Week 37: Early Full Term

Congratulations — you've reached an important milestone! From week 37, pregnancy is considered "early full term" (full term is from week 39). That means your baby is well developed and will do well if labor starts now. But the final weeks in the womb are still valuable for the brain and lungs.

Baby's Development

Practicing: Baby is actively practicing breathing, sucking, and gripping — important skills for life outside the womb
Fat layer: A good fat layer gives baby excellent temperature regulation and energy reserves after birth
Head position: For most babies, the head is now settled in the pelvis, ready for birth
Bowel: The intestines contain meconium (the first bowel movement), a dark, sticky substance that usually passes after birth
Weight and length: Baby weighs around 2.7–2.9 kg and measures about 49 cm
Immune system: Receiving the last important antibodies from you via the placenta
Lungs: Fully mature with good surfactant production. Baby can breathe independently at birth
Brain: Continues to form neural connections at a rapid pace — this continues long after birth

Full Term — What Does It Mean?

According to ACOG and the WHO, pregnancy is defined as:

Premature: Before week 37
Early full term: Week 37–38
Full term: Week 39–40
Late term: Week 41
Post-term: Week 42 and beyond

Although baby is considered "early full term" from week 37, it's recommended to let pregnancy progress as close to due date as possible. The brain and lungs still benefit significantly from the final weeks. Planned cesarean sections are therefore usually performed no earlier than week 39, unless there are medical reasons to do so earlier.

Your Body

Mucus plug: Some lose the mucus plug now — a gel-like plug that has sealed the cervix. It can mean labor is approaching, but it can also be weeks away
Cervix: Beginning to soften and thin out (effacement) in preparation for birth
Nesting instinct: Many experience a powerful urge to tidy, wash, and prepare everything — use the energy, but remember to rest too
Pelvic pressure: Baby is lying low and pressing on the pelvis and bladder
Frequent urination: Perhaps more frequent than ever — including at night
Braxton Hicks: May become more frequent and stronger, but are still irregular
Fatigue: Alternates with bursts of energy (the nesting instinct)

Signs That Labor Is Approaching

In the final weeks of pregnancy, the body begins preparing for birth. Some signs can come days or weeks before active labor starts:

Early signs (can come weeks before):

Mucus plug comes away (a gel-like plug, possibly blood-streaked)
Baby drops deeper into the pelvis
Increased pressure on the pelvis and bladder
More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions
Loose stools or diarrhea (body "clearing out")
Energy surge (nesting instinct)

Signs that labor is starting:

Regular contractions that get stronger and more frequent over time
Contractions don't ease with rest or position changes
Waters breaking (amniotic fluid leaking)
Bloody mucus show

Use a contraction timer app to track your contractions' pattern.

Good to Know

Even though baby is well developed, it's recommended to let pregnancy progress as close to the due date as possible. The brain develops significantly between week 37 and 40, and the lungs are adding the final touches. Planned cesarean sections are therefore usually performed no earlier than week 39, unless there are medical reasons to do so earlier.

Now is a good time to go through the birth plan. Does your partner know what to do when it starts? Is the hospital bag packed? Is the car seat installed? Have a checklist ready.

Keep an eye on the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions. Braxton Hicks are irregular and go away if you move or rest. Real contractions come at regular intervals, get stronger, and don't stop.

Continue with daily walks if your body allows. Light movement keeps your body active and can help baby settle into a good position for birth. Swimming is also lovely — the water takes the strain off joints and gives a wonderful feeling of weightlessness.

When Should You Go to the Hospital?

The Rule of Thumb for First-Time Parents

Call the maternity unit when contractions:

Come every 5 minutes
Last about 60 seconds each
This pattern has been going on for at least 1 hour

Use a contraction timer app to keep track.

Go Straight Away If

Waters break: Always call the hospital immediately, regardless of whether you have contractions
Heavy bleeding: More than light spotting
Baby is moving significantly less than usual
Severe pain that doesn't ease

Special Considerations

Those who've given birth before: Go earlier — labor may be faster than last time
Long distance: Go early if you have more than 60–90 minutes to the hospital
GBS-positive: Go early so antibiotics can be started in good time

Pain Relief Options During Labor

You'll have access to various forms of pain relief during labor. Common options include:

Epidural: The most effective pain relief. Administered as local anesthesia in the back. Available at most hospitals
Gas and air (Entonox): Inhaled gas you control yourself
Warm water: Bath or shower during contractions
TENS: Electrical nerve stimulation via electrodes on the back
Sterile water injections: For intense back pain
Acupuncture: Available at some birth centers
Medications: Pain-relieving injections

Write your pain relief preferences in your birth plan. Remember you can change your mind during labor — that's completely normal and absolutely fine.

Cesarean Section

About 15–25% of births (varies by country) are by cesarean. There are two types:

Planned cesarean: Decided in advance for medical reasons (breech, previous cesarean, placenta previa)
Emergency cesarean: During labor if complications arise

Planned cesarean sections are usually performed in week 39, unless there are medical reasons to do so earlier.

Maternity Leave

Now is a good time to stop working if you haven't already. Many people start their maternity leave around week 37 or earlier.

Use the Time Well

Rest and sleep when you can — you'll need the energy
Go for walks in fresh air
Do things you enjoy — read, watch films, see friends
Complete practical preparations
Practice pelvic floor exercises daily
Go through breathing exercises and relaxation techniques

Practical Things to Have in Place

Hospital bag is packed and ready
Car seat is installed and tested
Nursery is set up with the essentials
You know the route to the hospital
Contact details for the maternity unit are easily accessible
Birth plan is written

Nutrition and Energy in the Final Weeks

Your body needs good nutrition and energy now — both for the final weeks of pregnancy and for the upcoming birth.

Eating for Energy

Choose complex carbohydrates (whole grains, oats, sweet potato) for sustained energy
Protein at every meal (meat, fish, eggs, beans)
Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil, fish)
Fruit and vegetables in all colors
Small, frequent meals are better than a few large ones

Freezer Meals

Last chance to fill the freezer before baby arrives:

Make large batches of your favorite dinners
Soups, casseroles, and pasta bakes are perfect for freezing
Label bags with contents and date
Aim for 10–15 portions in the freezer

Stay Hydrated

Drink at least 2 liters of water daily. Good hydration helps against:

Constipation
Swelling (paradoxically, water helps against swelling)
Braxton Hicks (dehydration can trigger them)
General wellbeing

Breastfeeding — Prepare Yourself

According to the WHO and AAP, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months. In the first days after birth, your breasts produce colostrum (first milk), which is incredibly nutritious and full of antibodies.

Tips for Preparing

Read about breastfeeding positions and latching
Get a nursing bra and nursing pads
Find out where you can get breastfeeding support locally (healthcare visitor, breastfeeding groups)
Know that breastfeeding can take time to learn — be patient with yourself and baby
Contact a lactation consultant or local support line if you need advice

For Your Partner

Go through the birth plan together — what do you do when contractions start, who do you call, and what goes to the hospital
Make sure your phone is always charged and that you're available — labor can start any time now
Prepare mentally for your role during birth — read about how to support most effectively
Have a backup transport plan to the hospital (taxi number, neighbor who can drive)
Know where to park at the hospital and how to find the maternity ward

Tips for Week 37

Contact list: Have phone numbers for the hospital, midwife, and support people easily accessible
Rest: Sleep and rest as much as you can — you'll need the energy soon
Movement: Short walks keep your body active and can help baby into a good position
Nursery: Make sure the nursery is ready with cot, clothes, and diapers
Birth preparation: Go through breathing exercises and relaxation techniques with your partner
Pelvic floor exercises: Continue daily — strong pelvic floor muscles help during birth
Enjoy the final weeks: Take time for things you enjoy — soon everything changes

When to Contact a Doctor

Contact your doctor or midwife if you experience:

Waters breaking (amniotic fluid leaking, either a lot or a little)
Regular contractions every 5–6 minutes lasting over an hour
Vaginal bleeding (more than light spotting)
Sudden severe headache with visual disturbances
Significantly reduced fetal movements
Severe abdominal pain that doesn't ease
Intense itching without a rash (especially on hands and feet)

Always call the maternity unit if your waters break, regardless of whether you have contractions. The risk of infection increases after the waters break, and the hospital will assess whether you should come in.

Did You Know...?

From week 37, pregnancy is "early full term," meaning baby will do well if born now. However, ACOG and the WHO recommend letting pregnancy progress to at least week 39 if possible, as the brain and lungs benefit greatly from the final weeks
Meconium — baby's first bowel movement — has been building up in the bowel for months. This dark, sticky substance contains amniotic fluid, mucous membrane cells, bile, and lanugo hair. It's sterile and odorless at birth
Baby is now actively practicing breathing technique, sucking reflex, and grasping reflex. These practices happen automatically and are crucial for baby's ability to feed and breathe independently after birth
Your cervix is beginning to prepare for birth by producing enzymes that break down collagen. This process, called "ripening," can take days or weeks

Common Questions About Week 37

What is the difference between "early full term" and "full term"?

"Early full term" (week 37–38) means baby is well developed and will do fine, but the brain and lungs still benefit from more time. "Full term" (week 39–40) is the ideal period for birth. Planned cesarean sections are therefore usually performed no earlier than week 39, unless there are medical reasons.

I've lost my mucus plug — does that mean labor is starting soon?

Not necessarily. Losing the mucus plug means the cervix is beginning to change, but labor can come hours, days, or even weeks after. Some women lose their mucus plug without noticing it. It's a sign the body is preparing, but it's not a definitive sign that labor is just around the corner.

Is it safe to have sex now?

Yes, sex is safe right up until the waters break or labor starts, as long as the pregnancy is uncomplicated and your midwife hasn't advised otherwise. Some people find contractions after sex feel stronger now, but this is usually Braxton Hicks that pass on their own.

What should I do if my waters break?

Always call the maternity unit if your waters break, regardless of whether you have contractions. Note the time, amount, and color of the fluid. Normal amniotic fluid is clear or slightly pink. Greenish color may indicate meconium in the fluid and should be assessed promptly.

How can my partner prepare?

Your partner should know what to do when labor starts: hospital phone number, route, where the hospital bag is, and who to call. Read up on support techniques — massage, breathing exercises, and being a calm, reassuring presence is enormously valuable.

What is induction and when is it offered?

Induction of labor is typically offered from around week 41–42 if labor hasn't started spontaneously. It may also be offered earlier for medical reasons such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or low amniotic fluid. Methods include medications, balloon catheter, and oxytocin drip.

What do I do if contractions start at night?

Many labors start at night. Try to rest between contractions, eat something light if you're hungry, drink water, and use a contraction timer app to track the pattern. Call the hospital when contractions are regular (every 5 minutes for an hour). Always call immediately if your waters break, regardless of the time.

Can labor be very fast?

Yes, some labors are quick, especially for those who've given birth before. A labor lasting under 3 hours is called a precipitate labor. Those who've given birth before should go to the hospital earlier because labor may be faster. If you have a long journey, go early.

What do I do about older children during labor?

Plan who will look after older children when labor starts. Have a plan A and a plan B — it could happen in the middle of the night or when grandparents are unavailable. Arrange with someone who can come at short notice. Pack their bag with clothes, toothbrush, and a comfort toy so it's easy for others to take over.

What happens after birth?

According to the WHO and AAP, skin-to-skin contact is recommended immediately after birth, and the first breastfeed is attempted within the first hour. Baby is examined by a pediatrician within the first days. With an uncomplicated vaginal birth, you can normally go home after 1–3 days. A follow-up visit from a midwife or health visitor will be arranged for the first days at home.

What are afterpains?

Afterpains are contractions that occur after birth and help the uterus shrink back to its normal size. They can be felt especially during breastfeeding, as the oxytocin released stimulates contractions. Afterpains are usually stronger for those who have given birth before. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) can help with the discomfort.

Next week: Baby is putting on the final important grams and preparing for the big day.