At 37 weeks
At 37 weeks, your baby is about the size of a large pumpkin (bada kaddu), around 48.6 cm from head to heel (NHS), and is now considered full term. Their lungs are fully mature, they can grip firmly, and they are trying out facial expressions such as frowning and smiling. Around 95% of babies are now head down, and as yours moves lower you may get some relief from heartburn and indigestion.
Your Baby at 37 Weeks
Your baby is now full term, which means they are probably big enough and mature enough to survive in the outside world, though you may still wait a few more weeks. They are trying out facial expressions such as frowning and smiling, which are random rather than linked to sadness or happiness (NHS).
Their lungs are fully mature and they can grip firmly with their hand. The gut now holds sticky green meconium that will form their first poo, although the digestive system will not mature completely until about 1 to 2 years of age (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby).
Around 95% of babies are now head down, facing their mother's back, which is the best position for labour. If yours is still bottom down, there is still time to turn, and some babies do not move into place until labour starts (NHS).
Your Body This Week
As your baby moves down into your pelvis, heartburn, indigestion and needing to pee every few minutes may ease, and you might see your bump drop a little. More vaginal discharge and Braxton Hicks contractions are common, and a sudden urge to spring clean is your nesting instinct; just do not overdo it, and rest as much as you can (NHS).
Your breasts may leak colostrum, and breast pads from a pharmacy can help; some women also choose to start expressing and storing colostrum in case it is needed after birth. Most women experience early signs of labour between 37 and 42 weeks, such as period-like cramps, backache, diarrhoea, a 'show' of sticky mucus or their waters breaking (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby).
When to call your midwife or doctor: If you are concerned about your baby's movements at any stage, contact your midwife or doctor immediately, as a slowing down of movement may be a sign your baby is unwell. Make sure you know when your maternity team wants you to call once signs of labour, such as your waters breaking, begin.
Garbh Sanskar This Week
A small daily practice for this stage, from Mamta’s 1:1 sessions. It is tradition and gentle self-care, not medical advice, so keep every check-up and follow your doctor or midwife first.
- Mantra: The Mahamrityunjaya mantra (Rig Veda 7.59.12) honours the three-eyed one, fragrant and the giver of nourishment. Chant it slowly in a soft voice for a few minutes, letting each line end on an easy out-breath; the Garbh Sanskar mantras guide has the full text and meaning.
- Music: Nesting days can get busy, so pause for one song or bhajan you love and simply listen with a hand resting on your bump. It is a moment of calm for you both, with no expectation attached.
- Gentle movement: When you sit this week, Mamta suggests leaning slightly forwards with your hips above your knees, for example on a firm cushion, only with your doctor's or midwife's clearance. The NHS says this is not a proven way to help a baby into position, though many women say it does, and it will not do any harm.
- Food: Traditionally, Charaka's ninth month (roughly weeks 36 to 40) centres on practitioner-given therapies rather than a particular food, so there is nothing new to add at home. Keep to light, familiar vegetarian meals and think about stocking the fridge for after the birth, alongside the iron, calcium and folic acid your doctor recommends.
- Garbh samvad (a line to say to your baby): You are ready whenever you are. We will meet in your own good time.
Questions About Week 37
Is 37 weeks full term?
Yes. Your baby is now considered full term, so a birth this week would not be early, although you may still wait a few more weeks. If you are carrying twins, the NHS notes you will probably give birth this week, as twin pregnancies rarely go beyond 38 weeks.
What are the signs of labour at 37 weeks?
The NHS lists contractions or tightenings, a 'show' (a sticky blob of mucus that may be yellow or bloody), back pain, an urge to go to the toilet as the baby's head presses down, and your waters breaking. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby adds period-like cramps and diarrhoea.
Why learn about postnatal depression before the birth?
More than 1 in 10 women experience postnatal depression, usually in the first year after birth, and it can come on so gradually that many do not realise at first. Signs include low mood, losing interest in things, constant tiredness and trouble sleeping; speak to a GP, midwife or health visitor as soon as possible if you think you or your partner might have it.
Practise With Mamta, Wherever You Are
Mamta guides expecting mothers through private 1:1 Garbh Sanskar sessions online, scheduled in your own time zone, from the first trimester to the last week. Start with a free conversation on WhatsApp or read how sessions work.
Sources
Mamta is not a doctor. Medical points on this page come from the sources below, checked in October 2026. Sizes are approximate and babies vary; your scan report is what matters.