37-Week Pregnancy

Welcome to the 37th week of your pregnancy! Congratulations, your baby is now considered “full term.” This means your baby can be born without any health problems. Of course, every baby is different, and some may be born at 40 weeks or even later. This week marks important progress in your baby’s growth and development.

Size and Weight:
At 37 weeks, your baby is about 48–49 cm long and weighs around 2900 grams.

Organ Development:
Your baby’s organs continue to mature. The lungs are almost fully developed and producing enough surfactant. The heart is beating stronger, and blood circulation is improving. The brain is growing rapidly, and the nervous system continues to develop. The bone marrow is producing red blood cells. The immune system is strengthening, and antibodies passed from the mother provide protection against some infections. The liver and kidneys also continue to mature. Your baby’s nails have grown, the hair is thicker, and the skin is becoming smoother as the creamy white substance called vernix caseosa starts to decrease. The intestines are filled with meconium (the first stool).

Sensory Development:
Your baby’s senses are becoming more refined. The eyes can now open and close, and the pupils respond to light by dilating and contracting. The eyes are beginning to focus and can see nearby objects. Hearing is sharper, and the baby can distinguish different sounds. Sounds in the womb, music, and especially the mother’s and father’s voices trigger responses. Taste buds are developed, and your baby can taste the amniotic fluid. The sense of touch is also developing, allowing the baby to feel the uterine wall, umbilical cord, and its own body.

Movements:
At 37 weeks, because there is less space in the womb, your baby’s movements may feel less frequent than in earlier weeks. However, the type and intensity of movements may vary. Your baby may still kick, turn, and even hiccup. It’s important to monitor these movements and contact your doctor if you notice any changes.

Position:
By this week, most babies are in the head-down position, which is the best position for birth. If your baby is not yet head-down, your doctor may suggest certain exercises or techniques to help turn the baby. One such technique is the “external cephalic version” (turning the baby manually from the outside).

In the 37th week of your pregnancy, many changes also occur in your body.

Physical Changes:

• Growing belly: Your belly grows larger and your skin stretches. Your belly button may protrude outward.
• Weight gain: By this week, it is normal to have gained an average of 13–18 kg.
• Breast enlargement: Your breasts continue to grow and colostrum production increases.
• Skin changes: Spots, stretch marks, or visible veins may appear on your skin.
• Changes in hair and nails: Your hair may become thicker and shinier, and your nails may grow faster.
• Other changes: Complaints such as varicose veins, edema (swelling), back pain, lower back pain, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, numbness in hands and feet, sleep problems, snoring, leg cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, hot flashes, sweating, fatigue, forgetfulness, hemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, reflux, insomnia, palpitations, dizziness, anemia, fatigue, backaches, pelvic pressure, heartburn, constipation, sleep apnea, pelvic pain, groin pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in hands and feet may be experienced.

Emotional Changes:

• Emotional fluctuations: You may experience emotional ups and downs due to hormonal changes.
• Anxiety and worry: You may feel anxious and worried about your baby’s health, childbirth, and parenting.
• Nesting instinct: The nesting instinct can be described as the urge to organize and clean your home in preparation for your baby’s arrival.
• Maternal instinct: The maternal instinct continues to develop, and your desire to bond with your baby increases. Feeling your baby’s movements helps strengthen this bond.
• Excitement and impatience: As childbirth approaches, you may feel excitement and impatience.

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet throughout pregnancy is very important for both your health and your baby’s health.

Essential Nutrients:

• Protein: Adequate protein intake is important for your baby’s rapid growth. Meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts are sources of protein.
• Calcium: Calcium intake is important for your baby’s bone development. Milk and dairy products, leafy green vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods are sources of calcium.
• Iron: As your blood volume increases, your need for iron also rises. Red meat, legumes, leafy green vegetables, and dried fruits are sources of iron.
• Folic acid: Folic acid intake is important to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Leafy green vegetables, legumes, grains, and folic acid supplements are sources of folic acid.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your baby’s brain development. Foods such as salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Fiber: Consuming fiber-rich foods is important to prevent constipation. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are sources of fiber.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption and strengthens the immune system. Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, broccoli, and tomatoes are sources of vitamin C.

Foods to Avoid:

• Mercury-containing fish: Avoid consuming fish such as swordfish, shark, and mackerel that contain mercury.
• Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: Raw or undercooked meat and eggs may increase the risk of food poisoning.
• Unpasteurized milk and cheese: Unpasteurized milk and cheese may contain harmful bacteria.
• Alcohol: Alcohol may harm your baby’s development.
• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and other pregnancy complications.
• Excessive caffeine: Excessive caffeine consumption may cause miscarriages.
• Processed foods: Processed foods are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats, and are unhealthy.

Your baby’s gender should have already been determined during ultrasound scans in earlier weeks.

At 37 weeks of pregnancy, a routine ultrasound scan is generally not performed. However, your doctor may request an ultrasound to assess your baby’s growth, check the amount of amniotic fluid, evaluate the placement of the placenta, or diagnose any issues. An ultrasound may also be performed to determine your baby’s birth position.

In the 37th week of your pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions to protect your health and your baby’s development.

Signs of Labor:

Some signs that labor is approaching include:

• Bloody show: When your cervix begins to soften and thin, the cervical mucus plug is expelled. This may appear as a bloody or pink discharge.
• Water breaking: The rupture of the amniotic sac may cause your water to break. This can be a sudden gush of fluid or a slow, continuous leak.
• Contractions: Labor contractions are regular, progressively stronger, and more frequent.

If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Preterm Birth:

From this week onwards, babies born are considered “at term” and generally do not experience health problems. However, in some cases, complications of preterm birth may occur. Therefore, it is important to monitor the signs of labor and consult your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Braxton Hicks Contractions:

Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions of the uterus. They are usually irregular, painless, and short-lived. Braxton Hicks contractions are not a sign of preterm labor, but if they become regular and painful, you should contact your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes:

If you have not undergone a gestational diabetes screening between weeks 24–28, you can still have it done at this stage. If gestational diabetes is diagnosed, diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication are used to control blood sugar levels.

Preeclampsia:

Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. It is a serious condition for both the mother and the baby and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms of preeclampsia include headache, vision disturbances, swelling in the face and hands, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Other Recommendations:

• Take childbirth education classes: Childbirth education helps you learn about the process and prepares you for delivery.
• Start shopping for baby items: Buying baby supplies is both exciting and part of the preparation process.
• Prepare the nursery: Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your baby is important.
• Make a birth plan: A birth plan helps you outline your preferences and communicate them with your medical team.
• Spend time with your partner: Spending time together helps you prepare for your baby’s arrival and support each other.
• Take time for yourself: It is important to relax during pregnancy. You can read, listen to music, take a warm bath, or practice meditation.
• Pack your hospital bag: Your bag should include items you may need at the hospital (comfortable clothing, slippers, sanitary pads, nursing bras, baby blanket, etc.).
• Plan for the postpartum period: Consider arranging help at home, seeking lactation consulting services, or looking for a caregiver for your baby.
• Consult your doctor if you experience shortness of breath: The growing uterus may press against your diaphragm and cause breathing difficulties. Your doctor can provide recommendations to relieve this.
• Pay attention to your sleeping position: Lying on your left side is recommended. This position improves blood flow to your baby and helps your kidneys work more effectively.
• Accept changes in your body: Many changes occur in your body during pregnancy. Accepting these changes and loving yourself is important.
• Learn about the signs of labor: As labor approaches, your body gives signs of preparation. It is important to recognize these signs (bloody show, water breaking, contractions, etc.).
• Read books about childbirth and parenting: These books help you gain knowledge and feel more prepared for this new phase.
• Join postpartum support groups: Support groups allow you to connect with other mothers and share experiences.
• Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about childbirth: Do not hesitate to ask questions or express worries about labor.
• Prepare your hospital bag: Make sure it contains all the items you may need during and after delivery.

A Life Health Group has a team of experienced obstetricians and gynecologists specialized in pregnancy follow-up. We provide personalized pregnancy monitoring services to our expectant mothers and their babies using the latest technology and methods.

Our Services:

• Obstetrics and gynecology specialist examination
• Ultrasonography (including detailed ultrasound screening)
• Prenatal tests (NST)
• Pregnancy education and counseling
• Birth preparation courses
• Delivery and postpartum services
• Breastfeeding counseling
• Baby care training

Experience a healthy pregnancy with A Life Health Group!