Your baby this week
Your baby is early term! That means if your baby decided to come now, it would probably be just fine. But your baby is still putting the finishing touches on the brain and lungs. Your baby can firm-grip a finger now. It's practicing breathing, sucking, and blinking. The head and tummy are about the same size now. Your baby is almost ready — just a little more time growing in there.
Your body this week
You're now 'early term' — if your baby arrived this week, they would likely be healthy with minimal medical support. Nesting may be at full force. Braxton Hicks may be stronger and more frequent. You might lose your mucus plug — a thick glob of mucus, possibly blood-tinged — a sign that labour could be days to weeks away. Every twinge makes you wonder 'is this it?'
Common symptoms this week
Every pregnancy is different — you may notice some of these, all of them, or none at all. None of this is a checklist to worry over.
- Full-force nesting energy
- Stronger, frequent Braxton Hicks
- Possible mucus plug loss
- Growing pelvic pressure
This week’s checklist
- Know the difference: mucus plug loss vs. water breaking
- Time any contractions — is there a pattern?
- Rest as much as possible — labour needs energy
- Double-check hospital bag for all essentials
- Enjoy these final quiet days — life is about to change beautifully
What’s normal this week
Most of what you’re feeling is your body doing exactly what it should — the everyday symptoms don’t need a call. The signs below are the rare exceptions: noticing one doesn’t mean something’s wrong, just that it’s worth a quick check.
When to call your doctor
- Regular contractions: 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour (5-1-1 rule)
- Water breaking
- Heavy bleeding (not just mucus plug)
This guide offers general information for a typical pregnancy and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always follow your doctor or midwife’s guidance for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How big is my baby at 37 weeks pregnant?
At 37 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a swiss chard.
What are common symptoms at 37 weeks pregnant?
Common symptoms around 37 weeks pregnant include full-force nesting energy; stronger, frequent Braxton Hicks; possible mucus plug loss; growing pelvic pressure. Every pregnancy is different — you may notice some of these, all of them, or none at all.
What is developing at 37 weeks pregnant?
Your baby is early term! That means if your baby decided to come now, it would probably be just fine.
When should I call my doctor at 37 weeks pregnant?
Call your doctor at 37 weeks if you notice regular contractions: 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour (5-1-1 rule); water breaking; heavy bleeding (not just mucus plug).
Last updated June 2026
References
Ovyacare’s guidance is written in-house and aligned with leading medical authorities: