Week 37 of Pregnancy

What to Expect This Week

You've made it to a major pregnancy milestone—welcome to full term. At 37 weeks, your baby has reached a level of development where, if born now, they would likely thrive with minimal medical intervention. That means their lungs are mature enough to breathe on their own, their brain and other organs are functioning well, and they're just putting on the final touches—mostly body fat to help with temperature regulation once they arrive earthside. Whether you've been counting down each day or feeling like the weeks are flying by, reaching full term is both a physical and emotional turning point.

For many moms-to-be, Week 37 brings a mixture of anticipation, anxiety, and preparation. Some women begin to feel a deep, almost primal need to nest—cleaning, organizing, and double-checking everything for baby's arrival. Others may feel more emotionally sensitive or mentally distracted as the reality of impending motherhood truly sinks in. These feelings are not only normal—they're valid. Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, this stage of pregnancy comes with its own blend of wonder, discomfort, and personal transformation. You're nearing the moment where your life will change forever, and it's completely natural to feel a swirl of emotions as you prepare to meet your baby.

Your Baby This Week

At this point, your baby is typically about 19 to 20 inches long and weighs around 6.5 to 7.5 pounds—roughly the size of a honeydew melon. However, it's important to remember that every baby is different, and these are just average estimates. Some babies will be longer or shorter, lighter or heavier. It's also worth noting that boys tend to be slightly larger than girls at birth, and genetics play a major role in determining your baby's size.

By 37 weeks, your baby's body is fully developed and just about ready for life outside the womb. The lungs are producing surfactant (a substance that helps with breathing), the brain is undergoing rapid growth, and your baby is continuing to build fat stores that will help keep them warm after birth. Their movements might feel a bit more restricted now, not because they're less active, but simply because space inside the uterus is becoming limited. If you're carrying twins or multiples, you've likely already been told that 37 weeks is considered full term for multiples, and labor could begin any day now.

Your Body This Week

Physically, you may be feeling a whole new level of heaviness and fatigue. Your belly is stretched, your pelvis may feel like it's under pressure, and it's common to experience increased vaginal discharge as your body continues to produce cervical mucus in preparation for labor. You might also notice that baby has "dropped" into your pelvis (called lightening), which can make breathing easier but often increases pressure on your bladder and pelvic joints.

You could also be experiencing more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions—those irregular, painless (or mildly uncomfortable) tightening sensations that mimic labor but don't lead to cervical dilation. If they become more intense, regular, or painful, it could be a sign of early labor, so stay alert. Emotionally, many women feel a growing mix of impatience and nervous excitement, particularly if this is their first baby. You may be wondering, "Will I go into labor today? Tomorrow? Two weeks from now?" Remember, while 37 weeks is full term, many moms don't deliver until 39, 40, or even 41 weeks. Try to focus on rest and self-care—your baby knows the best time to arrive.

Your Health: Pack That Hospital Bag

This is the perfect week to finalize your hospital bag if you haven't already. Think of it as your "go" bag—packed and ready to grab the moment you go into labor. A well-prepared bag can make a big difference in your hospital experience, offering comfort and familiarity when everything else is in motion.

Don't forget to talk with your birth partner about any additional comfort items—pillows, an extra blanket, or a sentimental item that brings you calm. A little forethought can go a long way in creating a smoother, more supportive birth experience.

Tips: Not Quite Love at First Sight? That's Okay

Hollywood has painted a very specific picture of birth: instant bonding, joyful tears, and a magical first moment. But the truth is, not everyone feels that overwhelming love the moment their baby is born—and that is completely okay.

Your body will still be in active recovery immediately after delivery. You may be bleeding, sore, and emotionally spent. Your baby might need medical evaluation, or you might be too dazed to feel anything other than exhausted. Add in visitors, breastfeeding struggles, and very little sleep, and it's no surprise that the first days postpartum can feel more like survival than celebration.

It's not uncommon to feel emotionally disconnected or overwhelmed. You may look at your baby and feel confused, unsure, or even numb. This can be part of the "baby blues", a short-term period of mood swings, tearfulness, and anxiety that affects up to 80% of new mothers. These feelings usually fade within 1–2 weeks. However, if the sadness deepens, or if you feel like you're not able to care for yourself or your baby, please talk to your doctor—it could be postpartum depression, and it is 100% treatable with the right support.

Bonding can take time. Whether it's a few minutes or a few weeks, your relationship with your baby will grow with each cuddle, diaper change, and late-night feeding. Give yourself grace. You're not just giving birth to a child—you're also being reborn as a mother.

To-Dos for This Week

• Enjoy a relaxing evening with your partner or a close friend—cherish one of the last moments before your world changes forever.
• Take a profile bump photo—you'll want to look back on this beautiful moment.
• Finish packing your hospital bag—check and double-check.
• Talk to your provider about your birth plan and signs of early labor.
• Prepare mentally and emotionally—read birth stories, practice breathing, and meditate if helpful.
• Install your baby's car seat—make sure it's securely in place.
• Write a letter to your baby—even if they won't read it for years, it's a powerful way to connect emotionally.