Week 37: Early Term
Baby is about the size of Winter melon (486mm head-to-heel)
Your baby is officially 'early term.' While they could survive outside the womb, every additional day in utero benefits brain development and lung function. The baby is practicing breathing, sucking, and swallowing in coordination — essential for feeding after birth. Fat continues to accumulate at about 14g per day. The baby weighs approximately 2.9kg (6.3 lbs).
You may experience the 'bloody show' — a small amount of blood-tinged mucus as the cervix begins to dilate. The baby may drop lower into the pelvis (engagement), making breathing easier but walking more difficult. Braxton Hicks may be very frequent and sometimes difficult to distinguish from early labor.
What is important now
In Denmark, Midwife Visit #5 occurs. In the US, GBS screening is due (weeks 36-37+6) if not already done. Know the signs of true labor: regular contractions that get closer together, longer, and stronger; possible rupture of membranes; bloody show. Ensure your hospital bag is ready and your birth partner is on standby.
Common symptoms
- heavy bleeding soaking pad — emergency services
- contractions every 5 min lasting 60 sec — go to hospital
- sudden gush of fluid — contact provider go to hospital
Wellness this week.
Nutrition
Labor preparation and energy stores
- Continue 6 dates daily for cervical ripening
- Complex carbohydrates for energy storage (you'll need it for labor)
- Raspberry leaf tea (2-3 cups daily if tolerated)
- Light, easily digestible meals
Exercise
Movement
Gentle walking and birth preparation; movement can encourage baby's descent
Sleep
As much as possible
Position: Whatever is comfortable; sleep is precious now
· Sleep when you can — labor could start any day
· Keep your phone charged and nearby
· Have a plan for nighttime hospital trips
Mental wellness
Mindfulness
You are ready. Your body has been preparing for 37 weeks. Trust the process and your care team.
“Your baby is putting the final touches on their readiness — just a little longer until you meet.”
Your timeline.
Week 6
31 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — Mutterpass may be issued upon heartbeat confirmation
Week 19
18 weeks ago- routineWeeks 19–22
Checkpoint 2 — Screening Ultrasound
Choice between a basic biometric scan or detailed organ scan. Measures head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and checks placental position.
GoalAssess fetal anatomy and growth, check for structural abnormalities, and verify placental location.
Week 28
9 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — GDM screening
- routine
Checkpoint 2 — Rhogam if Rh-negative
Week 29
8 weeks ago- routineWeeks 29–32
Checkpoint 3 — Screening Ultrasound
Third and final routine ultrasound. Assesses fetal growth, position (cephalic/breech), amniotic fluid volume, and placental function.
GoalConfirm appropriate growth trajectory and baby's position for delivery planning.
Week 35
2 weeks ago- self pay igelWeeks 35–37
Checkpoint 1 — GBS Testing — Self-pay/IGeL
Rectovaginal swab to screen for Group B Streptococcus colonization. If positive, IV antibiotics are given during labor to prevent neonatal infection.
GoalIdentify GBS carriers to enable prophylactic treatment during delivery.
Safety: Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad), regular contractions 5 minutes apart lasting 60 seconds, or a sudden gush of fluid are signs to go to the hospital immediately.
Your journey, your rhythm.
Track your pregnancy week by week with gentle, personalized guidance.