Week 37 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions

7 tips for week 37 of pregnancy

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  Learn about breastfeeding. For example, find out about ways to hold your baby to make breastfeeding easier. And think about learning how to pump and store milk.

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  Know that crying is normal. It's common for babies to cry 1 to 3 hours a day. Some cry more, and some cry less.

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  Learn why babies cry. They may be hungry; have gas; need a diaper change; or feel cold, warm, tired, lonely, or tense. Sometimes they cry for unknown reasons.

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  Think about what will help you stay calm when your baby cries. Taking slow, deep breaths can help. So can taking a break. It's okay to put your baby somewhere safe (like their crib) and walk away for a few minutes.

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  Learn about safe sleep for your baby. Always put your baby to sleep on their back. Place them alone in a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat surface. Keep soft items like stuffed animals out of the crib.

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  Learn what to expect with newborn poop. Your baby will have their own bowel patterns. Some babies have several bowel movements a day. Some have fewer.

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  Know that breastfed babies will often have loose, yellow bowel movements. Formula-fed babies have more formed stools. If your baby's poop looks like pellets, your baby is constipated.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have severe vaginal bleeding. You have soaked through one or more pads in an hour, and the bleeding is not slowing down.
• You have sudden, severe pain in your belly that does not go away.
• You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have a seizure.
• You see or feel the umbilical cord.
• You think you are about to deliver your baby and can't make it safely to the hospital or birthing center.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have vaginal bleeding.
• You have belly pain.
• You have a fever.
• You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
  • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in your leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.
• You have symptoms of preeclampsia, such as:
  • Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet.
  • New vision problems (such as dimness, blurring, or seeing spots).
  • A severe headache that will not go away.
• You have a sudden release or slow trickle of fluid from your vagina. This may mean your water has broken.
• You notice that your baby has stopped moving or is moving less than normal.
• You have signs of heart failure, such as:
  • New or increased shortness of breath.
  • New or worse swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
  • Sudden weight gain, such as more than 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week.
  • Feeling so tired or weak that you cannot do your usual activities.
• You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
  • Pain or burning when you urinate.
  • A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
  • Pain in your low back (below the rib cage and above the waist).
  • Blood in your urine.
• You have signs of active labor. During active labor, contractions:
  • Happen more often and at regular intervals (about every 3 to 5 minutes).
  • Last longer (about 60 seconds or more).
  • Get stronger and are hard to talk through.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You have vaginal discharge that smells bad.
• You feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for more than a few days.
• You have skin changes, such as a rash, itching, or a yellow color to your skin.
• You have other concerns about your pregnancy.