Week 37

Welcome to Week 37! Your baby is about the size of a rhubarb, measuring 19 inches long and weighing around 6.5 pounds. This week marks a huge milestone—baby is now considered early term. While it’s still best for them to stay in a little longer, if they arrive now, they’re likely healthy and ready for life outside the womb.

What’s Happening in Your Body?

Baby’s lungs and brain are fully developed, and they’re just putting on extra fat to stay warm after birth. Their grip is strong, and they’re practicing the sucking reflex they’ll use for feeding.

They’re probably in a head-down position (vertex), pressing lower into your pelvis. You might notice more pelvic pressure and even changes in how you walk—welcome to the “pregnancy waddle”!

For you, your body is getting ready for labor. Hormones are softening your cervix, Braxton Hicks contractions may feel stronger, and you might notice more vaginal discharge or even the mucus plug starting to come out.

Common Symptoms This Week

• More pelvic pressure and discomfort

• Frequent Braxton Hicks contractions, sometimes mistaken for early labor

• Easier breathing if baby has dropped, but even more bathroom trips

• Swelling in feet, hands, and ankles

• Lower back pain, hip pain, or sciatica

• Leaky breasts (colostrum)

• Nesting urges—sudden bursts of energy to clean or organize

• Trouble sleeping, vivid dreams, or waking up often

And yes, you might feel impatient and restless, just waiting for labor to start.

What You Can Do This Week

• Keep tracking baby’s kicks—even this late, movement patterns should remain steady

• Review your birth plan and make sure your hospital bag is fully ready

• Know the true signs of labor vs. Braxton Hicks (regular contractions, water breaking, bloody show)

• Rest whenever you can—labor could start any time, and you’ll want your energy

• Double-check postpartum plans—who’s helping with meals, chores, and support after birth?

• Do light stretches or prenatal yoga to ease back and hip pain

This is also a great time to practice labor relaxation techniques—breathing, visualization, or even a calming playlist to bring with you to the hospital.

And if you want to capture these final baby movements or take your last big bump photo, log it in Cubtale—this chapter is almost over!

Real Talk

Week 37 can feel so close, yet endless. You might be thinking, Could this be the day? every time you feel a twinge. The waiting game is real.

It’s okay to feel excited, nervous, or even over it. You’re in the final stretch of a long, incredible journey.

Trust your body. Trust the process. You’re almost there.