7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 37
At week 37 your baby is officially full-term. That means your little chick is ready to hatch! So be on the lookout for signs of labor, keep your bag packed and the infant seat in the car because you'll be bringing your little baby home before you know it!
Week Overview:
Your baby's lungs are mature - he's good to go at this point. Your baby is doing the same thing you are - waiting! While he's waiting he continues to grow and gain weight. He should be snuggled down into your pelvis ready for the go ahead.
Baby's Physical Development
- Crown-to-rump, baby measures 14 inches long and weighs about 6.5 pounds
- Total length is approximately 21 inches
Your uterus may be same as it was for week 36, anywhere from 6.4 to 6.8 inches above your bellybutton. The good news is your weight gain is about as high as it will go at 25 to 35 pounds (give or take a few).
Your physician will probably perform a pelvic exam during week 37. Your cervix will be examined for signs of effacement. Effacement occurs during labor when the cervix becomes softer and thins out. During the examination your doctor will evaluate the cervix for its softness or firmness and the amount of thinning.
Dilation is also looked at during the exam. Dilation refers to the amount of opening of the cervix. Dilation is measured in centimeters. The cervix is fully open when the diameter of the cervical opening measures 10cm. When you go into labor you may not be dilated at all, or may be dilated a little. During the course of labor the opening will stretch to 10cm, allowing enough room for the baby to pass through the birth canal.
During this exam the doctor will also evaluate whether the baby is head down, or if he is in breech position. If you have a breech baby at 37 weeks, it's possible the baby can still turn to be head-down. This becomes less likely the closer you get to the end of pregnancy.
Time to Start Thinking About
Right now you probably have one thing on your mind - when will I go into labor? Believe it or not, the time is quickly approaching so be on the lookout for sign of true labor. Signs to look for include:
Contractions that occur with timed regularity. They may be 10, 15, or 20 minutes apart at first and last 45 seconds to a minute each. Within an hour or two they become more frequent. Beginning lightly across the back, they rise to a crescendo in intensity and travel across the abdomen.
A blood-tinged mucus discharge called "show" may appear. When labor is about to begin, the mucus plug that has sealed the neck of the uterus during pregnancy dislodges itself and travels through the vagina.
A gush of fluid or a slow leaking from the vagina may occur. This is amniotic fluid being discharged as the uterus contracts and the birth begins to open.
Do not eat if you believe that labor has begun. While you are waiting for the contractions to get close enough for you to go to the hospital or birth center, alternate between resting and walking around. Soaking in a warm tub or shower often helps you to relax and be more comfortable.
Once you've delivered and are back at home with your little one, you will probably need some assistance during the following days as you adjust to life with baby. Ask a family member or friend to help out in the days following your delivery. Childbirth is overwhelming and exhausting and you're going to need some time to recooperate.
Tips for Mom
Mom, make sure you get enough calories during these last few weeks of pregnancy. You and your baby will need them as a source of energy to see through the birth. Try eating like a marathoner. Runners gear up for the long haul by eating lots of carbohydrates, which bolster energy.
If you haven't done so already, you should have made the decision to either breast-feed or bottle-feed. Physicians recommend babies be breastfed for a number of reasons. Benefits of breastfeeding include:
- Fewer allergies
- Breast cancer reduction for mom
- Fewer ear infections for baby
- Higher IQ for baby
- Proper jaw alignment
- Reduced risk for SIDS
If you decide not to breastfeed make sure you learn the ins-and-outs of safe bottle-feeding.
Tips for Dad
Is the gas tank filled? Is mom's bag all packed? Do you have enough batteries and film for the camera and camcorder? Have you pre-registered at the hospital? Do you have the necessary phone numbers on hand? If you think things are hectic now, wait till the baby comes!
There's a lot to for you to remember these last few days of pregnancy. Take the time to assess where your preparations for the big day stand and write down anything else you need to take care of. Plus, give Mom lots of love and attention!
Complications to Watch For
Most pregnancies occur without any complications or problems. But there are times when your physician should be contacted immediately. The following list contains symptoms to be aware of during pregnancy.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe swelling of the fingers and face
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush of fluid, but sometimes a trickle or continual wetness
- A big change in the baby's movements or a lack of movement
- High fever (more than 101.6F;38.7C) or chills
- Severe vomiting or an inability to keep food or liquid down
- Blurring of vision
- Painful urination
- A headache that won't go away or a severe headache
- An injury or accident, such as a fall or automobile accident, that causes you concern about the well-being of your pregnancy
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505