37 Weeks Pregnant - Baby Development, Pregnancy Symptoms & Tips

How Big Is My Baby At 37 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby is trying different facial expression like frowning and smiling and is about the size of a large cantaloupe. The baby is about 19.13 inches long and weighs about 6.30 pounds.

Baby Development

Your baby is practicing inhaling, exhaling, blinking, and grasping.
Fingers are more coordinated and can grasp his/her nose or a toe.
Your baby can hear and recognize your voice.
Umbilical cord starts passing antibodies to your baby.
Fat continues to develop and accumulate on the body.
Your baby may have moved down into the pelvis in a head-down position.

37 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Heartburn: Heartburn occurs when stomach acids move upwards to the esophagus. This happens due to enlarged uterus pushing the gastric acids upwards.

Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy and almost half of the pregnant women get hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed, and bulging veins in the rectum and anus. They can cause discomfort, itching, pain, and bleeding. An increased volume of the blood during pregnancy can cause veins to swell and enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins in the rectum. Constipation can worsen hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids usually improve after giving birth.

Insomnia: Your sleep may be disrupted by body aches, leg cramps, anxiety, and frequent urination.

Nausea: You may feel nauseated due to an upset stomach, which is expected at this stage of pregnancy. It could be a sign of approaching labor.

Pelvic Pressure: You may feel pain and heavy pressure in your lower abdomen or pelvis when the baby drops down lower in preparation for birth.

Stretch Marks: You may get new stretch marks on your stomach, hips, thighs, and legs starting this week. This happens because of expanding uterus and your increased weight.

Spotting: You may experience a little spotting this week. A small irritation can lead to spotting because the cervix is extra sensitive during pregnancy. This is normal during the 37^th week.

Protruding Nipples: Along with other breast changes, your nipples may protrude more now as you approach to birth. This will help the baby latch on easily after birth.

Braxton Hicks Contractions: You may experience more of these contractions to prepare our body for the upcoming labor and delivery.

Forgetfulness: You may have trouble concentrating and may become forgetful. This is known as “pregnancy brain”. What causes pregnancy brain is not known to experts, but it is thought to be caused by biological factors or having too many thoughts in mind.

Varicose Veins: You might notice visible veins crisscrossing your breasts, abdominal area, and legs. This is a symptom of varicose veins and is common during pregnancy. Varicose veins are swelling and enlarged veins mostly in the lower legs and feet. Increased blood volume during pregnancy causes veins to swell and enlarge. The pressure exerted by the uterus on the large veins behind it causes the blood to slow in its return to the heart. These things cause varicose veins. Changing positions often, propping your legs, getting plenty of exercises, and avoiding tight clothes and shoes can help.

37 Weeks Pregnant: Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

Discuss your options for managing labor pain with your doctor.
Wait at least 3 hours before you sleep after dinner to prevent heartburn.
Listen to your favorite music to relax.
Include healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean meat, cereals, and dairy products in your diet.
Eat small meals or snacks at regular intervals for better digestion and to prevent heartburn.
Keep yourself adequately hydrated by drinking a lot of water.
Take plenty of rest and sleep at least 8 hours a day.
Avoid long and strenuous physical activity, exercises involving jerky or sudden movements.
Spend time or keep in touch with family, friends, and other loved ones and share your feelings. This will help you to cope with stress and anxiety and stay calm and relaxed.