37 weeks pregnant: Eat well, get plenty of rest!

In a few weeks, the little champ you have been carrying from the past 9 months will arrive. Try to enjoy this waiting time as much as possible and get plenty of rest.
Do not let the pregnancy-related anxiety take a toll on your well being. Majority of women deliver between 38 to 42 weeks of their pregnancy.
By that time, you can book the hospital where you want to deliver the baby and prepare a bag of all the important stuff you wish to take to the hospital to avoid the last minute rush.
How big is the baby?
Your baby now weighs close to 2.8 kilos and maybe 50 cm long from head to toe. The head of your baby is now cradled in your pelvic cavity and will be equal to the size of a honeydew melon.

Development of the baby
The lungs of your little one are now capable of adjusting to life outside your womb. In this phase, the baby is practicing all the tricks like swallowing, sucking its thumb, breathing the amino fluid, that will help it to survive easily outside your cosy womb.
Head
At the time of birth, the size of your baby’s head is similar to the size of its hips, abdomen and shoulders. The body will change shape a few weeks after the birth.
Immune system
Your little one's immune system is completely developed and after its birth, your breast milk will provide it with necessary antibodies to stay fit.
Pregnancy symptoms and what to do to relieve them
Vaginal dischargeIn the 37th week, the Braxton Hicks contractions will turn more intense and will feel like period pains. Apart from this, your vaginal discharge will also increase.
Stretch marks
If you witness raised, red and itchy stretch marks then most likely you are suffering from a condition called Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy (PEP). It is considerably common during pregnancy and mostly gets better after the birth of the baby. Consult your doctor - he may prescribe you some ointment for relief.
Bleeding and spotting
Inform your doctor if you experience any bleeding and spotting during pregnancy. This may happen due to the separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus, which can be dangerous for your baby.
What are the signs of labour pain?
Now that you are in the last phase of the pregnancy, you must be aware of the signs of labour pain.
Regular contractions
Regular contractions are often confused with false contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions. Though the intensity of both the contractions may be similar, the indicator of labour contraction is consistent contractions over time. If your contraction is irregular and disappears after some time, then relax it is just Braxton Hicks contractions.
Water breaking
Water breaking is the tearing of the protective amniotic sac that has been holding your baby all this while. Every woman has a different experience when the water breaks out.
Mucus plug
The mucus plug is a type of cervical mucous which is filled with antimicrobial properties. It protects the baby from i nfection against bacteria. If this comes out, a woman goes into labour within 12 hours.
Tips for you this week
Getting a sound sleep might be even more difficult now. Pile on pillows or take a foot massage before going to bed for comfort.
In case you are feeling bloated, do not stop drinking water, that will not help at all.
Read here: 38 weeks pregnant: Relax your baby will arrive soon!