Everything you need to know about week 37 of pregnancy

The 37th week of pregnancy marks a special milestone. Your bump has usually now reached its maximum size and is slowly changing shape. As your little one moves down into the pelvis, your bump visibly lowers. Many expectant parents feel this change clearly, both physically and emotionally. Even if everything now feels like the final stretch, the lowering of the bump does not yet mean that the birth is imminent.

At the same time, your physical awareness changes once again. Movements feel different, breathing is often easier and your focus turns increasingly inwards. Many thoughts now revolve around arrival, trust and the final preparations. This week represents transition, stability and the knowledge that your body and your baby are ready.

Your little one has also reached an important stage during this phase. They are now considered clinically mature and could come into the world at any time. In this article, you will find all the important information about your baby’s development, the changes in your body and helpful tips for the 37th week of pregnancy.

Your baby at 37 weeks:

Size and weight: Your baby is now about 48 centimetres long and weighs around 3 kilograms. They have gained considerably in recent weeks and are becoming increasingly round and strong. At their current size, your baby can be compared to a pointed cabbage. This image helps many people to visualise the dimensions inside the womb more easily.
Clinical maturity reached: From the 37th week of pregnancy, your baby is considered clinically mature. This means that their organ systems are developed enough for them to survive well outside the womb.
Senses and perception: Your baby can now blink consciously, practise their first grasping movements and react clearly to light stimuli. They can also perceive sounds, particularly familiar voices or quiet sounds from outside.
Skin, hair and digestion: The protective lanugo hair is increasingly disappearing and being replaced by fine vellus hair. As more fat is stored, your little one already looks like a newborn. The intestines are now filled with meconium, known as the baby’s first stool, which is passed after birth.
Heartbeat and preparation for birth: Towards the end of pregnancy, your baby’s heartbeat may slow down. A sudden drop could be an indication that the birth is approaching. These changes are closely monitored as part of your antenatal care.

Your body at 37 weeks:

Uterus and shape of your bump. Your bump has usually reached its largest size this week. As your little one moves down into the pelvis, your bump visibly lowers. This noticeably changes your body shape, although it is not yet a sign that the birth is imminent.
Downward pressure. As your baby is now lying lower in the pelvis, pressure in the lower abdomen increases considerably. Many expectant parents experience a strong feeling of heaviness. At the same time, breathing is often easier again because there is less pressure on the diaphragm.
Increasing tiredness. Even though your baby is now considered clinically mature, this phase continues to place considerable demands on your body. Many people feel tired or lacking in energy more quickly. Regular periods of rest will help you conserve energy for the weeks ahead.
Practice contractions and lowering contractions. Irregular contractions are now common. Practice contractions and lowering contractions help your baby to settle further into position in the pelvis and prepare your body for the birth step by step.
Changes in the pelvic floor. Because your baby is positioned low down, your pelvic floor is under particular strain. A frequent urge to urinate or slight urine leakage when sneezing, coughing or laughing is not unusual during this phase. Targeted pelvic floor exercises can support you.

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Your baby’s development in the 37th week of pregnancy.

This week, your baby is mainly focused on continuing to build up fat reserves and gathering strength. The organs are increasingly working independently, digestion is prepared and the immune system is continuing to develop.

Many babies are now firmly positioned head down in the pelvis. As a result, their movements often feel powerful but less expansive. Instead of rolling or kicking, you are more likely to feel distinct pressing or pushing. Many parents experience this closeness as particularly intense.

Your baby is ready. Even though the exact timing of the birth cannot be planned, your body knows what to do – and so does your baby.

Your body in the 37th week of pregnancy

Your bump has usually reached its largest size this week. As your baby moves down into the pelvis, your body shape visibly changes. Many expectant parents notice that breathing becomes easier again, as there is less pressure on the diaphragm.

At the same time, the pressure in your lower abdomen increases. Your baby is now pressing more strongly on your bladder, which often leads to a frequent urge to urinate. You may also experience involuntary urine leakage when sneezing, coughing or laughing. Your pelvic floor is now under particular strain.

Other symptoms may include heartburn, increased pulling sensations in the lower abdomen, inner restlessness or clearly noticeable rumbling. This rumbling is often caused by your baby’s hiccups and is completely normal.

Tips for the 37th week of pregnancy

💡 1. Strengthen your pelvic floor specifically
A well-trained pelvic floor can ease discomfort and support you during the birth and recovery afterwards.

Basic exercise: Lie on your back with your legs bent and your feet flat on the floor. Let your arms rest comfortably by your sides. Imagine bringing your pubic bone and tailbone towards each other, tense the muscles, hold for five seconds and then release. Repeat the exercise around 15 times.

Bottom lift for greater stability: Lie on your back, place your feet flat on the floor and lift your pelvis and upper body until your upper body and thighs form a straight line. Tense your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, hold the position for around 10 seconds and slowly release. Repeat the exercise around three times.

Cat stretch for relief: Get onto all fours, with your legs hip-width apart and your arms shoulder-width apart. Alternately arch your back upwards and downwards while activating your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Repeat the movement around 10 times.
💡 2. Consciously slow down your daily routine: Your body clearly signals when it is time for a break. Allow yourself to take things more slowly and focus on what really matters.
💡 3. Trust your body.
You have carried and supported your baby this far. Your body knows how to give birth. Let this trust carry you through the coming days.

The 37th week of pregnancy represents maturity, stability and the knowledge that everything is ready. You may feel supported by your body and look ahead with complete confidence to what is about to begin.

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Frequently asked questions about the 37th week of pregnancy:

How far has my little one’s development progressed in the 37th week of pregnancy?

Your baby is now ready for life outside your womb and has almost reached their final size. By the end of their time in the womb, their organs are fully developed and functional. Your baby is now building up more fat and fat reserves to be able to regulate their body temperature independently after birth. Their birth weight continues to increase as new fatty tissue develops, while the protective vernix on their skin gradually decreases.

What symptoms do many pregnant women experience during this month of pregnancy?

During the final stretch, space in the womb becomes increasingly limited, which affects your entire body. Your bump has reached a considerable size, often leading to back pain, tiredness and water retention. These happy moments of anticipation are sometimes accompanied by practice contractions or a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen as your baby’s head moves downwards. As a mum-to-be, make sure you get plenty of rest now so that you can gather enough strength for the birth ahead.

How can I recognise the signs of labour in the 37th week of pregnancy?

One important sign is the loss of the mucus plug, which may sometimes be mixed with a little blood. Your body is now preparing intensively, so you should have packed your hospital bag according to our checklist. This means you will be prepared for everything at the end of your pregnancy when the journey to giving birth begins. Your companion from my junior should also be ready, so that your first outing with your newborn is safe and comfortable.

What position does my baby take in the pelvis?

Your baby’s position for birth is now an important aspect of antenatal care, which your doctor or midwife will monitor closely. Ideally, your baby’s head will move deep into the pelvis, pointing downwards. If your baby is in a breech position, your doctor’s practice will advise you about the various options for the due date.

How does breathing change shortly before the due date?

Your little one is preparing their lungs for their first breath by drawing amniotic fluid into their windpipe and expelling it again. The supply through the umbilical cord remains stable until birth. Keep your focus on what matters most and feel free to ask your midwife any questions you may have.