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.