At week 37 of pregnancy, the baby is considered to have reached term. Your little one is ready to enter the world and the mother’s body prepares for the moment of giving birth, with the maturation process of the uterus. You will also be able to feel contractions and it is important to know how to differentiate Braxton Hicks contractions from labor contractions.
The fetus measures about 48 centimeters and weighs about 2.9 kilos. Most are already placed in the cephalic position –with their heads down–, ready to be born. However, some may still change their position in the coming days. If it is in another position, it may be necessary to schedule a caesarean section or attempt to turn it with certain external maneuvers, depending on the physician’s considerations.
Since its development has already been completed, during the 37th week of pregnancy there are few novelties that the fetus will experience. It will continue to grow and gradually gain fat, which will help it regulate its body temperature in extrauterine life.
He progressively loses his lanugo, a fine hair that covered his body. However, some babies are born with traces of it and lose it in their first weeks of life. Since she has less and less space inside the uterus, her movements are less noticeable, although you will still feel the occasional kick.
His bones have hardened except for his skull, which remains soft and flexible. This is so to facilitate its exit through the birth canal. The soft parts of the skull, known as the fontanelle, will close during the first two years of life. That is why it is important to be careful with the head of newborns.
The maturation of the cervix brings with it the appearance of increased vaginal discharge, slight bleeding and even the expulsion of the mucous plug. It consists of a sticky substance, brown or transparent, very similar to vaginal discharge but more abundant. Its function is to protect the uterus from certain infections.
From the moment of its expulsion, labor can take place in a few hours or even weeks. In any case, it is advisable to consult a doctor if you think you have expelled it, as well as if you observe an amount of blood equal to or greater than that of menstruation. Periodic, intense and regular contractions, the rupture of the amniotic bag and the absence of fetal movements are other signs that you should go to the hospital.
As a result of the baby’s descent into the birth canal, pressure in the pelvic area will increase, often accompanied by pain. You will also feel more fatigue and pain in your back, especially in the lower back. Other symptoms that you may feel in the 37th week of pregnancy are nausea, heartburn and difficulty falling asleep.
