37 weeks pregnant: Your Pregnancy Journey Ends and Your Parenthood Journey Begins

You're probably starting to get a little anxious about the day you finally get to meet your little one for the first time. But don’t let that excitement (or nervousness) distract you from taking care of yourself these last few weeks. It’s important for you to be well and rested for your delivery day.  

It’s never too late to start healthy eating and nutrition habits. Make sure you are getting 10 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Drink more if you are exercising. Try to eat meals that include plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables--they have phytochemicals, important nutrients that might not be in your prenatal vitamins. You’ll also want to include, or continue, taking an omega-3 supplement and choline during this period. Omega-3 has been linked to a baby’s birth weight, and cognitive and motor development, while choline is linked to spinal cord formation and early brain development. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet. 

While your body continues to stock up on blood and other fluids, your growing uterus may be slowing down your blood flow. This can all lead to swollen feet. It’s very common and not dangerous. Here are a few ways to manage the symptoms:

• Don’t sit or stand for long periods. Take breaks often and take a brisk, brief walk to keep circulation and fluids moving.
• Elevate your legs when possible. Sleep with your feet propped on a pillow to keep fluids from pooling in your lower body.
• Lie on your side. Keep one or both knees bent. Use extra pillows for support.
• Maintain regular exercise but be sure to check with your doctor before trying any new exercises.

Only 5% of babies are born on their actual due date. This leaves many women wondering if the symptoms they’re experiencing are signs that labor has begun. While we don’t know exactly what triggers labor, there are some definite signs. The most common sign is when a woman’s water breaks. Water breaking is when the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby bursts through the sac containing it and exits the woman. It can be a large gush or a trickle, and the fluid is sometimes confused with urine. Once a woman’s water has broken, labor typically follows shortly after, if it hasn’t begun already. If you believe your water has broken, contact your physician immediately. 

It’s week 37, and final preparations in the womb have begun. You have a reason to celebrate: Your baby is considered full term! That means your baby has had sufficient time to develop for labor. Still, every day in-utero after 37 weeks helps with maturity. During the last few weeks, your baby is slowing down her growth; however, there is still a little room to grow. Essential fat (also called baby fat) will continue to form. This will round her out and help her stay warm after birth. Rest easy, mom–you’ve made it past the point of a preterm labor.

REFERENCES:

Phytochemicals. Harvard Health Publishing website. 
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/fill-up-on-phytochemicals

Omega-3 and pregnancy. American Pregnancy website. 
https://americanpregnancy.org/first-year-of-life/omega-3-supplements-baby/

Omega-3 and pregnancy. Science Daily website. 
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409110029.htm

Choline and pregnancy. Your Choice Nutrition website. 
https://www.yourchoicenutrition.com/choline-during-pregnancy/

Swollen feet. Healthline website. 
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/swollen-feet-during-pregnancy#causes

Percentage of babies born on due date. Parents website. 
https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/labor-and-delivery/science-pinpoints-when-your-labor-will-start/

Preterm vs. Term labor. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. 
https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Preterm-Labor-and-Birth?IsMobileSet=false#what