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Third trimester

37 Weeks Pregnant

Nearly full term

This week your baby is around the size of a bunch of chard.

How your baby is developing

  • Around this stage many pregnancies reach early full term.
  • Your baby continues to mature and gain weight.

What may be happening in your body

  • You might find you're getting more vaginal discharge now, along with Braxton Hicks practice tightenings — these can feel uncomfortable but should not be painful.
  • Around 95% of babies are head down by now, and when the head engages you might see your bump drop a bit — some people notice heartburn and constant loo trips easing.
  • A sudden urge to clean and organise — the 'nesting' instinct — can kick in now. Just don't overdo it: try to rest as much as possible.

How you may be feeling

  • Reaching full term can bring relief, alongside a new alertness to every twinge.
  • The waiting can start to feel long, even though birth could now be days or weeks away.
  • Feeling both eager and in no rush at all is a common mix at this point.

Worth remembering

Pregnancy normally lasts from 37 to 42 weeks, so babies arrive across a wide window.

A closer look

What 'full term' means

From around 37 weeks your pregnancy is considered full term, which means your baby is developed and ready to be born whenever they come. Pregnancy normally lasts from 37 to 42 weeks, so labour starting any time from here is normal, and so is waiting a good while longer.

Practice tightenings, more often now

Braxton Hicks stay irregular and usually painless, and ease off rather than building up. Labour tightenings, by contrast, tend to get longer, stronger and closer together. Call your midwife or maternity unit if you think you are in labour, or if contractions come every 5 minutes or more often.

Something you can do this week

Resting, staying comfortable, and keeping support close can help.

What comes next

The waiting stretch continues, with birth possible any time from here.

Professional support

Services ParentSide defines for this stage. Each page explains what the service covers and which professionals are approved to provide it.

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Sources and updates

Sources

Last reviewed:
This content is based on estimated averages and general information; it does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned about yourself or your baby, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

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