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🌳Third TrimesterWeeks 28-40

Week 37 of Pregnancy

Your baby is the size of swiss chard
📏
Length
19.1 inches
⚖️
Weight
6.3 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Swiss chard

👶 Baby 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
  • Baby is ready for life outside the womb

💭 Common 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
  • Difficulty sleeping

🥗 Nutrition Tips

  • 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
  • Stock up on easy postpartum snacks

To-Do This Week

  • Celebrate reaching full term - a major milestone!
  • Keep hospital bag packed and by the door
  • Know your exact route to hospital and parking information
  • Rest whenever possible to conserve energy
  • Have phone fully charged at all times
  • Ensure all baby gear is ready and assembled
  • Know when to call your provider and go to hospital
💡

Did You Know?

Congratulations on reaching full term! Your baby is fully developed and ready to meet you. Babies born at 37+ weeks have much lower risk of complications and can typically go home within 1-2 days.