👶Your baby this week
Your baby is now **full term**, around the length of a travel changing mat (~48.6 cm) and typically 6½–7 lb.
About **95% of babies are head-down** facing the back (optimal for labour). If breech, there’s still time to turn (sometimes even during labour).
Baby is **practising newborn skills**: inhaling/exhaling amniotic fluid, **thumb-sucking**, **blinking**, grasping toes and nose, and shifting side to side.
Fat continues to build, creating **dimples and folds** in elbows, knees and neck while the head circumference approaches the chest size.
Movements may feel more like **stretches, wiggles and rolls** (less space!), but you should still feel regular activity each day.
If you’re carrying **twins**, birth often occurs by **37–38 weeks**.
🌸Your body this week
You may notice your **bump drops** as baby **engages** (moves into the pelvis), which can ease heartburn/indigestion and make breathing feel easier.
Engagement can also bring **pelvic pressure**, back/hip discomfort and changes in bladder/bowel pressure.
You might have more **vaginal discharge** and **Braxton Hicks** tightenings (practice contractions).
A strong urge to organise or **‘nest’** is common, just pace yourself and rest.
At appointments, your clinician may check **cervical dilation, effacement, and baby’s station**, indicators of progress, though not a timer for labour.
💛Symptoms you might notice
Every pregnancy is different. These are common around week 37 — speak to your midwife if anything worries you.
Braxton Hicks contractions
Irregular, usually painless tightenings that come and go. Hydrate, change position and rest. If contractions become **regular, strong, or closer together**, call your maternity unit.
Pelvic pressure & back/hip ache
Baby’s head settling low can cause deep pressure or ache. Try warm baths, pelvic tilts, a support belt, side-sleeping with pillows, and frequent rests.
Changes in discharge & ‘show’
An increase in thin discharge is common. A pink/brown mucus ‘**show**’ suggests cervical changes. Seek urgent advice for **fresh bleeding**, suspected waters breaking, or foul-smelling discharge.
Heartburn or indigestion
Some relief is common after baby drops. Stick with smaller, frequent meals and avoid trigger foods (spicy, acidic, greasy) if symptoms persist.
Insomnia & sleep disruption
Frequent bathroom trips, cramps and anticipation can disrupt sleep. Keep the room cool, limit screens late, try a warm bath, and use pillows for support.
Leg cramps & swelling
Stay hydrated, stretch calves before bed, and elevate feet. Sudden swelling with headache, visual changes or pain warrants urgent assessment.
Headaches, backache, constipation
Common in late pregnancy. Prioritise hydration, fibre, gentle movement, and rest. Report severe or persistent headaches promptly.
✨Tips for week 37
Know the signs of labour
Contractions/tightenings that become regular and stronger, a **show** (mucus plug), new/worsening back pain, an urge to toilet from head pressure, or **waters breaking**. Follow your unit’s guidance on when to call.
Movements matter
Track Your usual pattern. If movements **slow, change or stop**, contact your midwife or maternity unit **immediately**, do not wait.
Discuss Group B Strep (GBS)
GBS carriage is common. Ask your midwife about risks and intrapartum antibiotics if indicated. See Group B Strep Support for more information.
RSV & whooping cough vaccines
If not yet received, ask about **RSV** (offered from ~28 weeks up to labour) and **whooping cough** vaccination. These pass protective antibodies to baby.
Perineal massage
Consider gentle perineal massage from now to reduce perineal trauma and the ‘ring of fire’ sensation at crowning. Ask a pelvic health therapist how to do this safely.
Prepare for the postnatal period
Read about **postnatal depression** (affects >1 in 10). Share signs with your partner/family and seek help early from your GP, midwife or health visitor.
Final checks & packing
Have your **hospital bag**, notes and **birth plan** ready. Save key numbers (maternity triage, partner, transport) in your phone and on paper.
Pelvic floor & posture
Daily **Kegels** support continence and recovery. Sit forward-leaning when seated, and side-sleep with pillows for pelvic and back comfort.
Healthy habits
Gentle exercise (e.g., walking), balanced meals (~**+200 kcal/day** in 3rd trimester if needed), limit caffeine, and avoid alcohol and smoking.
After baby planning
Talk contraception for after birth, newborn screening decisions, and feeding plans (breast, formula or combo) with your midwife.