37 Weeks Pregnant: Early Term, Signs of Labour & When to Call

37 Weeks Pregnant: Early Term, Signs of Labour & When to Call

At 37 weeks pregnant, your baby is early term and about the length of a silverbeet bunch. They could arrive any day now, though many babies wait a few more weeks. It's time to learn the signs of labour, know when to call your midwife and make sure your bag is packed.

Baby's size
About the length of a bunch of silverbeet (around 48cm head to heel, 2.9kg)
Milestone
Early term
Common symptoms
Pelvic pressure, Braxton Hicks, spotting and losing your mucus plug
This week
Learn the signs of labour and when to call

What's happening this week

Your baby is ready for life outside the uterus, but every extra week helps their brain, lungs and feeding skills mature. They'll keep gaining weight until birth.

Strong grip

Ready to hold on

Your baby can grip firmly and grab their toes, ears and nose. You'll soon feel this grasp reflex when they curl their fingers around yours.

First poo

Meconium

Your baby's gut is making meconium, a sticky, dark green substance that will be their first poo, usually passed in the first day or two after birth.

Hair

Full head or fuzz

Some babies are born with a full head of hair, others with a soft fuzz. Hair colour often changes in the first year.

You might feel your baby's hiccups as regular, rhythmic jerks in one spot. Keep getting to know their pattern of movements, and contact your hospital straight away if they slow down, stop or change.

What does early term mean?

Early term
37 weeks to 38 weeks and 6 days. Babies usually do well, but may need a little extra help with feeding or keeping warm.
Full term
39 weeks to 40 weeks and 6 days. These extra weeks give your baby's brain and lungs more time to mature.
Late term
41 weeks to 41 weeks and 6 days. Your care team will talk to you about extra monitoring and whether to induce labour.
Post-term
42 weeks or more. Most babies are born before this point.Only about 1 in 20 babies arrive on their due date

Signs of labour and when to call

Every labour is different, and early signs can come and go for days. Your hospital will tell you when they'd like you to call, so check this at your next appointment.

Early signs

  • A show, when the mucus plug comes away
  • A dull lower backache or period-like cramps
  • Contractions that are irregular but getting stronger
  • Loose bowels or feeling nauseous
  • An urge to nest, or feeling restless

Call your hospital if

  • Your contractions are strong and regular, as your hospital advised
  • Your waters break, especially if the fluid is green, brown or smelly, or you're GBS positive
  • You have bleeding, more than a small streak
  • You have constant, severe pain or a fever
  • Your baby's movements slow down or change

If you're unsure, call. Midwives would much rather hear from you. Here's how to tell Braxton Hicks from labour.

Supporting you in labour

Your support person plays a big role in helping you feel calm, safe and heard. Talk through your birth preferences together, and share our tips for the labour support person so they know how to help, from timing contractions to speaking up for your wishes.

Some people also choose a doula, a trained, non-medical support person who helps with breathing, positions and comfort during labour, and sometimes with feeding and recovery afterwards. A doula works alongside your midwife or doctor, not instead of them.

Symptoms at 37 weeks pregnant

  • Losing your mucus plug. A thick, jelly-like discharge that may be pink or streaked with blood. It's a sign your cervix is getting ready, though labour may still be days away.
  • Light spotting. Your cervix is sensitive, so light spotting after sex or an internal exam can happen. Call your hospital if you're unsure, or if there's more than a small streak.
  • Braxton Hicks. They may be more frequent now. They usually ease with rest and don't get closer together.
  • Pelvic pain. As your baby's head presses lower, a pregnancy support belt and rest can help.
  • Nausea. Feeling queasy can sometimes be an early sign of labour. Severe nausea or vomiting, especially with a headache or pain under your ribs, should always be checked.

Call your hospital straight away if you have heavy or bright red bleeding, your waters break, your baby's movements change, or you have a severe headache, blurred vision, pain under your ribs, vomiting or sudden swelling. These can be signs of pre-eclampsia or a rarer related condition called HELLP syndrome, which need urgent care.

Getting ready for birth

Your weekly check-ups continue, with checks on your blood pressure and your baby's growth, heartbeat and position. It's a good time to double-check your hospital bag, including your birth preferences and a copy for your support person.

Perineal massage from around 34 weeks can help reduce the chance of tearing, especially in a first vaginal birth. Your midwife or a pelvic health physio can show you how.

Your to-do list for week 37

Helpful for this stage

The hospital bag listFinal check before the big daySee the list Tips for your support personHow they can help during labourRead the guide Maternity padsFor your bag and recoveryShop maternity pads

Week 37 FAQs

Is 37 weeks full term?

37 weeks is called early term. Babies born now usually do well, but the weeks between 39 and 41 are called full term, as those extra weeks help your baby's brain, lungs and feeding skills mature.

What are the first signs of labour?

Common early signs include a show (when the mucus plug comes away), a dull lower backache, period-like cramps, contractions that start to come regularly, and your waters breaking. Some people also have loose bowels or feel nauseous.

When should I call the hospital in labour?

Call when your contractions are strong and regular, as your hospital advised, or straight away if your waters break, you have bleeding, constant pain, a fever, or your baby's movements change. If you're unsure, call. Midwives are happy to talk you through it.

What does losing the mucus plug look like?

The mucus plug is a thick, jelly-like discharge that may be clear, yellowish, pink or streaked with a little blood. Losing it means your cervix is getting ready, but labour could still be hours, days or even a week or more away.

What does a labour support person do?

A support person offers comfort and encouragement, helps you change position, reminds you to breathe and drink, and speaks up for your wishes with your care team. Our tips for the labour support person cover how they can help at every stage.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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