37 Weeks Pregnant
At 37 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a bunch of chard. You are in the third trimester, and this week brings its own small changes — for your baby and for you.
Your pregnancy is now considered early term.
- Size of
- a bunch of chard
- Length
- 48.6 cm
- Weight
- 2.86 kg
- Trimester
- 3
Your baby this week
- Your baby practises breathing movements with amniotic fluid.
- Meconium, the first dark stool, collects in the bowel.
- The grip is firm enough to hold your finger after birth.
Your body this week
- The mucus plug may come away days or hours before labour.
- Braxton Hicks tightenings may begin — practice contractions, not labour.
Common symptoms
- Painless tightenings that come and go
- A dull ache in the lower back
- A sudden urge to clean, sort and prepare
What to expect
The last stretch asks a lot of your body. Sleep gets harder, movement slows down, and your appointments become more frequent. With 3 weeks to go, focus on rest, on knowing the signs of labour, and on having your bag ready.
Tips for this week
- Know the signs of labour and when to call: regular contractions, waters breaking, bleeding.
- Pack your hospital bag so it is ready from week 36.
- Line up help for the first two weeks at home — meals, laundry, company.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is 37 weeks pregnant?
37 weeks is about 8.5 months. Pregnancy months do not divide evenly into weeks, so counting in weeks is more precise.
How big is my baby at 37 weeks?
At 37 weeks your baby is around a bunch of chard — roughly 48.6 cm long and about 2.86 kg. Healthy babies vary a lot around these averages.
What symptoms are normal at 37 weeks pregnant?
The most common ones this week are listed above. Contact your doctor or midwife about heavy bleeding, severe pain, a fever, or any change in your baby’s movements.
Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period, so week 1 begins before conception.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy.