BLOGSILOG

36 weeks down, 3 weeks to go! Earlier update HERE.

How your baby’s growing: The baby is putting on weight at a very fast pace during the 37 weeks pregnant stage. The fat is getting deposited on the cheeks, knees and elbows and these are becoming dimpled due to fat deposition. The baby is putting on weight at the rate of ½ ounce per day. The baby becomes rounder by the day. The skin is fast losing its wrinkled appearance and the skin colour is becoming pinker. The baby is breathing very well by now. The baby’s development is nearly fully completed and the baby is ready to be delivered at any time now. The baby’s approximate weight is about 61/2 to 7 pounds and the approximate length is 20 to 21 inches.

The most significant development at this stage of pregnancy is the positioning or presentation of the baby for birth. The mother experiences increased pressure in the lower abdominal area. This is called engaging or lightening. The baby moves or shifts downward and its head comes to rest in the mother’s pelvic bone bowl. This is the case in 95% of the deliveries. The baby might position or present in many other ways like traverse, breech, brow, knee and so on.

And how’s mom doing? You are in the full term or advanced stages of pregnancy in the 37 weeks pregnant stage. You are now due for delivery anytime. The baby delivered at this stage is a mature or a full term baby. You might be feeling very heavy now due to increased weight. You will continue to put on weight as the baby is still growing and developing. At this stage, the baby has come down in the pelvic cavity of your body and positioned itself for the birth. Your body will now start preparing for labor and this is done by dilation of the cervix. The mucus plug which acts as a protective sealant of the uterus begins to discharge from the body. Do consult your doctor about all types of discharges.

The other significant bodily change is the increased breast size. The breasts become heavier and fuller due to hormonal changes. The breasts may feel tender and uncomfortable. In the case of some pregnant women, the breasts start secreting colostrum. (in my case, it started on the 27th week) There could be cracks in the nipples. There could be increased itchiness of the stomach muscles due to extensive stretching. Other changes include increased restlessness due to tiredness, lack of sleep, frequent urination, high blood pressure, increased sugar levels, hemorrhoids, low back ache, headaches and so on.