Week 37 Of Your Pregnancy

You’re at week 37 and your baby could arrive at any time now. Your baby is now about the size of a watermelon. You’re probably getting lots of phone calls and text messages asking if you’ve had the baby – it can be annoying, but it’s only because everyone is excited to meet your little bub! Soldier on, not long to go.

Your baby is fully developed and it is just a matter of time before he or she arrives into the world. Nobody knows exactly what triggers labour but when your baby is ready to emerge your body starts releasing chemicals called prostaglandins that thin, soften and dilate the cervix. These trigger your uterus to start contracting and eventually push the baby out of your body. If you think you are in labour there is probably no need to panic as early stage labor can last hours or even days. It is not time to go to the hospital until contractions start occurring about five minutes apart. If you notice any spotting or your waters break, call the hospital as they may want to keep an eye on you.

CHANGES TO YOUR BODY:

Labour has three stages. It is not time to go to the hospital until you are in the second phase of active labour. This is when your cervix dilates from 3-4 centimeters to 7. In this stage the contractions may last up to a minute or so and can be very painful. The pain can be felt through your stomach, lower back and upper thighs. This is the time when you will probably want to think about pain relief (if you are planning to use it).

After the second stage you’ll progress to the transition phase. This can often be the most challenging part as your cervix dilates to 10cm with contractions coming thick and fast.

The official start of stage two of labor is when you start pushing. You will continue to have contractions but you will also feel an overwhelming urge to bear down. If you have had an epidural at this point you may not feel the contractions so your midwife or obstetrician will tell you when to push. This stage generally takes around 30-45 minutes. You can read more about here.

You may find you get a bit of spotting. Your cervix is extra sensitive around this time so it’s not uncommon, especially if you’ve recently had sex. If you’re worried, call your doctor. It could also be a ‘bloody show’. This is your mucus plug tinged with blood, and is a sign that things a shifting. If you have any bright red blood that’s more like a period, be sure to call your doctor.

LIFESTYLE CONSIDERATIONS:

You should probably be thinking about visitors after the birth, both in hospital and at home. Don’t underestimate the toll that labour and birth can take and be sure to set some boundaries. The time after the birth (until 12 weeks old) is known as the fourth trimester. It’s a really important time for you and your baby. Read more about it here, and consider how you’ll manage your health and wellbeing during this time.

GOOD ADVICE:

Everyone knows that hospital food is not that great. Pack some of your favourite foods and other nutritious snacks and treats to have in the hospital to keep your strength up.

X click to search
X