Your pregnancy: weeks 37 to 40

Your baby

Are you feeling a bit weighed down? No wonder! Your baby weighs 6 pounds or more — and will spend the next weeks putting on a few more pounds. By now your baby’s physical development is complete. Although the lungs are fully mature, the umbilical cord will support your baby’s breathing until after birth.

What's happening this week?

Week 37 A honeydew melon
hands holding a honeydew melon

37 weeks pregnant

Proud parent-to-be moment: My baby is full-term now. They say hardly anyone delivers on their due date, so I’m ready for anything!

  • Your baby is about the size of a honeydew melon.
  • Little hands are strong enough to grasp with their fingers.
  • Your baby is nearly full-term, which means if you go into labor right now, they're most likely ready to thrive without medical help.
Week 38 A pumpkin
hands holding a pumpkin

38 weeks pregnant

Strange to think that I could go into labor any minute … but it’s ALL I can think about!

  • Your baby is now the size of a small pumpkin.
  • Your little one’s eyes can see objects that are up to 8 inches away.
  • Your baby can sneeze and cough. Bless you, baby!

 

Week 39 A watermelon
men holding small watermelon next to pregnant woman

39 weeks pregnant

Makes sense to me. I’ve been feeling like I swallowed a watermelon for weeks!

  • Your baby is the size of a small watermelon.
  • Changes are small now, compared to your baby’s development in the past months.
  • At birth your little one’s eyes may be puffy and red, and their skin might look scaly. Don’t worry, it’s only temporary!
Week 40 My baby is due this week!
sleeping mother and newborn baby in a hospital bed

40 weeks pregnant

Should be any day, could be a little longer … but good things come to those who wait!

  • Your due date is here!
  • Your baby will probably weigh between 6 to 9 pounds on delivery day.
  • Your little one will be born knowing your voice, as well as your partner’s.
  • This is the end of one chapter, and the beginning of a brand-new adventure!

Your body

You might be breathing a little easier as your baby drops down into the birth canal. Your nipples may stick out a little more as you get ready to breastfeed. You won’t feel it, but your cervix is starting to thin and open to prepare for childbirth. Try to relax, take it easy, and enjoy these last days before your baby comes. The amazing moment when you finally meet your baby is just around the corner.

Learn what to do if you think you’re in labor

Your to-do list

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Ready to get maternity care?
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Northern California members:
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Learn about CenteringPregnancy®, a unique prenatal care program that includes group support with other new moms.