37 weeks pregnant: early term, and learning the signs of labour
Your baby could arrive any day now without being early. This week is about knowing the signs, and knowing who to call.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
At 37 weeks a birth is no longer premature: ACOG and Cleveland Clinic call 37 to 38 weeks early term, and the NHS calls it full term. Your baby is about 48.6 cm long (NHS) and most babies are now head-down. The one thing to do this week: learn the signs of labour and save your maternity unit number.
Where you are at 37 weeks
Month 10 begins in Cleveland Clinic's grouping (weeks 37 to 40). The words used for this stage differ between sources, which can be confusing at 2 a.m.:
| Term | ACOG and Cleveland Clinic | NHS week-by-week guide |
|---|---|---|
| 37+0 to 38+6 | Early term | Full term |
| 39+0 to 40+6 | Full term | Full term |
| 41+0 to 41+6 | Late term | Overdue |
What everyone agrees on: preterm means before 37 weeks (ACOG), so a birth from now on is not premature. If you are unsure of your exact day, use the pregnancy week calculator.
Your baby this week
The NHS gives about 48.6 cm from head to heel, compared to the length of a leek. Your baby is trying out facial expressions such as frowning and smiling, at random for now. Cleveland Clinic notes that toenails reach the ends of the toes, and that you may feel your baby drop into your pelvis.
The NHS says around 95% of babies are head-down by now, facing your back. If yours is still bottom-down, there is time to turn; some babies only move into place when labour starts.
Your body and common symptoms
- More discharge and more tightenings. Both are common. Braxton Hicks can feel uncomfortable but should not be painful.
- Relief up top. As your baby moves down, heartburn and indigestion may ease, while the need to pee every few minutes may not.
- Nesting. A sudden urge to clean and sort is common. Enjoy it, and still rest.
- Leaning forwards. The NHS mentions sitting with hips above knees and leaning forwards: not proven to turn a baby, but harmless.
Signs of labour, and when to call
Labour often starts slowly, over hours or even days. The NHS signs to watch for are contractions or tightenings, a show, backache, an urge to go to the toilet, and your waters breaking. Our page on signs of labor walks through each one.
Call your midwife or maternity unit if contractions come every 5 minutes or more often, or if you are unsure. Call urgently, even in the middle of the night, if your waters break, you bleed, a contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes, you have 6 or more contractions in 10 minutes, or your baby moves less than usual. Severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, trouble breathing or fainting need help immediately (CDC). UK: maternity unit, NHS 111 if you cannot reach them, 999 in an emergency. US: your OB-GYN or labour and delivery unit, 911 in an emergency.
Appointments and tests around 37 weeks
- US: weekly visits; if your group B strep swab has not been done, it is due by 38 weeks (ACOG). If the result is positive, you will be offered antibiotics in labour.
- UK: your next routine appointment is at 38 weeks (NHS). If group B strep was found in a previous pregnancy or during other tests, the NHS says you may need extra care in labour: remind your midwife.
Postnatal mood: worth knowing before the birth
The NHS week 37 guide suggests learning about postnatal depression now, together with your partner. It affects more than 1 in 10 women in the first year, can come on gradually and is not your fault. Signs include low mood, losing interest, exhaustion, trouble sleeping, withdrawing, and frightening thoughts. Partners can be affected too. Our page on postpartum depression lists where to get help.
Your checklist for week 37
For your partner
From now on, keep your phone charged and on loud, and know the route by heart. If you are her birth partner, the signs of labour list is yours too.
Previous and next week
Week 36: position checks · Week 38: the 38-week check and planning past 41 weeks · The third trimester · All weeks · Due date calculator
Questions parents ask
Is 37 weeks full term?
It depends who is talking. The NHS week-by-week guide calls your baby full term from 37 weeks. ACOG and Cleveland Clinic use early term for 37 weeks 0 days to 38 weeks 6 days and full term for 39 weeks 0 days to 40 weeks 6 days. Either way, a birth now is not premature.
What are the first signs of labour?
The NHS lists contractions or tightenings, a show (a sticky plug of mucus, possibly yellow or blood-streaked), backache, an urge to go to the toilet as the head presses down, and your waters breaking.
Can twins come at 37 weeks?
Yes. The NHS week 37 guide notes that twin pregnancies rarely go beyond 38 weeks, and the Twins Trust has information for parents of twins. Your team will discuss your own plan.
Sources
- NHS — Week-by-week guide to pregnancy, week 37 checked October 13, 2026
- Cleveland Clinic — Fetal development, week-by-week stages of pregnancy checked October 13, 2026
- ACOG — Preterm Labor and Birth checked October 13, 2026
- NHS — Signs that labour has begun checked October 13, 2026
- ACOG — Group B Strep and Pregnancy checked October 13, 2026
- CDC — Urgent maternal warning signs (Hear Her) checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.