The Playbook

37 Weeks Pregnant: Early Term and On Call

By the Guide to Fatherhood editorial team. Last reviewed . 2 min read.

Checked against guidance from organizations like the AAP, CDC, ACOG and NHS (linked below). This is general information, not medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer.

Trimester3
Sizea bunch of Swiss chard
Length / weightabout 19.1 in (48.6 cm), about 6.3 lb (2.9 kg)

Early term begins. The baby is practicing breathing, sucking, grasping and blinking, and is usually settled into a head-down position.

Your to-do list this week

  • Treat yourself as on call: phone charged and on loud, no long trips, no big nights out.
  • Help her rest: take every chore, every errand, every early morning.
  • Plan small things to look forward to each day: a walk, a favorite takeout, a movie.
  • Field the 'any news?' texts so she doesn't have to. A cheerful 'We'll let you know!' works.
A conversation to have this week

"What would make these last few weeks feel good for you?" Then do as much of it as you can.

The baby this week

The baby is now “early term,” a little over six pounds, and practicing the skills needed after birth: breathing movements, sucking, grasping and blinking (NHS). ACOG defines early term as 37 weeks 0 days to 38 weeks 6 days, and full term as 39 weeks 0 days to 40 weeks 6 days, because babies keep maturing in those final weeks.

How she may be feeling

Ready. Uncomfortable. Impatient. Possibly losing the mucus plug, having more Braxton Hicks, or feeling the baby lower. Every twinge raises the question “is this it?” Most of the time it isn’t, yet.

Your job: be on call

  • Phone charged and on loud. Always.
  • Stay close. Postpone the long work trip and the all-day fishing trip.
  • Keep the house running. Food, laundry, trash, pets. She shouldn’t have to think about any of it.
  • Know the plan. When to call, when to go, which entrance. Review it on the labor guide.

Make the wait good

The last weeks can drag. Small things help a lot:

  • A daily walk together (if her provider is fine with it).
  • Her favorite takeout, without being asked.
  • A movie list, a puzzle, a show you finish together.
  • Protecting her from the endless “Any news?” texts. You can be the family spokesperson.

And when you can, rest. You’ll need it.

Frequently asked questions

Is 37 weeks full term?

No. ACOG calls 37 weeks 0 days through 38 weeks 6 days 'early term.' Full term is 39 weeks 0 days through 40 weeks 6 days. Babies born early term usually do well, but the last weeks still matter for brain, lung and liver development.

What is the mucus plug?

A plug of mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy. It may come out as the cervix starts to change, sometimes with a little blood (bloody show). Labor may follow within hours, or days, or longer.

Sources

  1. Definition of Term Pregnancy, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  2. Week 37: Your baby and your body, NHS
  3. How to Tell When Labor Begins, ACOG

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