Congratulations, you are already 37 weeks pregnant, which is quite a lot. For sure, at such a considerable age you feel significant fatigue, but joy has no limits, because very soon a little man will appear.
But you will probably be interested to know how the baby is doing. About this and much more, we will tell you a little more.
37th week of pregnancy: how the baby is developing
The appearance of the fetus at 37 weeks of pregnancy and the newborn are almost identical. Body proportions have become quite normal, which makes your baby moderately well-fed, as rounded cheeks, tummy and limbs are visible. However, activity is somewhat reduced as the fetal egg has become quite cramped.
At this stage, the baby is actively accumulating fat accumulations in the body. Due to this, the skin becomes denser and more pink (the kind seen in babies). There is still a lot of lubricant on the baby’s body, which will be with him at the time of birth. There may still be downy hair on the skin, but it will soon disappear altogether.
Inside the body, all organs are normally developed (we do not take into account cases with pathologies). All systems are functioning normally, but breathing and feeding are interconnected with the mother’s body, and the baby will take its first breath only in the first minutes after birth.
Fetal size at 37 weeks of pregnancy
Fetal size at 37 weeks of pregnancy is quite significant. The height should be 48 centimeters.However, it is worth noting that the exact parameters of growth largely depend on individual rates of development and heredity.
The baby’s weight at 37 weeks of pregnancy should be more than 2,800 gamma. These parameters may also vary in each pregnancy, as they depend on the individual rate of fetal development.
37 weeks of pregnancy: feelings
For you frequent urination in 37 weeks of pregnancy has become a faithful companion both day and night. The fetus, which at this term is no longer as small as it was in the first and second trimesters. Such a symptom can cause a lot of problems, especially if you need to go somewhere.
To this symptom you can add several others:
- Discomfort in the abdominal area, pulling pains, giving into the lower back – this is probably not new to you, and perhaps quite familiar sensations. Rarely, such is not the cause of anxiety, but in most cases it is not worth worrying about. However, you should understand that regular and severe pain may be a good reason to see a doctor;
- Fluctuations in body temperature, but more often fever (hot flashes), which provokes increased sweating – this is also quite normal symptomatology for the late term, but delivers a lot of discomfort. It is worth remembering that if there is a persistence of fever, general weakness and other unpleasant signs, it is worth seeing a doctor;
- Because of the pressure on the intra-abdominal organs you have not only frequent urination, but general discomfort in the abdomen. There may also be frequent urges to defecation, which should also be considered normal;
- Sleepiness and general weakness – this, too, should not be surprised, because your body is already hard to cope with the burden in the form of a huge belly at 37 weeks of pregnancy. You will increasingly want to lie down, take a breath, if there is such an opportunity, then take advantage of it without remorse.
Ultrasound at 37 weeks of pregnancy
If pregnancy proceeds normally, an ultrasound scan in 37 weeks of pregnancy is no longer assigned, because there is no need. Obligatory examination by a gynecologist, as well as a doctor who draws attention to general parameters (physical condition, weight readings, and so on). Blood and urine tests may be required.
However, in some cases an ultrasound scan at 37 weeks of pregnancy may still be scheduled. If the doctor sees the need to establish additional studies or has concerns about abnormalities.
What happens to a mom’s body in the 37th week of pregnancy?
All your acquaintances, relatives and neighbors are no longer surprised by your rounded belly in 37 weeks of pregnancy. You are probably already used to your burden and the fact that your belly enters the room ahead of you. Your gait, sleeping or sitting posture has changed, which can bring a lot of discomfort.
Naturally, you are still concerned about leg swelling at 37 weeks of pregnancy. This problem may prevent you from walking normally, because shoes (note – any shoes) rub, squeeze and squeeze. Swelling may spread not only to your lower body, but your hands may also become swollen – this may be noticeable by squeezing from jewelry. Your face will also seem swollen, especially after sleepless nights.
By the way, some moms may observe some weight loss – this is quite normal. This may be due to possible late toxemia, or a large loss of moisture from the body, which is also normal for such a late term. However, most women do not notice such changes.
37th week of pregnancy: peculiarities
As a rule, fetal movements in the 37th week of pregnancy become quite modest. This should not be considered a problem, because inside the uterus, the baby has become cramped, and the fetus is accumulating the necessary strength to appear in the world. Most often, the baby reminds you of himself when you sit in an uncomfortable position or lie down in a position he does not like.
The baby at 37 weeks of pregnancy rarely makes itself known, but these tremors are quite palpable and can even be seen through your skin. You should not worry if you have not heard signs of vigorous activity from your baby for a couple or three hours, as he may be resting and gaining strength to come into the world. However, you should check with your doctor if the baby is in the right position – this could be evident from the last ultrasound. Your doctor may palpate your abdomen to establish the fetal position at 37 weeks of pregnancy.
It is normal for the mucus plug to begin to peel off at the uterine inlet by this time. You will probably be able to notice that your vaginal discharge has increased in volume. There is no need to take urgent precautions, but you should know that as soon as the consistency of the discharge becomes liquid, and their quantity increases dramatically, you should immediately go to the hospital, as this may indicate an imminent birth.
37th week of pregnancy: what to discuss with your doctor
You may be interested in the question – is it possible to lead an active lifestyle at such an impressive term? If your sensations at 37 weeks of pregnancy are quite normal, then there are no special prohibitions. However, you should agree on the type and intensity of activity with your doctor. You should also remember in what position you are and what responsibilities you have, so that activities of all kinds have to be considerably reduced. Quite acceptable are the following activities:
- Kegel exercises;
- Special yoga for pregnant women;
- Slow walks in the fresh air;
- Breathing exercises.
What is the normal vaginal discharge at 37 weeks of pregnancy – this is a very important question that you should ask your doctor. At this stage of pregnancy, your body is actively preparing for the upcoming birth, which may also manifest itself in a change in the consistency and amount of vaginal discharge. If you are worried about this, check with your doctor. A specialist will certainly tell you that normal discharge should be mucous, without a pronounced unpleasant odor or color. If there is a deviation from these norms – an unpleasant odor or a brown color – there is a threat of premature birth or other health problems.
Toxicosis at 37 weeks of pregnancy – is it dangerous? Usually the problem of toxicosis is faced in the early terms, but if you did not experience this “bonus” in the first trimester, then wait for later – many doctors will confirm this. There is no way to avoid nausea, but your doctor will help you find an effective and safe solution to reduce the aggressiveness of the manifestation of toxicity.
37th week of pregnancy: tips
It is not uncommon for you to be overcome by weakness during your 37th week of pregnancy. The most reasonable thing is to rest more, move more carefully and so on. You should try to take time to rest during the day, taking relaxing foot baths. It is also helpful to listen to music, read books about future motherhood and the like.
Continue to eat right. Even if you feel nauseous at 37 weeks of pregnancy, you need to eat – it should be light but nutritious food. We advise you to give up drinking a lot of tea with sweets, replacing this meal with fruit and broths. Be sure to include in your diet vegetables, saltwater fish and beef.
If you are concerned about swelling in 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is advisable to refuse to use salt and products where its content is very high. Excess salt in the body of a pregnant woman provokes fluid retention.
If your baby does not accept the correct position (head to the bottom of the mother’s belly), you should consider taking a course of special massage. As a rule, the fact of the incorrect position of the fetus is established long before the birth, and therefore the necessary measures are taken at the right time. It is not unreasonable to consult a specialist on the subject, but you can also go to the doctor who conducts your pregnancy – he will tell you what to do.
37 weeks of pregnancy: questions and answers
Can I give birth at 37 weeks of pregnancy?
Delivery at this term is quite possible, but not desirable. As a rule, a woman is assigned a cesarean section operation. After delivery at this term, the baby and the woman in labor should be under constant medical supervision, because their health is still very fragile and the likelihood of a number of problems is high.
37 weeks of pregnancy – how often should the baby move?
You should not worry about the fact that the baby is becoming somewhat shy, because its activity is somewhat reduced. There has become very little space in the uterus, which makes the baby’s movements. On average, the number of movements comes down to 10-15, and this is quite normal. By this time, the baby should change its position (head to the cervix), as the delivery date is approaching.
What should I be afraid of at 37 weeks of pregnancy?
As a rule, if there are certain dangers of pregnancy at this term, your doctor will certainly warn you about them. But you should be extremely careful not to overexert yourself, and avoid overheating and excessive stress.
Can a healthy baby be born at 37 weeks?
At 37 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is quite ready for life outside the mother’s body, as its body and all organs are fully developed and functioning normally. However, experts emphasize that it is too early to talk about childbirth, because the fetus must stay in its due time.
Can I have sex at 37 weeks of pregnancy?
Sex is not contraindicated in pregnancy. However, it is worth noting that you should be extremely careful with your sex life in the late term. It is also worth remembering that you should not put excessive pressure on the abdomen, so you should choose the most appropriate positions. It is important to remember that after the mucus plug in the cervix has withdrawn, sex should be put under a ban, because it can harm the fetus and the health of the woman.
Why does the pelvis hurt during pregnancy at 37 weeks?
Due to the significantly increased pressure of the uterus at 37 weeks of pregnancy, a woman may have quite severe pain in the area of the pubic and pelvic bones – this is quite normal. During this period, preparations for an imminent birth, which is marked by the expansion of the pelvic bones, begin. Such sensations are quite normal and unavoidable, but may cause considerable discomfort.
