Third Trimester
Week 37: Baby is full term from 39 weeks — but considered
Here's everything happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is the size of a
Winter melon
Length
19.1 in
Weight
2.9 kg
Week
37 / 40
💡 Expert tip
Know the signs of labor: regular contractions (5 min apart, lasting 1 min, for 1 hour), water breaking, or bloody show — then head to your hospital.
🌱 Baby's development this week
- Full term reached (39 weeks = full term; 37 = early term)
- Practicing breathing, sucking, swallowing
- Gripping reflex very strong
- All organ systems ready to function independently
Science fact
The mucus plug — a protective barrier that seals the cervix throughout pregnancy — can be released days or weeks before labor begins. Its loss doesn
🤰 Your symptoms this week
Bloody show
pink or brown mucus discharge; normal sign that cervix is changing
Strong pelvic pressure
baby is very low; short walks help with discomfort
Difficulty sitting or standing comfortably
change positions frequently
💛 Changes in your body
- Mucus plug may be released (bloody show)
- Cervical dilation and effacement progressing
- Braxton Hicks very frequent
- Increased pelvic pressure and waddle
💙 Mental health this week
The waiting is one of the hardest parts of late pregnancy. Each day that passes is another day of brain development for your baby. Try to reframe waiting as a gift.
🥗 Nutrition focus
- Light, nourishing meals — labor is unpredictable and you don
- ,
- ,
📅 Appointment / test
Weekly appointment: cervical exam if desired, confirm baby
✅ This week's checklist
Review labor signs with your partner — make sure they know when to call and when to go
Prepare easy postpartum meals for the freezer
Rest and sleep as much as possible — your energy reserve matters for labor
Track your pregnancy week by week
Interactive guide · 40 weeks · Fruit size visualizations · Personalized tips
Open Week 37 in Interactive Guide → →