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Pregnancy Week by Week: Week 37...
Week 37
What Is Happening To Your Body
Your doctor or midwife may check to see if cervical effacement (thinning of the cervix) or dilation (opening of the cervix) has begun. You may experience lightening, which is when the baby drops lower down in your pelvic area in preparation for birth.
Your appetite may return because the baby is no longer putting as much pressure on your stomach and intestines, and if you've been experiencing heartburn, the baby's descent may somewhat alleviate it.
Now that you are close to your due date, be sure to keep a cell phone with you at all times and have your partner or labor coach do the same, so that you are prepared in case you go into labor early.
What Is Happening To Your Baby
Your baby measures approximately 19.1 inches (48.6 cm) long from head to heel and weighs about 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg) or roughly the weight of a small watermelon.
Your baby is now considered full term, meaning that she can be born any day. However, this does not mean your baby will stop growing. Quite the opposite — Your little one continues to add fat to his or her body at the rate of half an ounce (14.2 grams) a day. If labor starts now, your doctor will not do anything to delay it. Your baby is ready to make his or her entrance into the world!
What Is Happening This Week? 
Ultrasound images courtesy of GE Healthcare
The clinical images and information presented in this application represent normal fetal growth during a typical pregnancy. The images and information are to be used for educational purposes only and not for diagnostic purposes. Please consult a licensed physician regarding any specific questions pertaining to your pregnancy.
