![]() ![]() So while they're clues that you're indeed progressing, they're far from sure bets when it comes to pinpointing the actual start of labor. These processes can occur gradually, over a period of weeks or even a month or more in some women - or overnight. The lower down your baby is, the closer you are to delivery.Īlthough it all sounds very scientific, it's actually not. And last but not least, your doctor or midwife will measure the position of the baby in relation to your pelvis. The position of your cervix, which moves from the back to the front as labor approaches, will also be assessed. Next, your practitioner will check for effacement, or how thin your cervix is it'll be 100 percent effaced before you push your baby out. ![]() Your health care provider is also looking cervical ripeness - aka the consistency of the cervix. It starts out being firm like the tip of your nose, then softens to the same texture as the inside of your cheek before labor. Specifically, your cervix needs to open to 10 centimeters for the baby to pass through into the birth canal. Just what is your doctor looking for? First, for dilation, or how far your cervix has opened. It's anyone's guess when your baby will decide to make his appearance - will he be sociably early, fashionably late or right on time? - but that doesn't stop your practitioner from guessing when labor will begin. Here's an interesting fact: At birth, your baby's head - which, by the way, is still growing - will be roughly the same circumference as his chest.Īnd guess what's making a quite-literal impression these days on those shoulders and hips? Fat - causing little dimples in those cute elbows, knees and shoulders, along with creases and folds in the neck and wrists. One day you feel his bottom on the left side, the next it's flipped around to the right! Baby’s head is huge! Right now, your tiny superstar is rehearsing for his big debut, simulating breathing by inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, sucking his thumb, blinking and pivoting from side to side. ![]() So what's keeping your little one busy while waiting it out until delivery day? Practice, practice, practice. Instead, your baby's probably stretching, rolling a bit and wiggling - all of which you’ll be able to feel! Practicing for birth It's a little crowded in your uterus, so he may not be kicking as much. How big is my baby at 37 weeks?Īt 37 weeks pregnant, your baby's still packing on about a half an ounce per day or half a pound a week. In fact, until the end of week 38, he’s technically considered “ early term.” At this age, the average fetus weighs about 6 pounds - though boys are likely to be heavier at birth than girls. Only a few weeks left to go! Still have questions? Here's some more information on how weeks, months and trimesters are broken down in pregnancy. If you're 37 weeks pregnant, you're in month 9 of your pregnancy. ![]()
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