Log In
Share Print
Back to Topic

Pregnancy Calendar

Week 37: Your pregnancy

Week 37: Your pregnancy

Your baby’s growth: It’s getting crowded in there

Now baby weighs almost 6.5 pounds and her total length is about 21 inches long. But she hasn't stopped growing yet; she'll continue to develop about a half ounce of fat a day. Still, overall growth does slow from here on out. That's fortunate since there is very little available space left in the womb.

Here are a few final developments taking place in week 37:

  • Immune system. It continues to strengthen and will continue to get stronger after birth yet will not be completely functional until early adulthood.
  • Dexterity. Your baby can now grasp with her fingers as dexterity improves.

What’s happening with you

  • Vaginal discharge. You may experience heavier vaginal discharge this week, with more cervical mucus in it. Sometime during this week, as the cervix dilates in preparation for the labor, you may experience "bloody show." This thick, yellow, blood-streaked mucus plug had sealed off your uterus from infection and bacteria. As your cervix thins, it may drop out.

    Although some women never notice its departure, you may see thick discharge or stringy mucus tinged with blood. This light vaginal bleeding is considered to be an early sign of impending labor and can occur a few weeks, days, or hours before contractions begin. You may want to visit the doctor just to make certain that everything is all right.
  • Pelvic exam. At about this time your doctor may also perform a pelvic exam to evaluate your progress. To check for impending labor, some doctors may look for leaking amniotic fluid and will examine your cervix to see whether it has softened or thinned out.

You Might Also Like
Week 30: Your pregnancy Week 33: Your pregnancy Week 31: Your pregnancy
Related Topics
1st Trimester 2nd Trimester
GERBER® Grows with You from Pregnancy to Preschool

*Offer benefits may vary. Limit one offer per household.