Week 37

This Pregnant Body

Are you finding it easier to breathe? If so, your baby has moved downward in preparation for birth. Your baby will "drop" right before you go into labor, easing the pressure on your lungs. However, the trade-off is increased pressure in your pelvic area. Make sure you know the early signs of labor. Most women have plenty of time, but it is not unheard of for the amount of time between labor and delivery to be relatively short. Consider staying close to home so you won't find yourself hours away when labor begins.

Click here to read more about the stages of labor.

Your Baby

Your baby is now considered full term even though the 40-week mark is still 3 weeks away. He or she is probably about 6.5 pounds and measures approximately 21 inches in length, and has developed enough coordination so that he or she can grasp an object with his or her fingers.

Click here for an ultrasound image of a baby at 37 weeks.

Week 36

This Pregnant Body

Beginning this week, you will visit your doctor on a weekly basis. He or she will monitor your progress - as well as your baby's - and watch for early signs of labor. In some situations, a woman and her doctor may decide to induce labor. There are several reasons your doctor may suggest induction: if continuing the pregnancy poses a significant risk to you or your baby, or if your water breaks but you do not start laboring within 24-48 hours. Induction may also be considered later, if you have not given birth by your 42nd week. Some women also ask to be induced for reasons of convenience or comfort. However, there are significant risks to you and your baby if labor is induced. For example, if the induction fails, you may have to deliver by emergency c-section, which is associated with higher rates of complications, longer hospital stays, and longer recoveries. In addition, certain induction techniques can cause strong contractions; hyperstimulate the uterus, which can stress your baby; and cause placental abruption and uterine rupture. In any situation, you should discuss all the options with your doctor, ask questions, and weigh the risks and benefits to determine what is best for you and your baby.

Click here to read more about inducing labor.

Your Baby

Your baby has added another half pound and now weighs about 6 pounds, measures around 20.7 inches in length, and is almost ready to check out of "Hotel Mom." Your baby has moved downward towards your vagina; hopefully headfirst. However, at this stage it is very common for babies to be feet first, or breech. It is not until labor begins that you can know for sure if your doctor will need to manually turn the baby (ECV), or if you will have to consider a cesarean delivery.

Click here to read more about breech birth.
Click here to read more about external cephalic version (ECV).
Click here to read more about cesarean-sections.
Click here for an ultrasound image of a baby at 36 weeks.