Week 37: Full Term Beginning - Ready for Life

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Your baby's immune system, while still immature, is now equipped with basic defenses. The antibodies you've transferred provide passive immunity against many infections, and your baby's own immune cells are capable of mounting responses to new threats. Breastfeeding will continue to provide immune support after birth.

Physical Appearance at Full Term

Your baby now weighs approximately 2.9 kilograms (6.4 pounds) and measures about 48-51 cm (19-20 inches) in length. The characteristic appearance of a full-term baby includes:

• Smooth, pink skin with minimal vernix coating
• Well-developed fat stores giving a rounded, full appearance
• Strong muscle tone and coordinated movements
• Alert periods with established sleep-wake cycles
• Functional reflexes essential for survival

Your Body's Final Preparations

Your body is also making final preparations for labor and delivery:

• The cervix continues to soften and may begin to dilate
• Braxton Hicks contractions may become more frequent and stronger
• Your baby may "drop" lower into your pelvis
• You might experience increased pelvic pressure
• The hormone relaxin continues to loosen ligaments and joints

Recipe: Labor-Preparing Date and Raspberry Smoothie

Ingredients

• 3-4 pitted dates, soaked for 10 minutes
• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• 1 banana
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions

1. Drain and chop dates
2. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy
3. Add more coconut water if needed for desired consistency
4. Dates may help with cervical ripening and labor preparation

Sources:

1. Committee on Obstetric Practice. (2017). “Definition of term pregnancy”
2. Tita, A.T., et al. (2009). “Timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery at term and neonatal outcomes”
3. Kostović, I., et al. (2011). “The development of cerebral connections during the first 20-45 weeks”
4. Palmeira, P., et al. (2012). “IgG placental transfer in healthy and pathological pregnancies”