Your Pregnancy: A Week-by-Week Guide

You are 37 Weeks Pregnant!

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOU
Congratulations! Even though you are about three weeks from your due date, if your baby weighs over five and one half pounds and you finish the 37th week, your baby is considered "full term." In most cases, nothing will be done to stop your labor once it starts.
You may be counting the days until your baby's official due date. Remember that only about five percent of babies are born on their due date -- including those with a due date determined by ultrasound! Don't set yourself up for disappointment by concentrating heavily on the "magic" day.
If you are having your first baby your baby may have "dropped" into your pelvis. The process of engagement or "lightening" in a woman who has already given birth is a phenomenon usually reserved for labor. True engagement is the fixing of the fetal presenting part -- usually the head -- at the level of the mid pelvis, or at the level of the ischial spines.

This girl has dropped. I'm peeing every other hour it seems and the pressure down low is very noticeable. I feel like I'm able to eat a little more then I use to and can breath a little easier now too. I honestly think that I will go into labor somewhere close to my due date....maybe a couple days before or after. Guess we'll just have to wait and see if I'm right. :)

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

Gaining one half to one ounce each day, your baby is growing rapidly. Most babies are larger than five pounds, eight ounces now and have enough fat stores to keep their temperature stable in the extra uterine environment.

I know hitting the 37 week milestone has been a relief for me. I feel so much better knowing that from this point on she is ready and able to survive if she had too on her own.

EATING FOR TWO
Here's a refreshing way to get those fruits in your diet:

Raspberry Lemonade Smoothie
2 cups lemonade
1/2 pint fresh raspberries
2 cups ice
Optional garnish: three slices or wedges of lemon

Combine ice and lemonade in a blender until the ice is crushed. Add raspberries and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and garnish with lemon wedges.

This is actually one of the few recipes they've given on here that sounds really good! I'll have to try it.

FACT OF THE WEEK

· If you are giving birth outside of your home, it's a good idea to pack your bag long before the first contraction. While the list below is not all-inclusive, it does suggest some essential items to bring. Remember that your hospital stay is usually short, so it's better to pack light.

· Camera: Bring along several rolls of indoor film and/or a video camera and an extra video battery pack. If you take the video camera, bring a tripod. More than one proud papa has forgotten to take the video in the midst of excitement.

· Clothes: A nightgown for you, if desired. An extra set of clothes for you (including socks to keep your feet warm). Keep your going-home outfit loose since most women leave the hospital looking (temporarily) like they are about four months pregnant. Don't forget a newborn outfit for baby.

· Snacks: Your labor partner may not get an opportunity to leave the room. Having food on hand can be a real lifesaver. Many hospitals will feed you, but not your partner!

· Tylenol: Hospitals or birth centers may charge exorbitant rates for medications. Be sure to check with your practitioner before taking any medications -- prescription or over-the-counter.

· Toiletries: Hairbrush, makeup and other toiletries: Be prepared for all the photo opportunities!

· Celebratory drink: Champagne or non-alcoholic bubbly drink: Toast "To life!"

· Mindless reading material: Just in case you're in for a long wait.

· Baby car seat: Your baby will not be released without one. Read your manual before leaving for the hospital.

· Optional: CD or cassette player, massage oil, candy to keep your mouth moist and extra food for you in case the idea of hospital food really turns you off!

I just put my hospital bag together. Still some small things I need to add, but for the most part we are ready to go if need be.