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37 Weeks Pregnant: You've Reached Early Term

Medically reviewed by

Verena Brehm, Midwife Jul 29, 2026

Line illustration of a head of cabbage: at 37 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a cabbage

Line drawing of a 37-week foetus curled tightly with fists under the chin and knees drawn up to the chest

Line drawing of a woman's torso at 37 weeks pregnant, turned slightly to one side, showing the uterus inside a full-term bump

Your baby is the size of a

Cabbage

~2,700 g

~33 cm / ~13 in

Key Takeaways

At 37 weeks pregnant, your baby is considered early term. Mayo Clinic says your baby can grasp things firmly, and the head might start going down into your pelvis to get ready for birth.

This is the week to learn the signs of labour. SOGC says that once contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less, it is usually an indication that labour is beginning — a convenient guide is 10 contractions in an hour.

Movement still matters, right up to birth. SOGC advises being aware of any changes in your baby's usual activity level, and says if you don't feel 6 movements in 2 hours, contact your provider as soon as possible.

Your Baby at 37 Weeks: Development & Growth

At 37 weeks pregnant, your baby is considered early term. Mayo Clinic states that at week 37 "your baby can grasp things firmly," and that the head "might start going down into your pelvis" to get ready for birth. Mayo Clinic does not give a crown-to-rump size at week 37; its nearest figures are about 300 millimetres and more than 2,100 grams at week 34, and about 2,900 grams at week 38.

This is a milestone with a name. Mayo Clinic puts it plainly: "To get ready for birth, your baby's head might start going down into your pelvis. At this point, your baby is considered early term." Early term. A real threshold, and a reassuring one.

The grip is ready, too. Mayo Clinic notes that at week 37 "your baby can grasp things firmly" — the same reflex that will curl those fingers around yours in the days ahead.

Mayo Clinic doesn't list a size for week 37, and it's more honest to say so than to guess. The nearest figures Mayo gives are week 34 — "nearly 12 inches (300 millimeters) long from crown to rump" and "more than 4 1/2 pounds (2,100 grams)" — and week 38, "about 6 1/2 pounds (2,900 grams)." So your baby is likely somewhere between roughly 2,100 and 2,900 grams this week.

Weight is the theme of these final weeks. Mayo Clinic adds that "size varies quite a bit. Some babies may weigh nearly 9 pounds (4,000 grams) or more by this point in pregnancy." Your baby's exact size is their own.

Your Body at 37 Weeks: Symptoms & Changes

At 37 weeks pregnant, many mothers notice the baby sit lower as the head engages, along with the familiar late-pregnancy discomforts. SOGC lists tender breasts, constipation, backaches, headaches, mood swings and leg cramps among the common symptoms of pregnancy. Some early signs of labour can begin to appear now, and paying attention to your baby's movement pattern stays important. Every pregnancy is different.

You may feel your baby drop. SOGC describes it this way: "the baby will 'drop'. The baby's head will descend into your pelvis. You may notice your belly looks lower, your breathing is a bit easier, but your need to urinate increases." For some, SOGC notes, "this doesn't happen until just before labour."

The everyday discomforts can linger. SOGC lists tender or swollen breasts, constipation, gas and bloating, backaches, headaches, mood swings and leg cramps among the common symptoms of pregnancy. Any of these can still be part of your week, and, as SOGC puts it, "Every pregnant woman is different."

Headaches are worth separating from the rest. Most have the usual causes — a short night, a tight neck, not enough water. But SOGC names "headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, or shortness of breath" among the symptoms to watch for with preeclampsia, which it describes as "marked by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine." This close to birth, a headache that is severe, will not clear, or comes with vision changes or sudden swelling is a phone call — not something to sleep off.

Movement is the thread that runs to the very end. SOGC advises that it is "a good idea to be aware if any changes in your baby's usual activity level, especially in the third trimester," adding that "your perception of your baby's movements is one of the strongest indicators of your baby's wellbeing." A busy, cramped baby still moves.

Your job this week is mostly readiness, not worry. Knowing what's normal — a lower bump, a heavier pelvis, the odd practice contraction — lets you spot what isn't. That's the calm that preparation buys.

What to Do at 37 Weeks Pregnant

NUTRITION AT 37 WEEKS PREGNANT

Keep eating for the third trimester — quality over quantity. SOGC states: "In the third trimester, you need about 450 extra calories," noting this "generally equates to 2 or 3 additionally servings from any of Canada’s Food Guide’s food groups" — for example, a piece of toast and a cup of milk, or an apple and some yogurt. Take it in small helpings through the day rather than a couple of big meals: there is little room left under your ribs, digestion is slower, and hunger returns faster than it used to.
Stay on top of iron. SOGC advises increasing "your daily iron intake to 27mg daily during the final six+ months of pregnancy to support an increase in red blood cells and fetal tissues" — and notes that, "like most women, you may need a good supplement to meet this need." Demand stays high in these last weeks.
Eat well for labour and recovery. SOGC’s healthy-eating guidance holds now as much as ever; think easy, iron- and protein-rich meals you can prepare in advance, so the fridge is stocked before your bag is ever needed.

WHAT SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE AT 37 WEEKS PREGNANT

Keep taking 400mcg of folic acid daily. The Public Health Agency of Canada states that "a daily multivitamin with 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid is recommended for anyone who could become pregnant," and advises: "Continue taking folic acid throughout your pregnancy and while breastfeeding."
Don’t raise your folic acid dose on your own. The Public Health Agency of Canada advises: "You should not increase your dose of folic acid beyond 1 mg per day without talking to your health care provider." A higher dose is a conversation, not a decision for the supplement aisle.
Consider vitamin D. SOGC notes that "taking a vitamin D supplement of 2000IU in the last six months of pregnancy will enhance the vitamin D content of your breast milk towards meeting the daily needs of your breastfeeding infant." Check what your prenatal already includes.

LIFESTYLE TIPS AT 37 WEEKS PREGNANT

Learn the signs of labour now. SOGC lists the early signs that "labour and delivery are imminent": the baby dropping, a change in vaginal discharge "as the mucus plug that has sealed your cervix releases" (looking "like a brownish or bloody discharge"), possible diarrhea, your water breaking, and "irregular, periodic contractions." On contractions, SOGC says: "Once your contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less, it is usually an indication that labour is beginning. A convenient guide is to wait until there have been at least 10 contractions in an hour."
Know that labour starts slowly. SOGC calls the first part the latent phase and describes it as "the longest stage of labour" — "irregular, increasingly frequent contractions" that "make your cervix thin (efface) and start to open so that your baby can pass through," taking you from closed to about 4 cm. In a healthy term pregnancy, SOGC notes, "you will typically be at home through this phase." It can run for hours, and that is not a sign anything has stalled — it is what the beginning is meant to look like. Eat, rest, move around, sleep if you can. Admission usually comes at the next stage, "once your cervix has dilated to 4 cm."
Check the GBS swab has happened. SOGC notes you "will usually be screened for GBS between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation," a test that is "easy and painless." If yours hasn’t been done yet, this is the week to ask — the result decides whether you are offered intravenous antibiotics once labour starts.
Finish packing your hospital bag. SOGC’s what-to-pack checklist covers labour (ID, glasses, music, a towel, an icepack, a favourite clear drink, a comfortable pillow in a distinctive pillowcase), your hospital stay (nightgowns, a robe and slippers, "a package of large pads for postpartum flow," phone and charger) and your newborn (car seat, sleepers, hats, receiving blankets, "diapers and wipes"). Have it by the door — and call your hospital or birth centre first, because units differ on what they supply and what they want you to bring.
Keep noticing movement. SOGC notes that a baby’s "movement patterns vary, but tend to be consistent for any one baby, in any one pregnancy," and suggests that if you count, "try to do it at the same time each day." Count everything, not only kicks — SOGC counts "kicks, flutters, or rolling movements." A quieter-than-usual day is worth acting on, not waiting out.
Keep to Health Canada’s caffeine ceiling. Health Canada recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 300 mg for people who are pregnant. For reference, Health Canada puts one 8oz (237ml) cup of brewed coffee at about 135mg — so roughly two cups is the limit, and that total includes tea, cola and chocolate.

When to Contact Your Doctor or Midwife

Most of week 37 is preparation, not alarm. But some things should always be checked, and a few need action right away. Contact your doctor, midwife or other health care provider if you experience:

Contractions that are becoming regular and close together. SOGC says: "Once your contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less, it is usually an indication that labour is beginning," adding that "a convenient guide is to wait until there have been at least 10 contractions in an hour." Call your provider to say labour has started and to confirm when to head in.
Your water breaking. SOGC notes your water "may break (although for most this happens during labour)," and that "if your water breaks and you are at term, your health care provider may offer or recommend induction of labour." Contact your provider when it happens, and note the time, colour and amount. If you are not certain whether your water has broken, keep the pad or underwear you were wearing and take it with you — your provider can test the fluid and tell for sure.
Signs of preeclampsia. SOGC names "headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, or shortness of breath" among the symptoms to watch for, in a complication it describes as "marked by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine." Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet belongs on that list. Call the same day — being close to term is not a reason to wait it out.
A change in your baby's movements, or fewer movements than usual. SOGC advises being "aware if any changes in your baby's usual activity level, especially in the third trimester." To do a kick count, SOGC says to "count the baby's movements for 2 hours" — and "if you don't feel 6 movements (such as kicks, flutters, or rolling movements) in 2 hours, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible." SOGC adds that mothers "should always trust their intuition." Do not wait it out.
Any vaginal bleeding. A "brownish or bloody discharge" from the mucus plug releasing can be a normal early sign, as SOGC describes — but fresh or heavier bleeding is different. Contact your health care provider promptly, and if bleeding is heavy or you feel very unwell, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Persistent low mood or disruptive mood swings. SOGC advises that "depression or disruptive mood swings are not normal and it is important to seek help for these more serious concerns."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 37 weeks considered full term?

Not quite — 37 weeks is early term. Mayo Clinic states that at week 37, "to get ready for birth, your baby’s head might start going down into your pelvis. At this point, your baby is considered early term." Mayo Clinic notes that full term comes later: "Thirty-nine weeks into your pregnancy... your baby is considered full term." Early term is a reassuring milestone, and a sign your baby is well prepared for the outside world.

What are the signs of labour at 37 weeks?

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) lists the early signs that "labour and delivery are imminent": the baby "dropping" lower into your pelvis; a change in vaginal discharge "as the mucus plug that has sealed your cervix releases," which "will look like a brownish or bloody discharge"; possibly diarrhea; your water breaking; and "irregular, periodic contractions." SOGC adds: "Once your contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less, it is usually an indication that labour is beginning. A convenient guide is to wait until there have been at least 10 contractions in an hour."

What is the latent phase of labour?

It is the long, slow beginning — and knowing about it saves a lot of second-guessing. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) describes the latent phase as "the longest stage of labour," made up of "irregular, increasingly frequent contractions" that "make your cervix thin (efface) and start to open so that your baby can pass through." It carries you from a closed cervix to about 4 cm. SOGC notes that "in a healthy term pregnancy you will typically be at home through this phase," and that admission usually comes at the start of the next one, "once your cervix has dilated to 4 cm." It can take many hours, especially with a first baby — SOGC puts a first labour at "around 12-14 hours, once regular contractions are established." A long latent phase is normal, not a sign that something is wrong.

When should I go to the hospital or call my provider?

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) says that "once your contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less, it is usually an indication that labour is beginning," and describes women being "usually admitted... once your cervix has dilated to 4 cm." Call your provider when contractions become regular and close together to confirm when to head in. Contact your provider right away if your water breaks — SOGC notes that "if your water breaks and you are at term, your health care provider may offer or recommend induction of labour" — and if you are unsure whether it has broken, bring the pad you were wearing so the fluid can be tested. And if you notice reduced movement, SOGC says to "contact your health care provider as soon as possible."

What should I pack in my hospital bag?

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) offers a checklist. For labour: "Your ID," glasses, music, a towel, "an icepack and a hot water ball," "your favourite clear drink," and "a comfortable pillow in a distinctive pillowcase." For your hospital stay: nightgowns, "robe and slippers," nursing bras, "a package of large pads for postpartum flow," and "your cell phone and charger." For your newborn: a "car seat," "clothing – undershirts, sleepers, hats," "receiving blankets," and "diapers and wipes." Check with your own hospital too — what units supply, and what they ask you to bring, varies.

Does my baby still move as much at 37 weeks?

Yes — movement should continue right to the end, even though it’s more cramped in there. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) advises being "aware if any changes in your baby’s usual activity level, especially in the third trimester," and says "your perception of your baby’s movements is one of the strongest indicators of your baby’s wellbeing." If you don’t feel "6 movements (such as kicks, flutters, or rolling movements) in 2 hours, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible."

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Sources & References

Public Health Agency of Canada — Folic acid, healthy pregnancy and neural tube defect prevention
Health Canada — Caffeine in Foods (recommended maximum daily intake)
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Labour 101
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Group B Streptococcus screening
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — What to pack
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Fetal movement and kick counts
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Healthy eating
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Symptoms of pregnancy
Mayo Clinic — Fetal development: The 3rd trimester (Week 34, Week 37, Week 38, Week 39, Week 40)

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