37 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby Is 'Dropping' and Preparing to Say Hello!

Woohoo, you're now 37 weeks pregnant, the start of term pregnancy ! This period will still bring many changes to your body and your baby. As you go through your mom-and-baby hospital bag checklist, now's the time to heed every piece of advice from your doctor. You want to stay healthy and strong as you approach the finish line of your pregnancy!

Fetal Development

Your baby bump shows just how much your baby has grown, entertaining you with their milestones in your tummy—and they're not done! Here's a quick rundown of what's happening with your baby and what they can do now.

•    Your baby is now gaining about half an ounce daily and weighs around 3 to 4 kg.
•    Space in your uterus is getting a bit cramped, so your baby will have less room to move around (less somersaulting!).
•    During this 9th month of pregnancy, your little one can grasp firmly and may start sucking their thumb!
•    Your baby's head has started to move down into your pelvis. Ideally, your baby faces your back, which is the best position for labor. 
•    Your bundle of joy's digestive system now contains meconium, a sticky green substance that becomes your baby's first "poo" after birth. 
•    Your baby still has some lanugo, a soft, fine hair covering them in the uterus.

Your Body at 37 Weeks Pregnant

Your body is now getting ready for childbirth. If you feel these symptoms, you may feel your nesting instinct icking in:

Braxton Hicks

You might begin to experience false labor or Braxton Hicks contractions, which are sensations of tightening in your belly that ease with rest or hydration. While they may feel similar to actual labor, these contractions do not become stronger or occur at regular intervals. Think of Braxton Hick's contractions as "practice" for labor.

Lightening

Lightening, also known as "baby drop," is when your baby's head settles lower into your pelvis, preparing for birth. This often happens towards the end of the third trimester, sometimes weeks or hours before labor starts. After lightening, your belly drops, and your breathing becomes easier.

Urinary frequency

After your baby drops to your pelvis, the pressure it puts on your bladder will make you want to pee more often in your final weeks.

Stretch marks

Depending on your skin color, stretch marks in pink, red, brown or purple hues can appear on your stomach, breasts, thighs, and buttocks.

Colostrum leak

Yes, your breasts may start leaking colostrum weeks before giving birth. Colostrum leak typically signals your body is ready for breast milk production.

Leukorrhea

This white-colored, mucus-like pregnancy discharge may increase in your final weeks. This is due to the loss of mucus plug that forms in your cervical canal early in your pregnancy.

Week 37 Pregnancy Symptoms Not to Ignore

At 37 weeks pregnant, you'll feel a lot of discomfort. But see a doctor if you notice things like vaginal bleeding or less baby movement.

As your body adapts to your baby's growing size and needs, you'll likely feel uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, including:

•    Feeling warm because your little one is giving off a lot of heat
•    Bloating and constipation because hormones relax the digestive system to allow for better nutrient absorption
•    Decreased blood pressure as the baby presses on the central vein that returns blood to the heart
•    Backaches as the baby pushes down
•    Leg cramps due to changes in blood circulation and the added stress on your legs from carrying extra baby weight
•    Darkened skin on your face, known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy," a result of hormonal changes
•    Swollen hands and feet (edema) from fluid retention
•    Difficulty sleeping caused by increasing discomforts of pregnancy

You may experience early pregnancy symptoms again, like mood swings, morning sickness, and those quirky cravings!

While the above discomforts are not usually a cause for concern, the following are possible signs of labor if you're 37 weeks pregnant and require immediate medical attention.

•    Vaginal bleeding
•    Lower abdominal cramping
•    Increased and intense pressure in your vagina
•    Movement of baby inside

If you find any pregnancy symptoms tough to handle, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Right Calorie Count at Week 39

Eating for two does not necessarily mean you must eat twice as much throughout your pregnancy. The Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes recommends 2,230 calories daily during your third trimester.

Where these calories come from matters. These ParenTeam guides take you through meal ideas and vitamins needed during pregnancy.

How to Manage Stress During Your Last Trimester

Physical activity and good rest can take your mind off the stress you may feel at 37 weeks pregnant.

The changes in your body and the excitement of your baby's arrival can overwhelm you during these final weeks of pregnancy. Lean on your partner for support, and remember these tips to ease your worries.

Prioritize rest

Aim for at least seven hours of sleep a day and take naps. Avoid caffeine and fatty foods a few hours before bedtime, and keep your room dark and cool.

Move and exercise

Just as important as rest is movement. This is good for both body and mind as even light exercises can help release those feel-good hormones such as endorphins. Twenty to 30 minutes of exercise a day goes a long way.

Eat the right foods

Combined with your prenatal vitamins, eating healthy keeps your baby healthy and fuels your body and mind. Avoid highly fatty, processed, and sugary foods, but you don't have to deprive yourself of an occasional treat, like dark chocolate or fruit-and yogurt smoothies.

Get busy with housekeeping

Your nesting instinct goes into high gear around this time, so channel that energy into preparing the house for the newborn's arrival. This can mean tidying up the house, sorting through the baby's closet, and jotting down what to pack for the hospital. Go ahead and nest if you feel the need but keep it light and ask a friend to help so you don't overdo it.

At 37 weeks pregnant, your little one is still putting on those final, important touches, growing stronger and more ready for the outside world. But stay alert for any unusual symptoms, make sure your hospital bag is ready, and take the time to rest. Just a little more waiting, and you'll soon hold your healthy, happy baby.

Know what to expect when you're 38 weeks pregnant! You can also enjoy this exciting time with fellow moms-to-be at ParenTeam's Facebook group!