Pregnancy Week 37: How many days until baby's arrival! (Pregnancy Calendar: Week 37)

Hello! Here we are, another very important week in your beautiful pregnancy journey. Week 37 means that your little one is just a few days away from coming into this world. You may be feeling a little anxious, a little surprised, and a little scared, right? That's perfectly normal. Today, let's talk about how your baby is growing this week, what changes are happening to your body and mind, and what else you need to know about these days.

How is the baby's development this week?

The little wonder in your womb is now almost complete. He is getting ready to come out every day.

The skills of little hands and their willingness to explore

Imagine, your baby is now so good at touching things with his little fingers . He may be playing with his own fingers, legs, or umbilical cord . Also, if a bright light shines through your uterus , he may turn his head to look at the light. Isn't it amazing how sensitive he is?

Weight gain and body fat

Starting this week, your baby will gain about 14 grams, or about half an ounce, per day. The main reason for this weight gain is the accumulation of fat in his body. This stored fat helps keep his body warm and gives him strength after birth. Generally, male babies are slightly heavier than female babies at birth. However, it is important to remember that this is not the same for all babies, and that is something to keep in mind.

Your baby now weighs between 2.8 and 3 kilos . He is about 48 centimeters, or 19 inches, tall. To be precise, he is now the size of a small pumpkin.

Amazingly, the fat in a baby's body helps to protect it from the cold and retain heat for the first few days after birth.

Are the lungs ready? How is the brain developing?

One thing you may be happy to know is that by this week, your baby's lungs are largely ready to breathe in this world . A special substance called `( Surfactant )` is produced inside the lungs. This is what keeps the lungs well-developed and free from sticking together when the baby breathes after birth. Since this `( Surfactant )` production is at a good level by week 37, there is a high chance that the baby will not have any major breathing difficulties even if he is born this week.

Your baby's brain and nervous system are still developing rapidly . His skullThe bones are not yet fully fused together. This is to allow the head to change shape slightly to make it easier to come out of the birth canal.

Also, the fine down called `(Lanugo)` that used to be all over the baby's body has now been greatly reduced. Some babies may still have a little bit of it on their shoulders and back when they are born. The white, thick coating called `(Vernix Caseosa)` that was used to protect the body is also now being reduced. However, a little bit of it may remain in the folds of the skin. It protects the baby's skin.

How is Mom's body and mind feeling this week?

So these are the last few weeks. You're probably feeling different things too.

What is "Early Term"? The baby coming down

Doctors call the period from 37 weeks to 38 days as `(Early Term)` . This means that if the baby is born during this period, he or she is developed enough to survive. However, `(Full Term)` refers to the period from 39 weeks to 40 weeks and 6 days. It is best to have the baby born during this period. However, week 37 is a time when the baby can be ready to come out at any time.

You may feel your baby move down into your pelvis a little bit these days. This is called ``lightening''. When this happens, the pressure on your lungs decreases, making it easier to breathe , and any chest pain you may have had may also decrease. However, as the baby moves down, the pressure on your bladder increases, so you may need to go to the toilet more often .

"Braxton Hicks" and true labor

During this time, you may experience Braxton Hicks contractions , which we call "false contractions," which can be more frequent and intense. These are actually exercises that train your uterus for real contractions. These cramps usually:

• It doesn't come all at once, it disappears after a while.
• It may subside if you change positions, drink some water, or walk slowly.
• Usually the pain is not that bad.

But, the real Vilirudah is different . Let's talk about that too.

Other common problems and differences

• Pelvic pressure and back pain: As the baby descends and gains weight, it is normal to feel extra pressure on the lower abdomen, groin, and back.
• Vaginal discharge: You may notice a little more discharge. It may be white or yellow in color. However, if it has a bad odor, changes color, or is accompanied by itching, you should tell your doctor.
• Mucus Plug:You may notice a thick, mucus-like substance, sometimes with a little pink blood, coming out. This is called the ``Mucus Plug.'' This is what comes out when the cervix is ​​closed and the cervix is ​​beginning to open. This does not mean that you will conceive right away. However, it can be a sign that you may be pregnant in the next few days or a week or two.
• Swelling: It is normal to have some swelling in your hands and feet during this time. Avoid staying in one position for too long, keep your legs elevated, and drink plenty of water. However, if your face and hands suddenly swell up a lot, your vision becomes blurry, or you experience a severe headache, you should see a doctor immediately as this could be a sign of a dangerous condition called ``Preeclampsia`` .
• Insomnia: Sleeping can be a bit of a challenge. It's hard to find a comfortable position because of your big belly, frequent trips to the toilet, leg cramps, and restlessness... all of these things can interfere with sleep. Try sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your legs.
• Nesting Instinct: These days, you may suddenly feel a great urge to clean the house, prepare clothes for the baby, organize things, and clean the room. This is called ``Nesting Instinct''. This is also something that is given to mothers by nature. But, it's better not to overdo it.

Things you need to prepare this week

Now, the big day is just a few days away, so take care of these things too.

Hospital bag and essentials

Take a final look at your hospital bag and make sure you have everything you need. Make sure you have everything you need for you and your baby, including clothes, toiletries, baby's nappies, your medical records, and your ID. It's also important to have a vehicle ready to go to the hospital and know the route.

Shall we know the exact signs of the zodiac?

Keep an eye out for these signs to know when the real winter has begun:

• Contractions: These are not like `Braxton Hicks`. They come gradually, at regular intervals. They become more frequent, the intervals between contractions become shorter, and one contraction lasts longer . They usually start with a pain in the back and move to the abdomen. The pain does not subside even when you change positions or walk.
• Water Breaking: A watery liquid (`Amniotic fluid`) may leak from the vagina, either suddenly or gradually. If this happens, you should go to the hospital immediately, even if you are not pregnant.
• Bloody Show: A small amount of blood with a pink or brownish discharge is also a sign that menstruation is near.

If you experience any of these signs, you should call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately . Also,If you feel like your baby's movements are suddenly decreasing, or if there are fewer than 10 movements per day, you should also tell your doctor .

Rest, nutrition and mental well-being

Get as much rest as possible these days. If you can't sleep well at night, take a nap during the day. Do light exercise, for example, walking slowly. It is also very important to eat a nutritious diet . Include vegetables, fruits, legumes, fibrous foods, and protein-rich foods (fish, eggs, milk) in your diet. Don't forget to drink plenty of water .

It's normal to have a lot of things on your mind, to feel a little scared or anxious during this time. Talk to your husband, family, or a trusted friend about what you're feeling. Try to keep your mind calm. Read a book, listen to a song, do something that calms you down.

The most important thing to keep in mind

So, this 37th week of pregnancy is a very crucial and exciting time for both you and your little one. Your baby is now very much ready to come into this world. You should be prepared both physically and mentally to welcome this new guest.

Even though the last part of this journey may feel a little difficult, keep in mind the boundless joy of being able to hold your baby in your arms in a few days. It will all be worth it for that happiness.

Remember, if you have any discomfort, doubt, or problem, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor or midwife, no matter how small. They are there to help you. Wishing you and your baby all the best!

` Pregnancy, Week 37, Baby's Development, Mother's Health, Preparing for Delivery, Signs of Labor, Pregnancy Week 37