Although childbirth may scare you, you are looking forward to the moment. Your belly becomes very heavy and To fall asleep At night it's quite an adventure. You'll feel it again. frequent urge to urinate because the baby's weight compresses the bladder; the good thing is that your breathing It will improve because, as the uterus descends, the lungs and stomach are relieved of the pressure that was previously exerted on them.
The amniotic fluid has accumulated in the lower part of the uterus, forming the famous "bag of water" which, when broken, announces baby's arrivalIf you have painful and regular contractions (every 5-10 minutes) and your belly is hard, labor has definitely begun. If they are not painful and regular, it will be a... false alarm, probably Braxton Hicks contractions.
If break water You must go to the hospital immediately, because the baby will no longer be protected in its womb. sterile space and could be affected by an infection. Observe the liquid colorIf it's clear or slightly whitish, it's usually normal; if it's greenish or brown, you should go immediately, as it may indicate fetal distress. If you can't feel the baby movementIf your baby is moving much less than usual, don't hesitate to go to the hospital to have everything checked out.
As for your baby, he should already have the proper position for deliveryWith its head down (cephalic position), arms crossed over its chest, and legs flexed, its skin is now smooth, and the vernix caseosa has almost completely disappeared. The fine hair called fluff It is gradually disappearing, although some babies are born with some fine hair that will fall out on its own. The baby will continue practicing breathing; all its organs are now sufficiently mature, except for the lungs, which continue to develop until birth and in the first few days of life. Both the lungs and the skull will continue to develop after birth.
Your baby at 37 weeks of pregnancy
At 37 weeks of gestation, your baby measures approximately 47-48 cm and weighs around 2,7-3 kgAlthough these figures can vary from baby to baby. Keep accumulating fat under the skinwhich will help regulate your body temperature and maintain adequate glucose levels after childbirth.
Most babies are already in head positionready for birth. Only a small percentage present breech or in other positions (breech, footling, or kneeling presentation). In these cases, the medical team may consider performing a external cephalic version (ECV), a controlled obstetric maneuver to try to turn the baby from outside the abdomen and promote vaginal delivery, provided there are no contraindications.
Although the lungs are very mature, they still perform training breathing movements. The baby responds to bright lights from the outside by turning or moving, and is able to make grasping movements with his hands, holding the cord, his feet or his own hands.
Common symptoms in the mother at week 37
During week 37 you may notice your lower belly because the baby settles into the pelvis. This increases pelvic pressure and back pain, but at the same time allows you to breathe better. It is common for this to occur expulsion of the mucous plugA thick, mucus-like discharge, sometimes with streaks of brown or pink blood, indicates that labor is approaching. From the time you expel it until labor begins, hours or several days may pass.
It is also normal for them to increase Braxton Hicks contractionsThey are irregular, do not increase in intensity, and usually subside when changing position or resting. If the contractions become rhythmic, increasingly intense and frequent, and do not disappear with movement, they may be labor contractions and you need to go to the hospital.
Other common symptoms include increased vaginal dischargeYou may experience a feeling of heaviness in your pelvis, increased urination, and digestive discomfort such as heartburn or nausea. The lack of space means you may feel fewer movements, but they may be more intense; however, you should still feel your baby's daily activity.
Medical tests and check-ups in week 37
In week 37, the blood pressureWeight and urine are measured to rule out problems such as preeclampsia, and fetal well-being is assessed through examination and, sometimes, monitoring.
Baby's weight and height
Weight: 2 kg. 900 gr.
Talla: 48 cm.
Remember that the information we give you in the weeks of pregnancy is treated in a general way, but each pregnancy and each baby develops at a different rate and you may find some small differences.
More information - Sleep well during pregnancy It is possible!
Source - Famille actuelle
Photo - baby center.
At this stage of pregnancy, both you and your baby are practically ready for the big moment. Knowing the normal symptoms, the warning signs and the routine medical tests It will help you experience week 37 with more confidence, trust your body, and enjoy the last few days before finally meeting your baby.