Trimester 3 · Week 37 of 40
Week 37 of pregnancy: Early Term
Early term starts at 37+0. How to tell true labour from practice tightenings, what a show looks like, and when to call or go to hospital.
Last updated 28 September 2026
What's happening this week?
Your baby is now early term, a stage that runs from 37+0 to 38+6 weeks. It is no longer preterm, but babies still benefit from staying put until at least 39 weeks unless there is a medical reason to deliver sooner. Labour could start any day from now, so the most useful thing to learn this week is how to tell real labour from practice tightenings, and when your hospital wants to hear from you.
Baby's development
Doctors divide term into stages: early term is 37+0 to 38+6 weeks, full term 39+0 to 40+6, late term 41+0 to 41+6, and post-term 42+0 onwards. The distinction matters because babies born at 37 and 38 weeks have more breathing problems than babies born at 39 weeks or later. That is why a planned birth without a medical reason is not recommended before 39 weeks.
Your baby's toenails now reach the tips of the toes, and fat under the skin gives a rounder, softer look. The head may engage in the pelvis. This often happens earlier with a first baby, while later babies may not engage until labour.
Most of the fine lanugo hair has already been shed, and the skin looks less see-through than it did a few weeks ago as fat builds beneath it.
The brain and lungs keep maturing, and your baby continues to practise breathing-like movements, swallowing and sucking. Movements should continue at their usual level right up to and during labour; the feel may change as the head moves lower, but the amount should not drop.
Your baby's size
About the size of a winter melon
48.6 cm
19.1 in · Length
2900 g
Weight
Week 37
Gestational age
About 48 cm from crown to heel and roughly 2.9–3.1 kg are typical references this week, and the 2.9 kg shown sits in that range. A healthy baby may be well above or below it. Term babies commonly weigh about 2.5–4 kg, and around 3 kg is common in India, so a smaller estimate is not automatically a concern.
Your body this week
Braxton Hicks tightenings often become stronger and more frequent now, and can be uncomfortable. They remain irregular, do not build steadily, and tend to fade with rest, a change of position or a drink of water. True labour contractions come at regular intervals and become longer, stronger and closer together over time.
As the cervix softens, the plug of mucus that seals it may come away as a show: a jelly-like blob or streaks that can be clear, pink or lightly blood-streaked. It can happen days before labour or during it. Vaginal discharge often increases too; if it smells, itches or looks green, get it checked the same day.
Other early signs of labour include a dull backache, period-like cramps and an urge to open your bowels. It is natural to feel alert to every twinge, and having a clear, written plan for when to call can make the waiting calmer.
Symptoms you may notice
Every pregnancy is different - you may have some, all or none of these.
- Stronger Braxton Hicks
- They can be uncomfortable but stay irregular. If they settle when you rest, walk or change position, they are likely practice contractions. Tightenings that keep coming at regular gaps and build are different.
- Losing the mucus plug
- A show on its own is not a reason to rush in, but call your hospital if you are unsure. Heavy or bright red bleeding is not a show.
- More discharge
- A thin, milky discharge is normal. A smell, itching, a green colour or a watery trickle needs checking.
- Backache
- A dull ache is common, but backache that comes and goes in a rhythm may be early labour.
- Pelvic pressure
- The head moving lower adds weight on the pelvic floor. Rest with your feet up and get up slowly from lying down.
Medical care and tests
Weekly or fortnightly checks
Routine37 weeks to birth
Blood pressure, urine, fundal height, your baby's position and movements are checked. India's fourth ANC visit falls in this window. A problem such as rising blood pressure can lead to a plan for earlier birth.
Planned birth before 39 weeks
Only if needed37+0 to 38+6 weeks
An induction or planned caesarean before 39 weeks is advised only for a medical reason affecting you or your baby. If early delivery is suggested, it is reasonable to ask what the reason is and what waiting would mean.
GBS swab window closes (US)
Varies by providerBy 37+6 weeks
In the US, the group B strep swab should be done by the end of 37+6 weeks. It is not routine in the UK or in India's national guidelines. If yours was positive, remind the team when you arrive in labour.
Every hospital has its own guidance on when to call and when to come in. Ask for it in writing or save it on your phone, so you are not relying on memory in labour.
Nutrition this week
- Hospitals differ on eating and drinking in labour, so ask at your next visit what yours advises, including what changes if you might need a caesarean.
- In early labour at home, many people are advised to eat small amounts of easily digested food if they feel like it: idli, plain toast, a banana, curd rice or thin khichdi.
- Sip fluids regularly. Water, chaas and nimbu pani work well; heavy, oily or very spicy meals may sit badly if you feel sick.
- If you have gestational diabetes, check with your team how to manage food and blood sugar once labour starts.
Movement and exercise
- Walking and changing position often feel good in the last weeks and in early labour; there is no need to wear yourself out trying to start labour.
- Upright positions, rocking your hips and leaning forward on a table or bed can make tightenings more comfortable.
- Keep up pelvic floor exercises and slow breathing practice each day.
- Rest between bursts of activity so you have energy if labour starts at night.
Things to keep in mind
- When to call: your hospital's own advice comes first. As a general guide, many hospitals want a call when contractions are regular and about 5 minutes apart. A common rule of thumb is 5-1-1: contractions every 5 minutes, each lasting about 1 minute, for at least 1 hour.
- Go earlier if this is not your first baby, if you live far from the hospital, if traffic could delay you, or if you are simply unsure.
- Go in straight away, whatever your contractions are doing, if your waters break, you bleed, your baby moves less, or you have constant severe pain, a fever or signs of pre-eclampsia.
- Time contractions from the start of one to the start of the next, using a timer or pen and paper.
When to contact your doctor
Call your doctor or midwife the same day if you have
- Itching of the palms and soles, especially at night.
- A fever or flu-like shivering.
- Discharge that smells, itches or looks green.
- Painful or burning urination.
- Swelling, pain or redness in one leg.
Get emergency care now if you have
- Any reduction or change in your baby's movements.
- Fluid leaking from the vagina, especially if it is green or brown.
- Bleeding that is more than a streaky show.
- Constant severe pain, or contractions lasting over 2 minutes or coming 6 or more in 10 minutes.
- Severe headache, vision changes or sudden breathlessness.
In India, call 108 for an ambulance, 102 for free transport for pregnant women in many states, or 112 for any emergency - or go straight to your nearest hospital with a maternity unit.
If something feels wrong, trust that feeling and call - you never need to wait for your next appointment.
Questions to ask your doctor
- When exactly do you want me to call or come in once contractions start?
- Should I come in earlier because of how far I live or my history?
- Can I eat and drink during labour here?
- If early delivery is suggested, what is the medical reason?
Week 37 checklist
- Save your hospital's when-to-come-in advice
- Practise timing tightenings
- Confirm your transport and a backup
- Charge your phone and keep the bag by the door
- Stock light snacks for early labour
Frequently asked questions
Is my baby full term at 37 weeks?
Not quite. 37+0 to 38+6 weeks is early term, and full term begins at 39+0. Babies born now usually do well, but breathing problems are more common than at 39 weeks, so a planned induction or caesarean before 39 weeks is advised only for a medical reason. If labour starts on its own now, that is normal.
How can I tell if contractions are real labour?
Real labour contractions come at regular intervals and get longer, stronger and closer together, and they do not settle with rest or a change of position. Practice tightenings stay irregular and fade. Timing them for an hour usually makes the difference clear. If you are unsure, call your hospital; they would rather hear from you early.
I have lost my mucus plug. Is labour starting?
Not necessarily. The show can come away days before labour begins, or during labour itself, so on its own it does not mean you need to go in. Keep an eye on contractions and movements, and call your hospital if you are unsure. Heavy or bright red bleeding is not a show and needs urgent assessment.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for care from your own doctor or midwife. Pregnancies differ, and timings here are typical ranges rather than deadlines. Read our medical disclaimer and editorial policy.