Have You Planned Your Baby Shower?
You are currently in the last stage of pregnancy, having reached week 37. Your body is getting ready for labor, and your baby is nearly complete. Having a baby shower to celebrate the birth of your child is a happy occasion that makes memories that will last a lifetime.
Ask a close friend or family member to assist you with the planning if you want to throw a party. Make a baby gift registry with practical items like blankets, bibs, onesies, and baby care products before sending out invitations so that your guests are aware of your baby’s needs. Avoid adding expensive items like a crib or stroller.
You might have a strong desire to organize the nursery, clean the house, wash the baby’s clothes, or even make frozen meals for after delivery this week. This is perfectly normal and is known as the nesting instinct. Still, be cautious, don’t overexert yourself, avoid climbing stairs too often, and remember to drink plenty of water.
Physical Changes
By now, you may have gained about 11 to 16 kg, but weight gain usually slows down after this week. At the same time, amniotic fluid levels start to decrease.
Braxton Hicks contractions may become more frequent as your cervix begins to soften and dilate. Your body is naturally getting ready for labor when you pass the mucus plug. There may also be an increase in discharge or light spotting. However, heavy bleeding could be a sign of a placenta issue, so call your doctor right away.
Your nipples may become more prominent in preparation for breastfeeding.
New stretch marks may appear. You can reduce their appearance by massaging your skin daily with a cream or oil that contains hyaluronic acid and by staying hydrated.
Some women may experience diarrhea at this stage, which can be completely normal or even a sign that labor is approaching.
Labor and Medical Options
During your weekly checkups, your doctor may discuss several possibilities with you:
- Going past your due date.
- Induction of labor (either mechanically, using balloon catheters or membrane stripping, or with medicine to soften the cervix or induce contractions).
- Delivery by caesarean section, if complications occur.
HELLP Syndrome
A dangerous illness marked by low platelet counts, increased liver enzymes, and hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells). Even if your pregnancy is not yet full-term, it frequently calls for an immediate delivery.
Is week 37 a safe time to give birth?
Week 37 is considered early term. Delivery is possible but waiting a week or two reduces the risk of complications and is generally better for your baby’s health. Unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so, do not try to induce or speed up labor at home.
Tips for week 37
Avoid dehydration, which can result in painful contractions, and drink lots of water. Additionally, water relieves heartburn. For nausea, try ginger tea, fresh ginger, or crystallized ginger.
While sitting, lean your body slightly forward with your hips above your knees. This can help your baby settle into the correct head-down position.
To ease varicose veins, sleep on your left side or elevate your feet on a pillow. To reduce bloating, eat slowly to avoid swallowing excess air.
If labor pains start and you feel the urge to push, stay calm, relax your pelvic floor muscles, breathe deeply, and let the contractions prepare your body naturally.
You can relieve pressure and strengthen your core muscles by using a birth ball. Choose the right size (55 cm if you’re under 160 cm tall, or 65 cm if taller).