37 weeks Already...

How your baby's growing:

Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

How your life's changing:

Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some "bloody show" (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.

While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.

You are 37 weeks pregnant. (fetal age 35 weeks)

• Typically, baby now measures 19.5 inches (50 cm) from the head to the heel.
• Baby weighs up to 7 pounds or 3 kilograms.
• The head diameter is over 3.5 inches (9cm).
• The water could break at any time.
• If it does happen, see a doctor immediately.

Gaining one ounce per day, your baby is growing rapidly. Keep up those exercises, especially your Kegels. Keeping your pelvic floor muscles toned will aid in a quicker recovery from the birth. An elbow, foot or head may protrude from your stomach when baby stretches and squirms about. Soon, as the wall of your uterus and your abdomen stretch thinner and let in more light, your baby will begin to develop daily activity cycles.

Even though you are three weeks from your due date, you are now considered full term. In most cases, nothing will be done to stop your labour once it starts, even if it is before your 40th week. You may notice a bit more vaginal discharge and/or cervical mucus.

If you go into labor at this point your careprovider will not try to stop it.
So what are the signs that your labor may be starting?

• Regular contractions that grow longer, stronger and closer together.
• Contractions that are not affected significantly by a change in your activity level.
• A trickle or gush of fluid from your vagina.
• A regular, rhythmic backache.

If you have any of these signs, contact your doctor/careprovider immediately.

(Babies between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full-term -
- a baby born before 37 weeks is premature and after 42 is post-term.)