Mom’s Tip of the Week 37
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It’s nesting time. In spite of your growing belly and increasing discomfort at 37 weeks pregnant, you might be surprised by an overwhelming urge to clean, cook, or get organized. If so, you’re nesting, which is perfectly normal at this point in your pregnancy. Indulge that instinct a little, but don’t overdo it—you need to save your strength for the birth process.
Your Baby at 37 Weeks Pregnant
What’s Happening in There
- Your baby is probably weighing in at about 6 ½ pounds, if he’s average size. While each child is different, baby boys generally tend to weigh more than girls.
- He’s putting on weight at a rapid pace. At Your baby at 37 weeks is gaining about half an ounce a day.
- He is considered early full term. What does this mean? All of your baby’s organs are ready to function outside the womb, and if you deliver at 37 weeks pregnant, your little one should be ready. But experts advise that 39 weeks is truly full term.
- He’s in the fetal position. This means that his chin is tucked down and his knees and arms are hugged close to his chest. All of this curling helps your baby take up less space in his crowded home. It also means he’s moving around less throughout the day.
Baby Brain Waves
Your Baby’s Brain Is Developing
Even at 37 weeks pregnant, your baby’s head continues to grow. At birth, it will be a half inch larger than his chest! What’s he doing with all that brain room? In part, he’s improving the connections between his neurons and muscles, which is allowing him to develop fine motor skills, like grasping a tiny toe. But birth isn’t the end of brain development. Through the first two years of life your baby’s brain develops more rapidly than it ever will again. In fact, the brain grows 175% in the first year of life. Remember that nutrition (with brain-nourishing DHA in breast milk or formula) and stimulation (through everyday learning activities) are important ways to support your baby’s brain development.
Pregnancy Health
Real Issues, Real Solutions
The issue: Unless you’re planning on a home delivery, you’ve probably got a few days in the hospital in your near future.
The solution: While things are calm, it’s a good time to start packing for the hospital to make your stay homier. Wondering what to pack?
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