Pregnancy Week 37 vs Week 38
Complete comparison of baby development, mom's symptoms, and changes between these weeks
📊
Time Difference
1 week apart
🔄
Trimester
Both in 3rd trimester
Baby Size Comparison
Growth Progress
Week 37Swiss chard
Week 38Leek
Your baby is approximately 94% through pregnancy
Week 37
📏
Length
19.1 inches
⚖️
Weight
6.3 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Swiss chard
Week 38
📏
Length
19.6 inches
⚖️
Weight
6.8 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Leek
What Changes Between Week 37 and 38?
👶New Baby Developments
- ✓Baby continues gaining weight at about 1 ounce per day
- ✓All organs are fully developed and ready to function outside the womb
- ✓Baby might have a full head of hair or very little - both are normal
- ✓Meconium (first bowel movement) is building up in intestines
- ✓Baby is completely ready for life outside and could be born any day
🤰New or Changing Symptoms
- ✓Cervix may be dilating and effacing (thinning) in preparation
- ✓Possible bloody show (mucus plug discharge with blood)
- ✓Contractions may increase in frequency and intensity
- ✓Water may break at any time (happens before labor in about 10% of women)
- ✓Extreme discomfort and difficulty moving
📈Key Changes Summary
Baby Growth: Your baby continues to grow rapidly, with organs developing and maturing each day.
Your Body: Your body adapts to support your growing baby with various physical and hormonal changes.
Baby Development Milestones
Week 37 Development
- •Baby is officially full term - congratulations!
- •Baby practices breathing movements and strong sucking for feeding
- •Baby can grasp firmly with strong grip reflex
- •All organs can function independently without medical support
- •Lanugo is mostly or completely gone
- •Baby is continuing to gain weight and add fat layers
Week 38 Development
- •Baby continues gaining weight at about 1 ounce per day
- •All organs are fully developed and ready to function outside the womb
- •Baby might have a full head of hair or very little - both are normal
- •Meconium (first bowel movement) is building up in intestines
- •Baby is completely ready for life outside and could be born any day
- •Reflexes are strong including rooting, sucking, and grasping
Common Symptoms
Week 37 Symptoms
- •Mix of excitement and nervousness about meeting baby
- •Very strong nesting instinct with urges to clean and organize
- •Possible loss of mucus plug (bloody show)
- •Increased vaginal discharge
- •More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks
- •Extreme physical discomfort
Week 38 Symptoms
- •Cervix may be dilating and effacing (thinning) in preparation
- •Possible bloody show (mucus plug discharge with blood)
- •Contractions may increase in frequency and intensity
- •Water may break at any time (happens before labor in about 10% of women)
- •Extreme discomfort and difficulty moving
- •Possible diarrhea as body prepares for labor
Nutrition Tips
Week 37 Nutrition
- •Continue healthy, balanced eating
- •Stay hydrated with plenty of water
- •Eat energy-boosting foods like complex carbs, proteins, and healthy fats
- •Include fiber to prevent constipation
- •Eat small, frequent meals
- •Consider eating dates if planning vaginal delivery
Week 38 Nutrition
- •Eat light, easily digestible, nutritious meals
- •Stay very well hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks
- •Avoid heavy, greasy meals that could cause discomfort during labor
- •Stock up on easy, quick postpartum foods and snacks
- •Eat small frequent meals
- •Include foods rich in energy like complex carbohydrates
⚕️When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
During weeks 37 to 38, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- •Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- •Heavy bleeding or passing clots
- •Severe headache with vision changes
- •Persistent fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- •Sudden swelling of hands, face, or feet
- •Decreased fetal movement