Week 37
Your baby is the size of a bunch of Swiss chard
What's happening this week
Your baby is about 19.5 inches from head to toe and weighs roughly 6.5 pounds — though babies vary enormously at this stage. As of this week, your baby is considered early term. Every day from here adds finishing touches that improve outcomes, but if your baby arrived today, they'd be in excellent shape.
Your baby can now grasp firmly — strong enough that if you placed your finger in their palm, they'd hold on. This grasp reflex is one of several newborn reflexes that are fully developed and ready for action.
To prepare for birth, your baby's head may start descending deeper into your pelvis — a process called engagement. This positions the head directly over the cervix for delivery. Not all babies engage before labor begins (especially in second or subsequent pregnancies), but when it happens, you'll feel the difference: more pelvic pressure, easier breathing, and more frequent bathroom trips.
The lungs continue their final maturation. The alveoli (air sacs) are producing surfactant in sufficient quantities, and the lung tissue is practicing the expansion and contraction it will need for breathing air. The brain is still developing rapidly — it will gain about a third of its weight in these last few weeks.
Fat accumulation continues. Your baby is adding insulation that will help maintain body temperature after birth, when they leave the consistently warm environment of your womb for the comparatively cool outside world. The skin is smooth and plump, the cheeks are full, and your baby looks exactly like a newborn — because that's essentially what they are now.
Your body this week
Three weeks to your due date. You're in the home stretch, and your body knows it. Weekly prenatal visits are now standard, and your provider is monitoring everything closely: blood pressure, baby's heart rate and position, your cervix, and any signs that labor is approaching.
You may notice some signs that your body is warming up for labor: increased Braxton Hicks contractions, loose stools (your body clearing out in preparation), lower back ache that comes and goes, and possibly the loss of your mucus plug — a thick, sometimes blood-tinged discharge. None of these mean labor is imminent, but they're all signs that your body is getting ready.
The physical discomfort of late pregnancy is at its peak. Your belly is enormous, everything aches, and simple tasks like putting on shoes require creative problem-solving. Swelling in the feet and hands may be persistent. Sleep is measured in 45-minute increments between bathroom trips.
Here's the difficult truth about the final weeks: you're ready to be done, but your baby benefits from every additional day. ACOG defines full term as 39 weeks 0 days through 40 weeks 6 days. If your pregnancy is healthy and there are no medical indications for early delivery, your provider will likely recommend waiting for labor to start naturally or until at least 39 weeks for any scheduled induction or cesarean.
Use this time for final preparations: frozen meals stocked, hospital bag in the car, phone tree set up for labor announcements, and a plan for getting to the hospital at any hour. The waiting is the hardest part — but it's almost over.
For dads
Three weeks. This is the stretch where every phone call from your partner makes your heart rate spike. Is this it? Not yet — but it could be any day. Keep your phone charged and nearby at all times. Know where the hospital bags are. Have gas in the car. If you work far from home, discuss a contingency plan with your employer for leaving quickly. Your partner is physically at her limit. She may be emotional, irritable, exhausted, and swinging between 'get this baby out of me' and 'I'm not ready.' All of it is valid. Your job is to be steady — calm when she's anxious, patient when she's frustrated, and honest when she asks if you're ready (even if the answer is 'I'm terrified and excited at the same time').
Have one final conversation about birth preferences. Not a formal birth plan review — just a real, honest talk. What are her biggest fears about labor? What does she need from you in the delivery room? Does she have any last-minute questions for the provider? What are your fears? This kind of vulnerability with each other right before becoming parents is powerful. It doesn't need to be a long conversation — but it should be a real one.
Common concerns
What does 'early term' mean for my baby?+
ACOG defines early term as 37 weeks 0 days through 38 weeks 6 days. Babies born during this period generally do well, but studies show slightly higher rates of breathing difficulties, feeding challenges, and NICU admissions compared to babies born at 39-40 weeks (full term). The brain also gains significant weight in weeks 37-39. For this reason, ACOG recommends against elective inductions or cesareans before 39 weeks unless there's a medical indication.
Is the mucus plug a sign that labor is starting?+
Losing your mucus plug means your cervix is beginning to dilate and soften in preparation for labor — but it doesn't mean labor is imminent. Some people lose their mucus plug weeks before labor; others don't notice losing it at all. The mucus plug can be clear, yellow, pink, or blood-tinged (called 'bloody show' when mixed with blood). If you notice it, mention it to your provider at your next visit, but don't rush to the hospital unless you're also having regular contractions or your water has broken.
Can I do anything to help start labor naturally?+
There are many folk remedies for inducing labor — walking, spicy food, nipple stimulation, certain teas — but none have strong scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. Walking and gentle activity are fine and may help the baby descend, but they won't cause labor if your body isn't ready. Nipple stimulation can trigger contractions but should only be done under provider guidance. The safest approach is to let labor start naturally unless your provider recommends medical induction for a specific reason.
When will my provider discuss induction?+
If your pregnancy is healthy and uncomplicated, most providers recommend waiting for spontaneous labor or scheduling an induction at or after 39 weeks. If you have risk factors — gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, reduced amniotic fluid, or others — your provider may recommend earlier induction. The decision is individualized, and your provider will discuss the risks and benefits with you. If you go past your due date (40 weeks), your provider will increase monitoring and typically discuss induction between 41-42 weeks.
Product picks for week 37
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Labor snack pack for partner
Long labors require fuel — a packed bag with granola bars, electrolyte drinks, nuts, and crackers keeps the support person going.
Postpartum comfort basket
A self-care basket with sitz bath salts, healing spray, comfortable underwear, and nipple cream — ready for recovery.
Going-home outfit for you
You'll be approximately postpartum-size after delivery — pack a soft, stretchy outfit you feel good in for the trip home with your baby.
A quick note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Learn how we create our content.
Content based on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Mayo Clinic, and peer-reviewed medical literature. Learn more about how we create our content.