Feeling your baby move in the pubic area at 37 weeks is a common experience. Many expectant parents notice a shift in fetal movements as they near their due date. This sensation often prompts questions about its significance for the baby’s position and pregnancy progression. It is a natural part of late pregnancy as your body and baby prepare for birth.
Understanding the Sensation
The sensation of movement in the pubic area at 37 weeks is linked to “lightening” or “engagement.” This occurs when the baby descends deeper into the pelvis in preparation for birth. In first pregnancies, this dropping can happen weeks before labor, while in subsequent pregnancies, it might not occur until labor has started. When the widest part of the baby’s head enters the pelvis, it is considered engaged.
As the baby moves lower, their head can press against pelvic structures like nerves, ligaments, and the pubic bone. This increased pressure leads to distinct sensations. You might feel kicks, punches, or wiggles more intensely in the lower pelvic and pubic regions due to limited space. The baby’s head pressing on nerves can also result in sharp, shooting pains or a stinging sensation, sometimes described as “lightning crotch.” These brief, intense pains are not serious, caused by pressure on nerves around the lower uterus or cervix.
Normalcy and What to Expect
Experiencing these movements and sensations at 37 weeks is a normal aspect of late pregnancy. It often indicates the baby is positioning for delivery. As the baby drops, some individuals may notice increased pelvic pressure or a more pronounced waddling gait. Paradoxically, while there is increased pressure in the lower pelvis, some may experience relief from upper abdominal discomfort, such as heartburn or shortness of breath, as the baby is no longer pressing against the diaphragm and lungs.
You may also observe your belly appears lower than before. These physical shifts are part of the body’s natural preparation for labor. It is important to distinguish these normal, sometimes uncomfortable, sensations from actual signs of labor. While engagement is a sign the body is preparing, it does not necessarily mean labor will begin immediately, as babies can be engaged for weeks before delivery.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
While feeling baby movements in the pubic area at 37 weeks is normal, be aware of signs warranting contact with your healthcare provider. A sudden decrease in fetal movement should always be reported immediately. Even with limited space, your baby should remain active, and any significant change in their usual movement pattern requires evaluation. Most healthcare providers recommend contacting them if you do not feel at least 10 distinct movements within a two-hour period.
Contact your doctor or midwife for signs of preterm labor, even at 37 weeks (early term). These signs include regular, stronger contractions that do not subside with rest or position changes, fluid leakage from the vagina, or vaginal bleeding. Severe, unbearable pain not relieved by position changes, or any other concerning symptom, should also prompt a call for assessment.