What is Happening Inside Your Body?

The top of your uterus is 6 ½ to 6 ¾ inches above your belly button. Your uterus may measure the same size as it did last week. You have on average gained 25 to 35 pounds.

You may be having frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions, as your body is preparing itself for labor. As long as your contractions remain irregular, it is not generally a sign of labor.

As your body prepares for the delivery of your baby, your cervix will begin to dilate (become larger) and efface (soften). You may pass the mucus plug that has been blocking the opening of your cervix. This has served to keep bacteria from getting into your uterus.

The loss of the mucus plug can happen up to two weeks before labor begins, or it can happen at the beginning of labor.

How Big is Your Baby?

Your baby is 17 to 21 inches long and weighs about 6 ½ pounds.

What Does a Fetus Looks Like at 37 Weeks?   -  Video

Here is a video of a baby in the womb at week 35 since conception. This would be your week 37.
Click to watch video

How is Your Baby Developing?

Your baby’s body fat has increased to about 8%. By birth it’s body fat will be about 15%.

By the end of this week your baby will be considered full-term. Your baby could be born at any time, but the longer it stays inside of you, the more time it will have to develop more neural connections in its brain.

Some of the antibodies in your blood are crossing into the placenta, which will help support your baby’s immune system. Once born, your breast milk will transmit your immunities.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Hormones are working aggressively to soften the ligaments in your pelvis. Your joints may be feeling loose and you may be feeling clumsy.

Try swimming. It will help your body feel supported and allow you to move freely and gently, helping your range of motion and flexibility without any impact.

Take extra good care of yourself now. Take it easy and get plenty of rest, fluids and nourishment. You will want to have plenty of energy when your baby arrives.