The 37-week prenatal appointment marks a significant milestone in pregnancy, as this is the point at which a pregnancy is considered full-term. This stage signifies that the baby is likely developed enough to thrive outside the womb. This appointment serves as a comprehensive check-in, ensuring both the birthing parent and baby are progressing well and preparing for the upcoming delivery.
Routine Checks and Measurements
The 37-week appointment includes routine checks to monitor the birthing parent’s health and the baby’s growth. Healthcare providers check blood pressure and pulse, which helps identify preeclampsia. Weight is also measured to track maternal weight gain.
A urine sample is collected to screen for protein and glucose. The presence of protein in the urine can indicate preeclampsia, while glucose in the urine suggests gestational diabetes. The baby’s heart rate is monitored, and the fundal height is measured. Fundal height is the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, and at 37 weeks, it corresponds to the number of weeks of pregnancy, providing an estimation of the baby’s growth.
Assessing Baby’s Position and Readiness
Beyond routine measurements, the 37-week appointment includes specific assessments to determine the baby’s position and the birthing parent’s physical readiness for labor. The Leopold’s maneuver is an assessment where the healthcare provider palpates the abdomen to determine the baby’s lie, presentation, and engagement. This manual examination helps confirm if the baby is in a head-down position, which is optimal for a vaginal birth. If the baby is in a breech (bottom-down) position, a provider might discuss options such as an external cephalic version (ECV) to turn the baby, or a planned C-section.
An internal cervical exam may also be performed at this stage to assess cervical changes. During this exam, the provider checks for dilation (how much the cervix has opened), effacement (how much the cervix has thinned), and the baby’s station (how far down the baby’s head is in the pelvis). While these findings offer insights into the body’s preparation for labor, they do not definitively predict when labor will start, as progress varies among individuals.
Key Discussions with Your Provider
This appointment also provides an opportunity for discussions between the birthing parent and their healthcare provider regarding the approaching labor and delivery. Conversations cover the signs of labor, such as contractions, the “bloody show” (mucus plug), or water breaking, and clarify when it’s appropriate to go to the hospital. Pain management options available during labor, including epidurals, spinal blocks, or non-medical approaches, are reviewed.
Reviewing the birth plan is another discussion point, allowing the birthing parent to communicate their preferences for labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care. This helps ensure the medical team is aware of their wishes, while also acknowledging that flexibility may be necessary depending on how labor progresses. Providers also confirm readiness regarding practical matters like having a hospital bag packed and the infant car seat installed. This discussion helps address any questions or concerns, empowering the birthing parent as they near their due date.