Early Full Term

Your baby is now considered early full term. If labor begins today, your care team will not try to stop it. The wait is almost over.

Early full term (37 weeks)

This week's tip

💡 Know the signs of labor so you're not caught off guard — regular contractions, your water breaking, or a bloody show are your cues to call your care team.

Baby this week

🍉

About the size of

a large watermelon

Length

48.6 cm

Weight

2.85 kg

Development

Baby is considered early full term.
The brain is still developing and will continue to do so after birth.
Baby is practicing breathing, sucking, and blinking.
Fat layers are providing warmth and energy reserves.
Baby may be engaged deep in the pelvis now.

How you might feel

Contractions may begin to feel stronger and more regular.
Pelvic pressure can be intense.
Cervical changes are beginning — softening, effacement, dilation.
You may feel the urge to deeply clean or organize — classic nesting.

Things to do this week

Know the difference between prodromal (false) labor and active labor
Rest and eat well — your body needs reserves
Confirm your birth support team's availability
Have your care team's number easily accessible

When to contact your care team

This is general guidance, not medical advice.

Contact your care team if contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour (5-1-1 rule).
Contact your care team immediately if your water breaks.

Partner tip

Stay home as much as possible. Your partner needs you close and accessible now.