37 Weeks Pregnant

At week 37 of pregnancy, it is time to get your bags packed and ready to go because labor is just around the corner. If you go into labor at this point, your baby has an excellent chance of survival, weighing in at over 6 pounds now. No doubt you will be ready for this event to happen at any time, and you have probably grown tired of people asking when you are going to deliver. At this point in your pregnancy, the baby’s head will probably actually drop down into the birth canal in preparation for delivery, so take heart, you are very close to meeting that little person you have been waiting for.
During week 37 of pregnancy and beyond, you will probably notice that your breasts are getting larger and fuller. This is in preparation for breast feeding and more than likely your bras are not going to fit you as they should. You will probably want to consider purchasing a maternity bra if you haven’t already and make sure that it fits well. A nursing bra may also be a good investment at this time, especially if you plan on nursing your baby yourself. Be sure to buy the size that fits to keep from wearing a bra that is too small, which may be very uncomfortable.
You are probably noticing that your breasts are leaking even more around week 37 of pregnancy, even though they have been doing this for awhile now. It is important that you take care in washing your nipples during this time, and instead of using soap, you will probably want to switch to only warm water to keep them from getting dry and cracked. If you do have a problem with dryness or irritation, purchase a lotion that has lanolin in it to help.
At week 37 of pregnancy and beyond, your cervix will be beginning to dilate in preparation for delivery. One thing you may begin to notice is some strange discharge during this time. There is a mucus plug that helps to keep your uterus sealed off from infection while you are pregnant, and as your cervix dilates you will begin to discharge some of the mucus plug. You may notice this discharge for a few days or even a few weeks before you actually go into labor. Although it is normal, be sure to discuss any discharge you have with your doctor.
Although you are dealing with many changes and you are probably feeling quite uncomfortable, remember that the end is in sight. In just a few weeks you will be having your baby and no doubt all the discomfort will be worth it when you first hold that little bundle of joy.