Welcome to Week 37 of your pregnancy journey! This is a major milestone—your baby is now considered early term, meaning they could arrive at any moment. However, while they are developed enough to be born, another couple of weeks in the womb can still provide essential growth and development. This stage of pregnancy can be a mental rollercoaster as you anxiously await labor. Here, we’ll cover what to expect for both you and your baby during this week, along with some personal insights from my own experience as I navigate my fourth pregnancy.
What's Happening with Your Baby
At 37 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a large Swiss chard, or a Pound Puppy toy for a more “old school” reference. Baby likely weighs around 6 to 7 pounds and measures about 19 to 21 inches long.
While baby could be born safely now, staying in the womb a little longer is still beneficial. Here’s what’s still happening:
Lung Maturity: Baby’s lungs are still producing surfactant, which helps their lungs expand easily after birth for proper breathing. Babies born before 39 weeks may still have some difficulty with lung function.
Better Coordination: Movements are becoming more refined! Your baby can grasp things better, including their umbilical cord (not ideal, but totally normal).
Head Positioning: Most babies have turned head-down by this point. If your baby is still breech, your provider may discuss External Cephalic Version (ECV) to help reposition them.
Interestingly, about 26% of babies are born between 37 and 38 weeks, but most pregnancies continue to 39-41 weeks. So while birth is possible now, there’s still a strong chance you have a few weeks to go!
What’s Happening With Your Body?
Signs of Labor vs. False Alarms
Many people ask: How do I know labor is coming? Well, it can be tricky! Some experience clear signs, while others go into labor with no warning at all. Here’s what to watch for:
💛 Braxton Hicks Contractions – Practice contractions that can be uncomfortable but don’t increase in intensity or frequency. These are NOT labor contractions.
💛 Increased Discharge – You may notice more mucus plug loss or spotting. If you see a “bloody show,” labor could be near.
💛 Diarrhea & Nausea – Many women experience digestive changes before labor as the body prepares itself.
💛 Water Breaking (TACO Method) – If you feel a gush or trickle of fluid, take note of Time, Amount, Color, and Odor (TACO). Call your provider if this happens.
💛 Baby Movement – Your baby should STILL be moving. If you notice a decrease in movement, get checked immediately.
If your contractions are increasing in intensity, lasting longer, and getting closer together, labor may have officially started.
Emotional Changes & Mental Load
One of the hardest things about being 37 weeks pregnant is the mental anticipation. You’re stuck in a limbo of “any day now” that can last days or even weeks.
Anxiety & Overwhelm – The waiting game can feel never-ending. It’s hard to make plans when labor could start at any time.
Constant Check-ins – Friends and family may start texting, “Is the baby here yet?” While they mean well, this can be stressful. If you don’t want to be bombarded, consider setting a boundary or group update.
Nesting Urges vs. Exhaustion – You might feel a sudden burst of energy to clean and prepare, or you might be totally wiped out. Either way, listen to your body.
One great tip: focus on a single space in your home (like your birth area or baby’s room) instead of stressing about the whole house. This can help maintain order without feeling overwhelmed.
Instructors
ROXANNE
This course breaks down what to expect postpartum from the moment your baby is born to the first few weeks postpartum! Learn what options you have available to you in your care!
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- On Mobile
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Preparing for Labor & Delivery
GBS Test (Group B Strep Screening)
At your 37-38 week appointment, you’ll likely have a GBS swab to test for Group B Strep (GBS), a common bacteria. If positive, antibiotics will be recommended during labor to reduce the risk of infection for your baby.
Hospital or Home Birth Plans
Now is the time to finalize who will be at your birth:
👶 Partner or Support Person – Your #1 support during labor.
👩⚕️ Doula or Midwife – If you have one, they’ll be your go-to guide.
👵 Family or Friends – Decide who (if anyone) you want present.
📷 Photographer – If capturing birth is important to you, confirm their availability.
If you’re planning a home birth, think about:
Emergency Transfer Bag – Keep essentials organized in bins so it’s easy to pack quickly if needed.
Birth Space Prep – Focus on keeping your main labor area clean and stocked with essentials.
My Personal Experience in Week 37
At this stage of pregnancy, I feel two things at once: excited and exhausted. I’m constantly overanalyzing every cramp, Braxton Hicks contraction, and weird feeling, wondering, Is this it? And I will do this every day until the baby is actually born.
Physically, I am dealing with:
💛 Braxton Hicks contractions that feel a little too real – They are strong enough to make me wonder if they are progressing into labor, but then… nothing happens.
💛 Cramps and discomfort – The baby is LOW, and I feel so much pressure!
💛 A tropical storm messing with my body – I swear the weather is making my contractions more intense, but it’s unclear if it’s leading to actual labor.
💛 Exhaustion & nesting urges battling each other – I want to clean everything, but I also want to lay down and never move again.
The Mental Struggle: Living in Limbo
The hardest part of this stage is the waiting. I feel like I’m stuck in this in-between world where:
🔹 I want to make plans, but I also might go into labor, so… do I even bother?
🔹 I want to enjoy my final days with my older kids, but I’m constantly distracted by labor thoughts.
🔹 I text my midwife and Roxanne constantly with every twinge of pain, only to realize deep down… it’s probably nothing.
Despite this being my fourth baby, I still don’t really know when labor will start! Every time I think, maybe this time it will be different, but then… it’s the same.
Conclusion
As you approach labor, remember: every pregnancy is different. Some people have clear labor signs, while others wake up and suddenly—it’s go time!
What can help in these final weeks?
Gentle movement & pelvic floor prep – Keep your body moving, but listen to what feels right.
Relaxation techniques – Deep breathing, warm baths, and rest can ease stress.
Backup plans – Plan flexible activities to keep yourself distracted without overcommitting.
Most importantly—trust your body. Your baby will come when they’re ready!
If you’re looking for more support during your pregnancy, consider exploring our online prenatal fitness programs and childbirth education courses. You can bundle these for additional savings!
Prenatal Support Courses
Learn the science of pregnancy and birth to take the mystery of labor away! Understand why you are feeling what you feel, and learn strategies to confidently move through pregnancy and birth!
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Instructor
GINA
Workout on-demand with our prenatal fitness workout videos! Each workout is 30-40 minutes to follow along as you exercise at the same time!
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Instructor
GINA
Find comfort and relief from pelvic girdle pain throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period! This program incorporates myofascial sling focused exercises to stabilize across the pelvic girdle joints.
- 3 Weeks
- On Demand Workout Videos to Follow