WEEK THIRTY-SEVEN

WEEK THIRTY-SEVEN

While you might think that pregnancy is never going to end, you’re really in
the home stretch by now.

The development of baby

• Baby is still growing
• Baby produces meconium in the intestines and will be released in the
first bowel movement

The development of mom

• Having periods of fatigue and over energy
• Nesting continues

What baby is feeling

• Baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid that continues to replace itself
over and over. They are learning how to digest in order to get
nutrients from formula or breast milk.

What mom is feeling

• The nesting feeling is when you are active and energetic, sometimes
getting the nursery ready or baby proofing the house. Don’t overexert
yourself, but if you’re feeling the energy come on, use it!
Specific needs for the week
• If you’re concerned that you might need an episiotomy during your
delivery, you can start to ready your body by massaging the perineum
– the space between your vaginal opening and your rectum. Apply a
little lubricant and gently massage the area with your thumb. A little
discomfort is okay, but pain is not.
Specific concerns for the week
• If you start to lose weight, that might be a sign that you are getting
ready to give birth.

Special tip for mom

• Do you have a plan for when you go into labor? If you have other
children, who will be taking care of them?