Pregnancy – Week 37

The fetus has now started to produce a hormone called cortisone. This will help the lungs to become fully matured and ready to cope with breathing once born. The fine hair that covers the fetus’ body is beginning to wear off and although there is no air in his lungs, bub will be practicing breathing.

Mum

You are now 37 weeks pregnant which is a fetal age of 35 weeks meaning baby is now considered full term even though you are 3 weeks from your due date. Be aware your water could break at any time and to see a doctor immediately if this happens.

You may notice a bit more vaginal discharge and/or cervical mucus.
You may also find it hard to stop yourself from passing some urine when you cough, laugh or sneeze due to the pressure from your uterus and baby on your bladder.

A baby born before 37 weeks is premature and after 42 weeks is post-term. Your health care professional will not try to stop your labour if it starts from now on.

Some signs you may be in labour are regular contractions that grow longer, stronger and closer together or contractions that are not affected significantly by a change in your activity level.
A trickle or gush of fluid from your vagina or a ‘show’ and a regular, rhythmic backache are also signs to be aware of.

Bub

On average, baby now measures 50cm (19.5 inches) and weighs up to 3kg (7 pounds). The diameter of his head is now over 9cm (3.5 inches). As bub moves around, an elbow, foot or his head may protrude from your stomach.

Most of the downy coat of lanugo and the vernix caseosa, the whitish substance that has been covering bub has disappeared. He will swallow both of these and other secretions, where they will be stored in his bowels. They will produce a blackish waste called meconium which will become your baby’s first bowel movement after he is born.

Plenty of movements should continue to be felt throughout the day although it will be increasingly difficult for bub to move around. If you are concerned by a lack of movement contact your health care professional.

If your baby is still presenting in the breech position this week, you may consider an External Cephalic Version (ECV) to turn him.

Tips

Keep up your exercises, especially your Kegels as keeping your pelvic floor muscles toned will help your recovery from birth to be quicker.
Learn to distinguish the true signs of labour. Have a mobile phone or pager if your partner is hard to contact.
Ensure your vehicle always has enough petrol to get you to hospital and that you know the best route and where to park. Have a friend on standby to drive you to hospital in case your partner is delayed.