Pregnancy Calendar

Week 37
Third Trimester

What happens to me?

The good news is that by the end of this week, your pregnancy will be full-term and you could give birth any day now. (Babies between 38 and 42 weeks are considered full-term, a baby born before 38 weeks is pre-term and after 42 weeks is post-term). At your next doctor’s visit they may check to see if you have started dilating (when the cervix opens) and effacing (when the cervix thins). They will also check to see what position the baby is in, which is a way of estimating how far the baby has dropped into the pelvis.

You may also begin to feel an increased pressure in your lower abdomen and notice that the baby is gradually dropping. This is called lightening or engagement and your lungs and stomach will finally get a chance to stretch out a little. When this happens breathing and eating should become easier, but walking may become increasingly uncomfortable. Some women say it feels as if the baby is going to fall out. You may also still feel as if you need to go to the bathroom all the time.

If you go into labor now nothing will be done to stop it since the baby is mature enough to survive outside the uterus.

How much will I be showing?

Your uterus is now about 6 ½ inches from your belly button and your total weight gain is between 25 and 35 pounds. Your weight will not fluctuate much more from here to delivery.

What happens to baby?

The baby continues to practice breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid. Sometimes the baby will get hiccups, which may feel like rhythmic motions in your belly. These may be confused as contractions or labor but usually subside quickly.

How big is the baby?

The baby weighs about 6 1/2 pounds. Crown to rump length is 14 inches or nearly 21 inches head to toe.

Tip of the Week

You may want to stay away from diuretic drinks like tea and coffee, which will make you have to urinate even more often.

For more information about labor, Click Here

For more infomration about delivery, Click Here

Want to figure out your due date? Click Here

Just found out you're pregnant? Don't forget to check out the previous Weeks!

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