37 Week pregnant: Baby development, symptoms & signs

Your Body at Week 37

Stretch marks

Stretch marks, which are common even amongst non-pregnant people, can continue to appear especially in the final weeks of your pregnancy. Depending on your skin’s natural pigmentation and texture, stretch marks can be narrow or thick, and be pink, red, brown, purple, or white in color [1]. Stretch marks occur when the middle layer of skin is stretched and becomes broken. What you see as stretch marks are actually scars. This often happens during periods of weight gain, like growing a pregnant belly, and can also be affected by hormonal changes like those that occur during puberty and pregnancy [1].

During pregnancy, stretch marks usually appear on the belly and breasts as well as on the upper thighs. Though they can be itchy, they are not associated with any other medical conditions, and there is not a specific or recommended treatment for them [1]. After your baby is born, the marks will probably fade and become less noticeable, but as they are scars, they likely will never disappear entirely. 

Unfortunately, there is no known single treatment or product that can prevent or treat stretch marks [1]. There are some treatments like prescription retinoids, chemical peels and laser treatments that are often not advised during pregnancy [2].  However, there are skin creams, gels, lotions, and oils marketed to treat or prevent pregnancy stretch marks, as well as commonly used home remedies like almond oil, cocoa butter, olive oil or vitamin E [2]. While there is limited scientific evidence surrounding the efficacy of creams, oils, and gels, dermatologists generally recommend that beginning any treatment early, taking time to massage the product into stretched skin, and using the product daily for many weeks is the best way to maximize its effectiveness [2]. 

Moisturizing can also be a valuable part of your self-care routine during the final weeks of pregnancy, for example using oils or creams after a shower or before bed. If you have questions about any products, or treatments, consult your doctor or dermatologist. 

Feeling movement

Babies commonly will move more and more in the uterus until about the 32nd week of pregnancy, after which the frequency of their movements will remain the same for the remainder of the pregnancy [3]. While babies can move any time during the day or night, they tend to be the most active in the afternoons and evenings. When they are asleep, which can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and a half, you might not be able to feel them moving [3]. 

You might still be counting kicks, as we discussed in Week 28 of pregnancy, or you might be feeling the movements so strongly that you no longer feel the need to. You should be able to feel movements all the way up until, and through, labor [3]. If you notice any changes or reductions in your baby’s movements, contact your midwife or maternity unit.

Leaking breasts

Some women experience leaking milk, or colostrum (the first milk you will produce for your baby), in the second half of pregnancy. This is completely normal and is even more common in the weeks prior to giving birth [4]. You can start using breast pads, also known as nursing pads, to help stay dry and comfortable. If you breastfeed after your baby is born, leaking will likely continue until you stop breastfeeding.

While leaking is common, if you are not leaking, there is no cause for concern. There is no known link between leaking colostrum during pregnancy and your milk supply after birth [5]. However, if there is blood in the leaking milk that makes it red or brown in color, contact your nurse, doctor or midwife.

Heartburn

Heartburn, or acid reflux, is common in pregnancy particularly in the third trimester [6]. Heartburn is a type of indigestion that presents as a burning sensation in the chest or throat. When experiencing heartburn, you might also burp more frequently, feel sick to your stomach, or even throw up. While doctors are not sure why heartburn is so common in pregnancy, it is believed to be linked to hormonal changes that relax certain muscles and slow the digestive tract, alongside the internal pressure of the growing uterus on other organs [7].

Sometimes changing your diet and lifestyle can help control heartburn symptoms. Spicy and greasy foods are known to make heartburn worse, while foods that are easier to digest can ease symptoms [7]. Large meals, overeating, and eating right before sleeping or napping can also worsen heartburn symptoms [7]. Many over the counter medications, like chewable tablets or liquid antacids can be safe to use during pregnancy, but check with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Your baby’s development at 37 weeks

At 37 weeks, your baby is considered term, which means if they were born this week they would no longer be considered premature. Your baby’s heart, blood vessels, muscles and bones are complete and fully developed [8]. However, unless there is a medical risk to you or your baby’s health, it is usually recommended that your baby stay inside your uterus until you naturally go into labor [9].

By 37 weeks, your baby likely weighs between 6 and 7 lbs (2.7 to 3.2 kg) and is around 18 to 19 inches (45.7 to 49 cm) long [9]. This is approximately the size of a head of romaine lettuce!

Signs and Stages of Labor

While you probably have some weeks left to go, your baby can really come at any time now. According to 2022 statistics from the Center for Disease Control (USA), nearly 30% of all births occurred between 37 and 38 weeks, while around 55% occurred between weeks 39-40 [10]. Recognizing signs of labor can help you remain calm and know what to do when the time comes.

The earliest signs of labor include discharging mucus from your cervix (also known as a “show” or “bloody show”), water breaking, lower back pain, and contractions that come at regular intervals and with increasing intensity. Contrary to what you might have seen on television or in movies, only an estimated 8-12% of women experience their water breaking, or the rupture of the amniotic sac, prior to going into labor [11,12]. Most women will experience other signs of labor, or even be in labor, before the water breaks. 

In most cases, the hospital or maternity unit where you give birth will have guidelines and suggestions of when to contact the hospital or when you will likely be admitted if you have gone into labor. It is good to familiarize yourself with their guidelines so you know how best to monitor your labor. The guidelines will usually advise you to take note of the length and frequency of your contractions. However, if your water breaks, you experience bleeding, severe or persistent pain, or changes in fetal movement, you should always contact your hospital or maternity unit [13].

While every labor is different, doctors tend to divide labor into stages. The first stage, sometimes called the dilation stage, tends to take the longest. In this stage, the cervix starts to soften and you start experiencing contractions that get stronger and more frequent [14]. This stage lasts until your cervix has opened enough to begin pushing. The second stage of labor is when you give birth. Your cervix has completely dilated, or opened, to approximately 10cm and you will likely be encouraged to push when you have contractions, or feel the urge to push yourself [14]. After you give birth, the third stage of labor is when your uterus contracts and the placenta comes out of your vagina. 

Tips in week 37

• Install your car seat: if you have not yet purchased and installed your infant car seat, it is time! You most likely will need a car seat to bring your newborn home from the hospital. Check that it is installed correctly in your vehicle, or make sure you know how to secure it safely in a taxi, family’s, or friend’s vehicle. Installation can be tricky, so be sure to consult the manufacturer’s safety manual and even consult your local fire station or police department for assistance. 
• Check your hospital or maternity unit’s guidelines: review the guidelines and suggestions offered by your hospital or maternity unit. These can have useful tips on things to make sure you pack for your stay. In most cases, they will also have advice on how to monitor your labor at home and when it is advised to come to the hospital.
• Hospital and maternity unit phone numbers: most hospitals or maternity units will have special phone numbers to call when you go into labor. Be sure to save those numbers ahead of time in your phone and write them in a visible place in your home so that a friend, family member, or partner can call the right number when you go into labor.
• Keep hydrated: keep drinking plenty of water! Though you might be constantly going to the bathroom, staying hydrated can help fend off heartburn, indigestion, dehydration, headaches, and even Braxton Hicks contractions.
• Check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home:  carrying out routine safety tasks now, will save you time in the future when you care for your little one. Make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly before bringing home your new baby. 
• Set up a safe bed for your newborn: whether you are using a bassinet, crib, or other sleeping space, now is a good time to get it assembled and set up safely.

Using Natural Cycles during your pregnancy

Natural Cycles can support you from conception through to postpartum and beyond. As the first FDA Cleared birth control app, Natural Cycles offers a hormone-free, non-invasive method of contraception and fertility tracking. NC° Follow Pregnancy offers weekly guides that update you on the baby’s development and changes you might be experiencing in your body. You can also use the app to track important pregnancy symptoms and monitor your own health. After giving birth, NC° Postpartum can provide additional health tips and support as you recover from childbirth. Why not find out how Natural Cycles can support you?