How will I know when I am in real labor?

True labor contractions are regular, increasing in frequency and intensity, and do not stop when you change position or drink water. They typically start in the back and move to the front. If contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 60 seconds each, for at least 1 hour (the 5-1-1 rule), it is time to go to the hospital.

What does it mean when my water breaks?

When your water breaks, the amniotic sac ruptures and fluid leaks or gushes from your vagina. It can be a sudden gush or a slow trickle. The fluid should be clear or slightly pink. If it is green or brown, contact your provider immediately as this could indicate the baby has had a bowel movement (meconium).

Third Trimester 37 weeks pregnant

Pregnancy Week 37 - Baby Is Early Term & Nearly Ready

At 37 weeks, your baby is now considered early term! If born now, your baby would typically not require special medical care. Your baby is practicing all the skills needed for life outside the womb: breathing, sucking, swallowing, and digesting. You could go into labor at any time.

Winter melon

Baby Size

48.6 cm (head to heel)

Length

2.9 kg

Weight

Week 37

of 42

Baby Development This Week

Your baby is now early term, meaning the lungs and brain are mature enough for life outside the womb. Your baby is continuing to practice breathing, swallowing, and sucking — all essential skills for newborn life. The downy lanugo hair has mostly disappeared, and the waxy vernix coating is diminishing. Your baby is adding fat at a rate of about half an ounce per day. The grasp is firm, and your baby can hold onto your finger moments after birth.

Changes in Your Body

You are now having weekly prenatal visits. Your provider may check your cervix for dilation and effacement. You might be feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as labor approaches. Some women experience diarrhea in the days before labor as the body clears out the digestive system. You may notice increased pelvic pressure and more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions. Your belly may look lower if the baby has dropped. You might have trouble distinguishing between Braxton Hicks and early labor contractions.

Common Symptoms at Week 37

Pelvic pressureMore frequent Braxton HicksDiarrheaNestingInsomniaBack pain

Tips for Week 37

Know the signs of labor: regular contractions, water breaking, bloody show.
Keep your phone charged and your hospital bag by the door.
Continue doing kick counts — your baby should still be active.
Discuss induction or C-section plans with your provider if relevant.

When to Call Your Doctor

Go to the hospital if: contractions are 5 minutes apart and getting stronger; your water breaks (gush or trickle of fluid); you have heavy bleeding; or you notice decreased fetal movement.

Frequently Asked Questions — Week 37

Explore Our Pregnancy Tools

Due Date Calculator

Conception Calculator

Ovulation Calculator

Week Calculator

Week 36 All Weeks Week 38