37 Weeks Pregnant

The mother-to-be experiences a slight relief this week as the baby engages. This is when the head drops into your pelvis as it prepares to pass through the vaginal canal. It is often referred to as “lightening.” It will be a relief as some of the pressure comes off of your ribs and other internal organs. You should feel like you have more room to breathe. This is only temporary though since your baby continues to grow and will reach your breastbone again by week 40.

If you have high blood pressure during the later weeks of pregnancy, you should avoid salty and fried foods. An ultrasound and non-stress test may also be performed to check for preeclampsia and other potential problems. Inducing your labor is not uncommon at this stage because the fetus is fully developed.

Baby’s Weight

Your baby is now clinically mature. If it were born this week, there would be no expected problems. It does, however, continue to gain half an ounce of fat per day. It measures 6 lbs 6 ounces and 14 inches. Although at this point, each baby differs in its individual weight. Your doctor will be able to estimate the baby’s weight and determine if it is in the normal range. If this isn’t your first pregnancy, it would not be abnormal for you to deliver this week.

Pelvic Pain

Once the baby is engaged; it will be pushing down on your pelvis, causing a painful buzzing feeling in your groin and legs.

Reasons for a Cesarean

In cases where your pelvis is unusually shaped or disproportionate to the size of your baby’s head, a c-section may be necessary. You may also require surgery if you have placenta previa, have active herpes, are diabetic, your baby is breech or your labor is not progressing quick enough.