At 37 weeks pregnant, you are at the point many guidelines call early term. Labour can still begin any time from here, but if nothing is happening yet, it is still best for pregnancy to continue when that is medically safe.
This week follows 36 weeks pregnant and leads into 38 weeks pregnant. If you want to compare dates or due date estimates, use the pregnancy calculator.
The baby may be around 45 cm long and weigh roughly 2.5-3 kg, though estimates vary. Growth slows a little now, but the baby is still gaining fat and preparing for life outside the womb.
Many babies are already head down, with a stronger grip, more coordinated movements and a routine that may be easier to recognise. The intestines are filling with meconium, and the immune system continues to develop.
Movements may feel less roomy, but they should still be noticeable. If movements feel clearly reduced compared with your baby's usual pattern, contact your maternity team promptly.
You may notice more pelvic pressure, vaginal discharge, tightening contractions, back pain and the need to urinate more often. Some people lose the mucus plug in one piece or in smaller parts, which can happen as the cervix begins to change.
Regular painful contractions, your waters breaking, bleeding or a noticeable change in how you feel are reasons to call or go in for assessment. If you are unsure whether what you feel is labour, it is better to ask.
This is also the stage where birth preparation usually becomes very practical: hospital bag, transport, support person, and a clear plan for who to call first.
Early term is usually 37 weeks through 38 weeks and 6 days in many guidelines.
Mucus plug is the thick mucus that helps seal the cervix during pregnancy.
Labour signs include regular contractions, waters breaking and other changes that suggest birth may be starting.
Thirty-seven weeks pregnant is often described as about 9 months pregnant, but weeks are more precise than months.
37 weeks pregnant is in the third trimester.
At 37 weeks, the baby is usually considered early term rather than fully full term. It is still best for pregnancy to continue if that is medically safe.
Losing the mucus plug can happen as the cervix starts to change, but it does not always mean labour will begin immediately.
Go or call promptly if your waters break, contractions become regular and strong, or you have bleeding, severe pain, reduced movement later in pregnancy or another urgent concern.
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