Mam: Pregnant 37 weeks (Baby 35 weeks)
At 37 weeks pregnant you’re officially considered full-term, so you can safely go into labor any day now.
You’ve gained all the weight you will gain; congrats! About this time, your doctor might perform a pelvic exam to check on the progress of your pregnancy.
By the time your baby’s head is engaged in your pelvis, he’ll have a lot less room for any more than a twist or squirm. What’s important is that you feel some movement every day. Remember, though, that your baby is behaving like a newborn now and has interludes of deep sleep, when he barely moves at all.
Have you packed for the hospital yet? Only 5% of babies arrive on their due date, so don’t assume you have 3 weeks to finish your to-do list. But don’t go crazy, either. It won’t be long now…[1]
At 37 weeks pregnant you’re officially considered full-term, so you can safely go into labor any day now. The big mystery, of course, is just when labor will actually begin. It's anyone's guess when your baby decides to make his or her appearance, early, late or right on time, but that doesn't stop your midwife from taking a shot at it. Just what is he or she looking for? The position of your cervix (it moves from the back to the front as labor approaches) will also be assessed. And last but not least, your doctor or midwife will measure the position of the baby in relation to your pelvis (the lower down your baby is, the closer you are to delivery).These things can gradually occur over a weeks or can happen overnight, so be ready! [2]
To help with the big day try perineal massage with some thick oil every night until delivery. It will help to gently stretch the perineum, the area of skin between the vagina and rectum. It will help to avoid tearing during labour.
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