, and the formulas aren't always the same. The measurements that are used in equations to estimate weight usually include biparietal (head) diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur (thigh bone) length (FL).

Height is a straightforward measurement, but the method of measuring it changes after the first trimester. For the first 13 weeks, the height measurement is taken from the top of the head to the baby's bottom. After the first 13 weeks, the measurement is taken from the top of the head to the baby's heel – explaining why, on the chart below, your baby appears to grow 3 inches from week 13 to week 14!

Hadlock, the main source we use in our fetal growth chart, provides one of the most commonly used – and most accurate – equations for estimating fetal height and weight. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine (SMFM) use Hadlock's figures to diagnose and manage fetal growth conditions, such as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

The numbers on our chart should coincide with the numbers your healthcare provider will be checking against when they measure your baby using ultrasound. (Providers don't measure height after 13 weeks, however, so don't expect to get those numbers at your ultrasound appointments.)

Note that the data used by Hadlock was gathered from middle-class Caucasian women with no history of maternal diseases known to affect fetal growth and no evidence of congenital anomalies. Your provider may make adjustments based on your individual circumstances.

Fetal growth chart

Wondering how big your baby is during each week of pregnancy? The numbers in our chart below can give you a sense of your baby's size. Keep in mind that your baby may be much smaller or larger than these averages. That's okay – after all, healthy babies can weigh less than 5 pounds or more than 9 pounds at birth.

Boy's measurements are different than girl's measurements, even this early. For the numbers on our chart, we've taken an average of boys and girls. And remember, the height measurements up to 13 weeks are head-to-bottom estimates, while the height measurements starting at week 14 are head-to-toe estimates.

Gestational age	Length (US)	Weight (US)	Length (cm)	Mass (g)
	(head to bottom)		(head to bottom)
8 weeks	0. 62 inches	0.71 ounces	1.57 cm	20 grams
9 weeks	0.91 inches	0.95 ounces	2.30 cm	27 grams
10 weeks	1.22 inch	1.23 ounces	3.1 cm	35 grams
11 weeks	1.61 inch	1.59 ounces	4.1 cm	45 grams
12 weeks	2.13 inches	2.05 ounces	5.4 cm	58 grams
13 weeks	2.64 inches	2.58 ounces	6.7 cm	73 grams
	(head to toe)		(head to toe)
14 weeks	5.79 inches	3.28 ounces	14.7cm	93 grams
15 weeks	6.57 inches	4.13 ounces	16.7 cm	117 grams
16 weeks	7. 32 inches	5.15 ounces	18.6 cm	146 grams
17 weeks	8.03 inches	6.38 ounces	20.4 cm	181 grams
18 weeks	8.74 inches	7.87 ounces	22.2 cm	223 grams
19 weeks	9.45 inches	9.63 ounces	24.0 cm	273 grams
20 weeks	10.12 inches	11.68 ounces	25.7 cm	331 grams
21 weeks	10.79 inches	14.07 ounces	27.4 cm	399 grams
22 weeks	11.42 inches	1.05 pounds	29.0 cm	478 grams
23 weeks	12.05 inches	1.25 pounds	30.6 cm	568 grams
24 weeks	12.68 inches	1.48 pounds	32.2 cm	670 grams
25 weeks	13. 27 inches	1.73 pounds	33.7 cm	785 grams
26 weeks	13.82 inches	2.01 pounds	35.1 cm	913 grams
27 weeks	14.41 inches	2.33 pounds	36.6 cm	1055 grams
28 weeks	14.80 inches	2.67 pounds	37.6 cm	1210 grams
29 weeks	15.47 inches	3.04 pounds	39.3 cm	1379 grams
30 weeks	15.95 inches	3.44 pounds	40.5 cm	1559 grams
31 weeks	16.46 inches	3.86 pounds	41.8 cm	1751 grams
32 weeks	16.93 inches	4.30 pounds	43.0 cm	1953 grams
33 weeks	17.36 inches	4.77 pounds	44.1 cm	2162 grams
34 weeks	17. 84 inches	5.24 pounds	45.3 cm	2377 grams
35 weeks	18.23 inches	5.72 pounds	46.3 cm	2595 grams
36 weeks	18.62 inches	6.20 pounds	47.3 cm	2813 grams
37 weeks	19.02 inches	6.68 pounds	48.3 cm	3028 grams
38 weeks	19.41 inches	7.13 pounds	49.3 cm	3236 grams
39 weeks	19.72 inches	7.57 pounds	50.1 cm	3435 grams
40 weeks	20.08 inches	7.98 pounds	51.0 cm	3619 grams
41 weeks	20.39 inches	8.35 pounds	51.8 cm	3787 grams

Thanks to Dr. Mark Curran, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, for his help preparing this chart.

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Fetal weight by week: How it changes

Your baby steadily gains weight over the course of your pregnancy, but it's not always at the same rate. If you're having one baby (not twins or multiples), your baby's rate of growth accelerates until 35 weeks, then decelerates.

Here are some highlights, based on estimations:

Up until 16 weeks, a fetus grows an average of about 19 grams per week, gradually increasing from 7 grams per week at 8 weeks to 15 grams per week at 12 weeks and 29 grams per week at 16 weeks.
By 20 weeks, a fetus is gaining about 59 grams per week (just over 2 ounces).
By 30 weeks, a fetus is gaining about 175 grams each week (more than 6 ounces).
At 35 weeks, a fetus is gaining about 215 grams each week, or about 7.5 ounces. At this point their growth rate peaks.
After 35 weeks, growth slows to about 188 grams per week, or 6.6 ounces. (Twins slow earlier, at around 28 weeks, and then average about 170 grams each week. )
In the last few weeks of pregnancy, the growth rate continues to gradually slow to about 168 grams (a little less than 6 ounces) per week by week 40.

Using a tape measure stretched over your belly, your provider will use a fundal height measurement to check your baby's size at your prenatal visits. Beginning at about 24 weeks, the measurement in centimeters should roughly match the gestational age of your baby. If you're 26 weeks pregnant, for example, your fundal height should be about 26 cm, give or take a centimeter in each direction.

If your provider is concerned that your baby is too small, they'll monitor your baby's size with ultrasound, which is more accurate. Using ultrasound, your practitioner can take various measurements (head circumference and diameter, abdomen circumference, femur length) and use them to estimate your baby's size. They may also use a Doppler ultrasound to look at the blood flow to your placenta.

If your baby's estimated weight is less than the 10th percentile for their gestational age, they may be diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), also called fetal growth restriction (FGR). IUGR can happen at any time during pregnancy. Some babies with IUGR just turn out to be small for their age, but sometimes there's a problem that's preventing the baby from growing properly.

At birth, a baby with IUGR is called "small for gestational age." While most SGA babies who are otherwise healthy grow just fine, some (especially those born prematurely) are at higher risk of problems such as c-section, jaundice, low blood sugar, and even long-term developmental and health problems.

Your baby's size by week

Here are some highlights of your baby's growth during pregnancy:

At 20 weeks, about the midpoint in your pregnancy, your baby is transmitting taste signals to their brain. And you may feel them hiccupping. Your baby's weight at 20 weeks is about 11.68 ounces, and they're about the length of a (10.12-inch) banana.

At 32 weeks, your baby's lungs are developing fast, and your baby's storing minerals like iron for their first 6 months of life. Your baby's weight at 32 weeks is 4. 30 pounds, and their length is 16.93 inches, about the size of a jicama.

At 33 weeks, things are getting snug in there! Your baby's skin is becoming less wrinkled as they fill in – your baby's weight at 33 weeks is about 4.77 pounds. At 17.36 inches, your baby is now about the size of a pineapple.

At 37 weeks, your baby's brain and lungs are still maturing, and they're still moving a lot, despite the close quarters. Your baby's weight at 37 weeks is about 6.68 pounds, and they're about the length of a bunch of Swiss chard, 19.02 inches.

Once your baby is born, they'll be weighed and measured, and your provider will continue to monitor their growth. While the average newborn weight is a little over 7 pounds, most newborns lose about 5 to 10 percent of their weight in the first days. No worries – they gain it back by the time they're about 2 weeks old, and by 4 months they usually double their birth weight.

Learn more:

To-do lists for the first, second, and third trimesters
Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator
How to understand pregnancy weeks, months, and trimesters

37-40 weeks of pregnancy

37th week of pregnancy for a baby

At 37 weeks of gestation, the baby is approximately 48 cm tall and weighs 2,600 g. facial features, pronounced cartilage tissue. The accumulation of subcutaneous fat at this stage of pregnancy makes the outline of the body softer and more rounded. The skin of the child is gradually smoothed out, it is no longer as pink as in the previous weeks of intrauterine development, the integument gradually brightens. The body of the baby is still abundantly covered with grease, but the amount of fluff is noticeably reduced, fluff hair remains only on the shoulders and back, in some babies they disappear almost completely. nine0005

Fat accumulation continues this week. It reaches a maximum of 15% of the total body weight of the child. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of adipose tissue for newborns, it is it that protects the child from overheating or hypothermia, since the baby's thermoregulation system after childbirth is still not sufficiently formed and continues to develop in the first months of a small person's life.

At this time, not only the volume of subcutaneous fat increases, but muscles and skeleton also develop intensively. The child constantly moves arms and legs. These unique workouts help increase muscle mass. Also, the baby makes rhythmic respiratory movements that strengthen the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, and prepare the respiratory organs for childbirth. nine0005

Pregnant woman at 37 weeks

As the due date approaches, pregnant women begin to notice the appearance of their precursors, that is, certain signs, changes that occur under the influence of hormones. The body of a woman is preparing to give birth to a child, progesterone gives way to the dominant role of the birth hormone estrogen, the state of health of a pregnant woman changes.

From the 37th week, expectant mothers can observe the following changes:

slight weight loss; nine0018
abdominal shrinkage;
the appearance of training or "false" contractions and the increase in their intensity;
discharge of mucus from the cervix.

The nature of the stool changes, it becomes looser, aching pains in the lower back of varying intensity may appear, the fundus of the uterus descends. A woman notes some signs on her own, others are observed by a gynecologist during a routine examination.

Harbingers do not appear in all women. Some expectant mothers notice only some of the above symptoms, while others observe signs of an impending birth not two or three weeks before their date, but just a few hours. Both the appearance of precursors at the 37th week and their absence are a variant of the norm and depend on the individual characteristics of the woman's body. nine0005

This week the woman's body is intensified preparation for the birth of a child. If the fetus is located correctly, head down, it gradually descends, goes to the lower part of the uterus, presses to the body and bends the limbs, intuitively taking the most comfortable position for passing the birth canal. The consequence of the movement of the fetus is the omission of the bottom of the uterus. The abdomen drops, the pressure on the diaphragm significantly decreases, the pregnant woman can breathe easily, the shortness of breath that haunted her in previous weeks disappears. The pressure on the stomach also decreases, heartburn disappears, a feeling of heaviness after eating and other unpleasant sensations. Moving the baby can put pressure on the bowels and bladder. A pregnant woman at this time often experiences the urge to urinate, may suffer from frequent loose stools. The reason for frequent bowel movements is not only the mechanical effect of the uterus on it, but also an increase in the content of estrogens in the body, hormones that contribute to the excretion of fluid. At the 37th week, the expectant mother can empty her intestines up to 3-4 times a day and at the same time observe a significant liquefaction of feces. nine0005

38th week of pregnancy: the development of the future baby

At the 38th week, the fetus is fully formed, so childbirth at this time is no longer dangerous for both the mother and the baby. The weight of the fetus is about 3 kg, but this indicator can vary significantly for different babies, the weight depends on the individual characteristics of the mother and child, the structural features of the body and other factors. The body length of a newborn is approximately 50 cm.

All organs and systems at 38 weeks of age are characterized by physiological and morphological maturity, they are fully ready for work. At this time, the child prepares for childbirth, makes respiratory movements and prepares the intercostal muscles for breathing. The tissues of the lungs are bathed in amniotic fluid, which helps maintain the right level of surfactant that coats the baby's lungs from the inside. All elements of the respiratory system are ready for use. With the first breath after birth, the alveoli begin to transfer oxygen from the air to the blood, gas exchange occurs, the respiratory and circulatory systems begin to work intensively. nine0005

Pregnant woman

The body of a pregnant woman continues to actively prepare for the birth of a baby, the estrogen content rapidly increases, and the progesterone level decreases significantly. A change in the hormonal background contributes to the softening of the tissues of the birth canal and cervix. Throughout pregnancy, the lumen of the cervical canal is closed by a plug of thick mucus, which protects the baby from infection, and the uterine cavity protects against the penetration of microorganisms dangerous to health. In the last weeks of pregnancy, the consistency of the mucus changes, it becomes more liquid and begins to gradually flow out. In some women, mucus leaves gradually, while in other women in labor at the same time. The discharge resembles colorless egg white in its consistency and appearance. Sometimes the mucus is colored pinkish, brown or yellow. The discharge of the cork is painless, a woman may experience a slight feeling of discomfort in the lower abdomen. More abundant vaginal discharge than during the entire pregnancy can signal the passage of the cork. nine0005

A woman should carefully monitor the color and volume of discharge, since too much colorless discharge may indicate not only the cork has come off, but also be one of the symptoms of amniotic fluid leakage. Indicator pads and amnio tests or test strips will help determine the cause of the discharge. Pads are sold in many pharmacies and can be easily used at home. If amniotic fluid leakage is confirmed, you should immediately consult a doctor. nine0005

After the mucus plug has passed, you should stop visiting the pool and swimming in open water, as the risk of infection of the child increases significantly. It is also necessary to exclude sexual contact.

39th week of pregnancy: what happens to the fetus?

At 39 weeks, the baby weighs 3100-3500 g and is 50-52 cm tall. Height and weight are very relative and can vary significantly. The baby is rapidly preparing for the most important test of his life - birth, which requires endurance and considerable effort. During this period of pregnancy, the size and weight of the child's adrenal glands, that is, the glands of the endocrine system, which are responsible for the reaction of the human body to stress factors, increase. It is the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine produced by the adrenal glands that help the child quickly adapt to new temperature conditions, tactile, sound and light impulses. nine0005

All the senses of the baby are developed at 39 weeks. Within a few moments after birth, the baby can focus his eyes, he reacts to bright light and moving objects, many scientists claim that newborns distinguish colors, see the faces of parents and doctors. The hearing of the baby in the last weeks of fetal life is also fully developed; after birth, he reacts to loud sounds and noise. A newborn baby is able to determine the main shades of taste, recognize sour, bitter, sweet and salty. nine0005

In the womb, the baby is in an aquatic environment that minimizes contact. Immediately after birth, the baby experiences many tactile sensations, unlike intrauterine life, he feels the touch of his mother's hands and diapers, towels, dressings and other materials. Babies especially like the touch of skin to skin, so in a modern maternity hospital, newborns must be laid out on their mother's stomach even before cutting the umbilical cord. The child adapts to the new environment more easily, feels protected. Laying out a child has not only a psychological aspect, since it contributes to the colonization of microorganisms from the mother's skin to the skin and mucous membranes of the baby, and increases its immunity. nine0005

Pregnant woman

In the last weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother strives to prepare her apartment or house as much as possible for the arrival of a new family member. Scientists call this sign of impending birth the nesting syndrome. Many women observe signs of the syndrome from the thirtieth week of pregnancy, however, nesting reaches its maximum point at the 39-40th week. Pregnant women tend to do general cleaning and repairs, re-paste the wallpaper and purchase a lot of new things that, in their opinion, are simply necessary in the house. After giving birth, many purchases are puzzling. The reason for this behavior is an increase in the level of adrenaline and norepinephrine in the body. These hormones are produced by the adrenal glands, they are necessary not only for the woman, but also for the baby to prepare for the upcoming birth. nine0005

40th week of pregnancy: how does the baby develop?

40 weeks - term pregnancy. The weight of a child who was born at such a period ranges from 2,600 g to 4,400 g, and his body length is 48-53 cm. These indicators are very arbitrary, since miniature babies weighing 2,600 g and real heroes are born at 40 weeks, whose body weight approaches 5,000 g. The length of the newborns can also vary from 45 to 55 cm.

Most women give birth exactly at 40 weeks. At this time, the baby is completely ready for birth, it meets all the parameters of a full-term baby. Before childbirth, the child closely presses the arms and legs to the body, bends the head as much as possible and presses against the exit from the uterus. This position allows you to make it possible to pass the birth canal with the narrowest part of the skull. In the course of labor, with each contraction, the child gradually moves down, he does not move in a straight line, but makes helical-translational movements, as if screwing into the mother's birth canal. During the progress of the newborn, the complete descent of his head, the cervix fully opens. This is followed by attempts, that is, contractions of the uterus, which advance the child through the birth canal. Gradually, the head of the baby is shown, and after it - his torso. Childbirth is a complex mechanism that is aimed not only at the safe passage of the birth canal by the child, protecting him from accidental injuries due to increased pressure, but also at preventing ruptures of the woman's soft tissues. nine0005

Pregnant woman

The long wait for meeting her unborn child is coming to an end, and the 40th week of pregnancy is the last for most women. Every day, the anxiety of the expectant mother increases, a long wait affects the mood and well-being. Women strive to have a baby as soon as possible so that pregnancy and painful contractions are a thing of the past. Every pregnant woman dreams of meeting a baby, wants to hug him to her chest and stroke the delicate head. nine0005

Many women, especially primiparas, are afraid that labor will begin unnoticed, but such cases are extremely rare. A woman feels the onset of childbirth, feels regular contractions, which are repeated at regular intervals and gradually increase, the time interval between them is reduced.

Labor may be preceded by prenatal rupture of amniotic fluid, which occurs in a certain percentage of women in labor. After the waters break, contractions may be quite weak or completely absent. Regardless of the intensity of contractions, the outpouring of water is one of the signs of the onset of labor and requires immediate contact with specialists, hospitalization of a woman in a maternity hospital or hospital, since when the water breaks, the integrity of the bladder is violated and the risk of penetration of microorganisms dangerous to the health of the child increases into the uterine cavity. It is important that after the water breaks, the baby is born in a maximum of 10-12 hours. nine0005

A pregnant woman should properly tune in to childbirth, concentrate on the desired result and believe in her own strength, fulfill the task assigned to her by nature. The right psychological attitude and theoretical knowledge will help a woman become a mother, successfully go through all the stages of childbirth and press the long-awaited child to her heart.

37th week of pregnancy - what happens to the baby, development and weight of the baby, belly at the thirty-seventh week of pregnancy

WHAT'S HAPPENING

At the 36th - 37th week of pregnancy, the baby's body produces hormones important for life. One of them - cortisone - is necessary for the full maturation of the lungs. Iron accumulates actively in the liver. Without this trace element, the proper functioning of the body is impossible. In the last trimester of pregnancy, the liver of the fetus contains five times more iron than that of adults. This supply is enough for the baby for the first six months of life.

At the 37th week of pregnancy, the main systems of the body continue to improve. The neurons of the brain begin to become covered with myelin sheath, which helps the nerves transmit signals. This process will continue throughout the first year of a child's life. nine0005

The ear and nasal cartilages harden, but the bones of the skull, due to the fontanelles, will remain flexible so that it is easier for the baby to overcome the obstacles of the birth canal. The fontanel is an area where there is no bone tissue. A newborn baby has as many as six of them, but most close immediately after birth. As the cranial bones grow, the fontanelles will gradually disappear.

YOUR FEELING

By the 37th week of pregnancy, the belly stops growing, but the baby continues to gain weight, which is why it becomes more and more crowded. There is practically nowhere to move, so there is less movement than before. But still they should be about 10 during the day. nine0005

For many women, the belly begins to sink, which is one of the signs that labor is approaching. If this does not happen by 37 weeks, do not be upset: sometimes the stomach drops only at the very end of pregnancy. But if this still happened, this does not mean that the birth will begin right now - most likely, you need to wait a week or two. Now there will be no problems with breathing, however, due to the strong pressure of the fetus on the bladder, you will have to go to the toilet even more often. nine0005

The huge size of the uterus can still cause discomfort in the spine. Try to get more rest by shifting the main responsibilities around the house to the future dad and other family members.

At 36 - 37 weeks of pregnancy, Braxton-Hicks training bouts intensify and become longer. At the same time, you have a clear feeling of tension and relaxation of the muscles of the uterus, but there should not be any pain. Soreness in the lower abdomen and the regular nature of contractions indicate the onset of labor. In this case, you must urgently consult a doctor who will refer you to the hospital. nine0005

At the 36th - 37th week of pregnancy, the amount of vaginal discharge may increase. There is nothing to worry about - the time has come for the mucous plug to come out: its particles are lumps of mucus with red streaks that can be found in light secretions. Sometimes the cork comes out all at once. In this case, you will see a lump of mucus with a volume of about two tablespoons.

RISK FACTORS

One of the risk factors at 36 to 37 weeks of gestation is group B streptococcus. This is a bacterium that can settle in the vagina or around the rectum. Group B streptococcus occurs in about 35% of healthy adults. But if its colonies are present in a pregnant woman, a child may become infected during childbirth. And infected newborns need serious antibiotic treatment and careful monitoring in the hospital, because group B streptococcus can cause dangerous complications in babies, such as meningitis, pneumonia, and blood poisoning. If the test for the presence of this bacterium is positive, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics before and during childbirth. This measure will prevent the transmission of infection to the baby. nine0005

Childbirth at the 37th week of pregnancy no longer poses a serious danger. In the presence of cramping pains in the abdomen and lower back, early departure of amniotic fluid, you should call an ambulance. Sometimes a woman even needs a premature birth - for example, if she is diagnosed with:

Fetal hypoxia;
Infectious disease;
placental abruption;
Entwining the baby with the umbilical cord.

In these cases, the method of delivery is chosen by the attending physician. nine0005

MEDICAL SUPERVISION

At the appointment, the gynecologist will examine you on the armchair for the readiness of the cervix for childbirth, because starting from the 36th - 37th week of pregnancy, the baby may ask to be born at any moment. During a vaginal examination, the doctor pays attention to the location, density and length of the cervix.

While the baby lives in the mother's tummy, the lower segment of the uterus has thick walls, which begin to stretch during childbirth, becoming softer and thinner. This is called "smoothing". Before the onset of childbirth, it is equal to zero, with active labor, the walls of the cervix are smoothed out by 50%, and just before the birth of the baby - by 100%. nine0005

Also at 37 weeks of pregnancy, the doctor checks the degree of disclosure (stretching) of the cervix. This indicator is determined in centimeters. With full disclosure, the width of the pharynx reaches 10 cm. If during the examination it is found that the cervix is not ready for childbirth, the doctor prescribes medication or non-drug means to increase its maturity.

When examined at 37 weeks of pregnancy, the gynecologist takes a smear. The results of the tests will make it possible to judge the presence or absence of infection in the birth canal. If necessary, treatment is prescribed, because at the time of birth, the child should be protected as much as possible from possible infection. Also during this visit, the doctor will listen to the baby's heartbeat, measure your weight and blood pressure, assess the width of the pelvis and the presentation of the fetus. nine0005

Ultrasound at this time is usually not done. It may be needed only if any abnormalities were detected during pregnancy.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Starting from the 37th week of pregnancy, the baby can be born at any time. Check if everything is prepared for the hospital. At the last moment, you will not be up to it. When packing bags, don't forget to put sanitary pads (not tampons!) and two or three bras in them.

If insomnia bothers you, be more active during the day. At 36 - 37 weeks of pregnancy, you can do simple housework, walk in the fresh air, attend courses for expectant mothers and do gymnastics for pregnant women. And before you go to bed, air the bedroom well. nine0005

Keep track of your nutrition. At 37 weeks of pregnancy, you should consume as many dairy products as possible. Let your daily menu include: kefir, cottage cheese, natural yogurt, curdled milk, sour cream and cheese. In addition, you really need foods rich in iron and vitamin C.

At 37 weeks pregnant, many couples refuse to have intimate relationships. With good physical condition and the absence of medical contraindications, sex is not prohibited at this stage. nine0005 Pregnancy and childbirth