WeMoms
9 Apr 2024

Your body at 37 weeks of pregnancy

Pregnancy
Pregnancy week by week
Your body at 37 Weeks
As you approach the culmination of your pregnancy journey, Week 37 heralds the imminent arrival of your little one, accompanied by a medley of symptoms and preparations. 

Let's delve into the nuances of this pivotal stage, addressing prevalent symptoms, dispelling concerns, and equipping you with practical insights to navigate this transformative phase with confidence.
Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
Symptoms of the week
Labor stress

Itchy Belly

Diarrhea

Itchy bell: Itchy belly is common in up to 20% of pregnant women at this stage due to skin stretching and hormonal changes.

Digestive Disturbances: Diarrhea affects around 25% of pregnant individuals, often attributed to hormonal fluctuations and impending labor.

Pelvic Discomfort: Sharp pelvic pains, known as lightning crotch, are reported by approximately 30% of pregnant women, typically caused by fetal pressure on pelvic nerves.

Mucus Plug and Bloody Show: Loss of the mucus plug, accompanied by a bloody show, indicates cervical changes and impending labor, experienced by around 20% of pregnant individuals.
Your body is preparing for labor. Ensure you have everything in place for the birth.
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Is it normal?
Itchy Belly Dilemma: Skin stretching and hormonal shifts cause the itchy belly, a transient symptom that resolves postpartum.

Digestive Dilemmas: Hormonal fluctuations and impending labor contribute to diarrhea, manageable through dietary adjustments and hydration.

Pelvic Pain Conundrum: Lightning crotch, though uncomfortable, is a normal consequence of fetal descent and pelvic nerve stimulation.

Mucus Plug and Bloody Show Mysteries: These signs signify cervical changes and labor readiness, warranting monitoring but not immediate concern.
Top Asked Questions
Top 5 questions answered
What is a birth plan, and how do I create one?

A birth plan is a document outlining your preferences for labor and delivery. To create one, you can discuss your options with your healthcare provider and use a template as a guide.

What is a birthing center, and is it right for me?

A birthing center is a facility that offers a more homelike environment for childbirth. It may be a good option if you have a low-risk pregnancy and want a more natural birth experience.

What is a doula, and how can they assist during labor and delivery?

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional and physical support during labor and delivery. They can help with pain management techniques, communication with healthcare providers, and advocacy for your preferences.

What is a midwife, and how can they assist during labor and delivery?

A midwife is a healthcare provider who specializes in low-risk pregnancies and natural childbirth. They can provide prenatal care, attend the birth, and provide postpartum care for both you and the baby.

What is a C-section, and when might I need one?

A C-section is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen. It may be necessary if there are complications during labor and delivery or if the baby is in distress.

Taking care of yourself
Belly Bliss Remedies: Moisturize with cocoa butter to alleviate itchiness, a common strategy adopted by many expectant mothers.

Digestive Discomfort Mitigation: Manage diarrhea with hydration and bland foods.

Pelvic Pain Palliation: Relieve lightning crotch discomfort with positional changes and warm compresses.

Labor Preparations: Monitor mucus plug loss and bloody show while maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, ensuring readiness for labor and delivery.
If you have any questions about your baby’s position now, talk to your health care provider
Stay informed about potential preterm labor or other complications
Prepare for potential childbirth emergencies or complications
Research potential newborn care resources or classes
Invest in comfortable and supportive maternity sleepwear
Consider creating a birth plan and discussing with your partner and healthcare provider
Teaser for next week
Anticipate water retention, membrane rupture, and pelvic pain management in the upcoming week, armed with evidence-based knowledge and preparedness for the final stages of pregnancy.
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B
BS
26 Sep 2023

I'm 38 weeks this week and at 37w my baby weighed an estimate of 8.5lbs... Having a c section next week... I guess we just make big babies.. My first born was 10.5 lbs.. #bigbabies #38weeks exhausted #whatssleep

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
2 comments
B
Brittanee
My C-section is scheduled for oct 6th
27 Mar 2024

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R
Ronique
I’m 35 weeks and my baby boy is 4lbs right now. The doctor told me by my due date he might be 8lbs.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

K
Kara
12 Sep 2023

Any momma dilated at their 37w appointment? Never dilated with my other kids prior to birth, does this mean birth is sooner than later?

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
3 comments
D
Dawnella
Dilation can start anytime in pregnancy but usually with it being more than one kid can happen earlier I'm 35 weeks today and I'm already dilated lol so just keep a eye on it and if u start to hurt to bad go in
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ashlyn Erin 🪷
I'm not sure it could be soon for u because I seen u already been through the process before they say everything speeds up the more u have done it with my first I had my son on my own at 37weeks so it's very possible, I'm on my fourth now. Do u know how dilated u are? My Dr won't even check me until 38weeks 🤯 I've never made it past 38 I'm 36weeks now
27 Mar 2024

Answer

C
CLAIRE
3 May 2023

Getting induced on the 19th ugh this has been a bumpy road I’m just hoping he comes before the induce date honestly I’m just ready to hold my son 🥺💙 #37w 😫

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
16 comments
C
CLAIRE
I’ll be 39 +3 on my induce day and I’m high risk haven’t made any cervical changes how far are you ?
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tiffany
6 Jan 2023

31w3d measuring at 37w 😲 Dr says baby boys a big boy! At 27w he weighed 3.3lbs!! Going to have a growth ultrasound on Monday I wonder how much he's going to weigh 🤔

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
4 comments
B
Breezy
pleaseee post if they change your due date! I’m so curious? I got a 3d ultrasound at 28 weeks and baby was huge so I’m really curious if this will happen to me too
27 Mar 2024

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E
Eyeaware1111
Just keep eating a healthy lifestyle Tiffany your baby when grow bigger
27 Mar 2024

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A
Andrea
27 Dec 2022

37w on Thursday & I’ve never been so ready 😩 I keep seeing moms post their baby I’m so jealous 🥰

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
5 comments
S
Shakeera
Me too 😩 I’ll be 37 weeks tomorrow
27 Mar 2024

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A
Andrea
I just came from my doctors appointment, she said I may get induced at 39 weeks 🥰 fingers crossed!!
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jae
26 Dec 2022

37w 5d baby is 4lbs 9zo I’m Is there anything I can do to help baby gain weight

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
4 comments
a
angel
the reason is it is a guestimate they told me my baby was 6.6 he was born 5.13
27 Mar 2024

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F
Fin
Have you been diagnosed with IUGR?
27 Mar 2024

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l
lexi
12 Aug 2022

Whewwww 37W+3D and this mama is ready!!! Nervous and ready..😭🤍🎀 Ambiiiii baby I’m ready to meet you🤍

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
5 comments
J
Jessenia
I’m also 37 weeks and 3 days❤️
27 Mar 2024

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l
lexi
How you feeling?
27 Mar 2024

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D
Dusti
24 Feb 2022

Went to 37w+4d check up at obgyn this is my first pregnancy slowly started loosing mucus plug found out im 2cm dilated and 50 percent effaced do yall think I will make it to my due date its March 13th

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
1 comments

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