As you near the end of your pregnancy journey and approach 37 weeks, it’s natural to start wondering about the signs of labor that you may experience. While every person’s labor experience is unique, there are some common cues that your body may be preparing for childbirth.
1. Contractions
One of the primary indicators that labor may be approaching at 37 weeks is the onset of contractions. These contractions may feel like intense menstrual cramps in your lower abdomen. Keep in mind that with your first baby, it can be challenging to differentiate between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor contractions.
2. Lower Abdominal Discomfort
Alongside contractions, you may also experience a general sense of discomfort in your lower abdomen. This discomfort can vary from person to person and may persist or come and go as labor progresses.
3. Lower Back Pain
Another common sign of labor at 37 weeks is the presence of lower back pain. This pain can be steady or intermittent and might be a result of your body preparing for childbirth by shifting and adjusting.
4. Increased Vaginal Discharge
As you approach 37 weeks, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. This discharge may be clear, pinkish, or tinged with blood, known as the bloody show, indicating that your cervix is starting to dilate in preparation for labor.
5. Nesting Instinct
Many expectant parents report experiencing a sudden burst of energy and a strong urge to prepare their home for the arrival of their baby. This phenomenon, known as the nesting instinct, can be a signal that labor is imminent.
6. Changes in Appetite
Some individuals may notice fluctuations in their appetite as they approach 37 weeks of pregnancy. This could manifest as increased hunger or a reduced desire to eat as the body undergoes hormonal shifts in preparation for labor.
7. Water Breaking
While not as common as depicted in movies, the rupture of the amniotic sac leading to your water breaking can be a clear indication that labor is near. If you experience a gush or a continuous trickle of fluid, contact your healthcare provider.
8. Pelvic Pressure
At 37 weeks, you may feel increased pressure in your pelvic area as the baby descends further into the birth canal in readiness for delivery. This sensation can vary in intensity and may be accompanied by the urge to urinate more frequently.
9. Emotional Changes
As your body prepares for labor, you might experience heightened emotions ranging from excitement to anxiety. These emotional fluctuations are entirely normal at this stage of pregnancy as you anticipate the arrival of your little one.
10. Inconsistent Sleep Patterns
With the impending arrival of your baby, you may find it challenging to maintain a regular sleep schedule at 37 weeks. Restlessness and frequent trips to the bathroom can disrupt your sleep, preparing you for the sleepless nights ahead with a newborn.
11. Cervical Changes
Your healthcare provider may detect cervical changes during routine examinations as you approach 37 weeks. These changes can include effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening) of the cervix, signs that your body is getting ready for labor.
12. Intuition
Lastly, trust your intuition. Many pregnant individuals report having a gut feeling or a strong sense that labor is approaching. Listen to your body, stay attuned to any changes or unusual sensations, and reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
