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37 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby, Your Body and What to Do
Your baby is now considered early term and could arrive at any time.
Before you use this guide: Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period. Sizes are rough averages, and healthy babies vary. This is general information, not an individual medical assessment, so please confirm personal health decisions with your doctor or midwife.
How your baby is growing
From 37 weeks a baby is considered early term. Your baby is practising breathing, sucking and blinking, and has a firm grip. Most of the lanugo has gone, though some may remain. The brain and lungs keep maturing right up to birth, which is why waiting until at least 39 weeks is best when there is no medical reason to deliver earlier.
Your baby is likely to be head down and engaged, and will keep gaining weight until the birth.
How you may be feeling
You might notice a thick or jelly-like discharge, possibly streaked with pink. This can be the show, when the mucus plug comes away from the cervix, and it can happen days or weeks before labour begins. Practice contractions may be stronger and more frequent, and you may have a burst of energy (nesting).
Your to-do list for week 37
- Have your bag and notes ready and your phone charged.
- Know the signs of labour and when to call, and who to call.
- Rest as much as you can, because you will need the energy.
- Prepare freezer meals, stock up on essentials and finish any last jobs.
When to ask for help
Contact your maternity unit if your waters break, even if you are not having contractions, and note the colour of the fluid. Call too for any bleeding or reduced movements.
For heavy bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, a severe headache with vision changes, or a baby who is moving less than usual, do not wait for your next appointment. Contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away. Our guide to pregnancy warning signs has more detail.
Not sure which week you are in? Use the due-date calculator to estimate your due date and current week.
Useful at this stage: pregnancy weight gain calculator, baby movement counter, hospital-bag checklist and contraction timer.
Trusted resources to read next
These public health resources provide additional information. Guidance can vary by country, so prioritise advice from your own care team and local health service.
- NHS: Pregnancy — Pregnancy care, common symptoms, screening and complications.
- NHS: Week-by-week pregnancy guide — Pregnancy development and care by week.
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and every baby is different. Always talk to your doctor, midwife or paediatrician about your own situation, and seek urgent care if you are worried.