At 37 weeks pregnant, a baby's lungs have reached the maturity needed to sustain life outside the womb — which is why repeat c-sections are not scheduled before the 39-week mark absent a medical reason. The average baby at this stage weighs 6⅓ pounds and measures just over 19 inches, with hair ranging from peach fuzz to locks between ½ and 1½ inches long. Mothers can expect more frequent and longer-lasting Braxton Hicks contractions, increased vaginal discharge, and difficulty sleeping, while a bloody show of mucus-tinged discharge may signal that labour is only days away. Courgettes — with their high water content of over 95%, along with potassium, folate, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C — are highlighted as a particularly beneficial food for pregnancy nutrition at this stage.
- At pregnancy week 37, the average baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures just over 19 inches in length.
- By week 37, many babies have a full head of hair with locks measuring between 1/2 and 1 1/2 inches long.
- Repeat c-sections are scheduled no earlier than the 39-week mark unless a medical reason requires earlier intervention.
- By week 37, a baby's lungs have developed to the maturity needed to adjust to life outside the womb.
- A bloody show of mucus tinged with a small amount of blood may indicate that labour is only a few days away.
- Courgettes have a water content of more than 95%, making them helpful in controlling weight as part of a balanced diet.
- Courgettes contain potassium, folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and lutein, and may help lower high homocysteine levels.
Pregnancy Diary Week 37
Discover your pregnancy journey
Pregnancy Diary Week 37
Are you one of the women whose dreams have become more vivid and intensive?
Discover
How your baby is growing
What you can expect at this time
A beneficial food for your pregnancy nutrition
Pregnancy Diary Week 37: How Is Your Baby Growing?
By pregnancy week 37, the baby’s lungs have developed to the maturity needed to adjust to living outside the womb, although a few babies may need a bit more time.
This is the reason the practitioner schedules repeat c-sections no earlier than the 39-week mark unless there happens to be a medical reason to intervene earlier.
What you can expect
By the time you are 37 weeks pregnant, the average baby is 6 1/3 pounds in weight and is just over the 19-inch mark. By this time, many babies will have a full head of hair and locks that measure from 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches in length. Do not be surprised if the baby’s hair colour differs from yours. Some dark-haired couples are thrown for a loop by children born as redheads or blondes and those with lighter hair are often surprised when the baby is an Elvis look-alike. Of course, there are other babies that are born with only peach fuzz.
The baby will soon move down into the pelvis, reducing the pressure on the stomach and chest and making breathing as well as eating much easier, although walking can be more uncomfortable.
Braxton Hicks contractions occur more frequently at 37 weeks pregnant, can last longer and may cause more discomfort. There may also be an increase in vaginal discharges. A bloody show of mucus tinged with a small amount of blood in your panties or toilet may indicate that labour is only a few days away. However, if there is heavier spotting it is important to call the caregiver immediately.
Pregnancy week 37 often means it is even more difficult to find a comfortable position in which to sleep at night. Take it easy during the day if possible, as this could be your last few chances to do so for a while. Keep monitoring the movements of the baby and let the caregiver know if there is a decrease in them. Even though space is getting tighter for the baby, she should remain as active as earlier.
When you are sleeping, it is very likely you will experience intense dreams. You may be anxious about going into labour as well as becoming a parent, fuelling many strange unconscious fantasies.
Courgettes For Pregnancy Nutrition
These green-skinned vegetables are very flexible and can be integrated into many dishes. Pop them into a stir-fry, in nice thin strips, or use them as a veg accompaniment to a huge range of dishes.
Did you know that courgettes can help ease or even cure asthma? They have a lot of anti-inflammatory properties and a good bit of Vitamin C. With Vitamin C they can help prevent bruising and scurvy.
Courgettes have generous amounts of potassium, folate and Vitamin A, plus lutein which is good for the eyes.
They can also help prevent the onset of multiple sclerosis – MS. A regular intake of courgettes lower high homocysteine levels and they are also supportive in a capillary arrangement.
As this vegetable has very high water content, in fact, it is more than 95%, they are also helpful in controlling weight, as part of a properly balanced diet. So don’t forget courgettes once you’ve had your baby and you want to get back into shape.
.
Pregnancy Diary Week 37
Select a Week of the Pregnancy Diary to start viewing information specific to each week
DISCLAIMER
All articles on the blog and website are intended as information only. Please do not consider any of the information provided here as a substitute for medical advice. At all times seek medical advice directly with your own doctor and medical team.
ANNOUNCEMENT
This website was formerly Merrion Fetal Health. The clinic has undergone a rebrand and is now known as Merrion Ultrasound.
How developed are a baby's lungs at 37 weeks pregnant?
By pregnancy week 37, a baby's lungs have developed to the maturity needed to adjust to living outside the womb, although a few babies may need a bit more time. This is why practitioners schedule repeat c-sections no earlier than the 39-week mark unless a medical reason requires earlier intervention.
How much does a baby weigh at 37 weeks pregnant?
At 37 weeks pregnant, the average baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures just over 19 inches in length. Many babies at this stage also have a full head of hair with locks ranging from 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long.
What physical symptoms should you expect at 37 weeks pregnant?
At 37 weeks pregnant, Braxton Hicks contractions occur more frequently, can last longer, and may cause more discomfort. You may also notice increased vaginal discharge, difficulty sleeping, and reduced pressure on the stomach and chest as the baby moves down into the pelvis.
What does a bloody show at 37 weeks pregnant mean?
A bloody show — mucus tinged with a small amount of blood — may indicate that labour is only a few days away. However, if there is heavier spotting, it is important to call your caregiver immediately.
Why do pregnant women have vivid or intense dreams at 37 weeks?
At 37 weeks pregnant, many women experience intense dreams due to anxiety about going into labour and becoming a parent, which can fuel strange unconscious fantasies. Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position at this stage also disrupts rest.
Should a baby still be moving actively at 37 weeks pregnant?
Yes, even though space is getting tighter, the baby should remain as active as in earlier weeks. Pregnant women are advised to keep monitoring their baby's movements and inform their caregiver if there is any decrease.
What are the nutritional benefits of courgettes during pregnancy?
Courgettes contain generous amounts of potassium, folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and lutein, making them a nutrient-rich choice during pregnancy. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and a water content of more than 95%, which can help with weight management as part of a balanced diet.
Can courgettes help prevent multiple sclerosis?
According to the article, courgettes can help prevent the onset of multiple sclerosis. They also lower high homocysteine levels and support capillary health.