Management

Pregnancy: Week 37

Choose a preferred language


../images/c85821f22883fc3d9f92c1e386f7123a.jpg

Most babies are born between 37 and 40 weeks.

../images/d02ed511563212a0c747d02ba9a526cc.jpg

This is a good time to pack a bag to take with you to the birth. Then it will be ready to go when you
are.

../images/d50c23b36169c4b70e817cc61d117641.jpg

Learn about breastfeeding. For example, find out about ways to hold
your baby to make breastfeeding easier. And think about learning how to pump and store milk.

../images/7960a9f2cc6e1b472b901dbe92439c89.jpg

Know that crying is normal. It's common for babies to cry 1 to 3 hours
a day. Some cry more, and some cry less.

../images/da16611fa3564152383bd20af80943d0.jpg

Learn why babies cry. They may be hungry; have gas; need a diaper
change; or feel cold, warm, tired, lonely, or tense. Sometimes they cry for unknown reasons.

../images/6148f23ee5b4f8e54b2e2e76c7a37555.jpg

Think about what will help you stay calm when your baby cries. Taking
slow, deep breaths can help. So can taking a break. It's okay to put your baby somewhere safe (like
their crib) and walk away for a few minutes.

../images/6b520e7fb96c63a219c8fe08d4606b7f.jpg

Learn about safe sleep for your baby. Always put your baby to sleep on
their back. Place them alone in a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat surface. Keep soft items like
stuffed animals out of the crib.

../images/dabd8089aef2e1a94843612c0b1146ed.jpg

Learn what to expect with newborn poop. Your baby will have their own
bowel patterns. Some babies have several bowel movements a day. Some have fewer.

../images/b7478617d5d65bb0352979f5bef918a7.jpg

Know that breastfed babies will often have loose, yellow bowel movements.
Formula-fed babies have more formed stools. If your baby's poop looks like pellets, your baby is
constipated.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all
appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results
and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your
healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask
your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of
this information.

Featured in

© 2006-2026 Healthwise, Incorporated.
user headset icon

Need Help? We're Here for You

Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.

1-800-510-9132
quit smoking icon

Call NC Quitline

Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:

1-800-784-8669
car and bus icon

Schedule Transportation

Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.

1-800-510-9132
Stethoscope icon

Provider Directory

Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist? 

Provider Directory
Related Articles
Read article
OB/GYN
Back Pain During Pregnancy: Moving Safely

Learning the correct ways to bend, lift, and carry objects may help relieve back strain. It will also help you protect your back after your baby is born. Remember, if you’re having trouble protecting your back, it’s OK to ask the people around you for help!

Read article
OB/GYN
Fetal Monitoring

In pregnancy and during labor, your health care provider will check your unborn baby’s heart rate and other functions. Monitoring can be done on the outside of your belly (external monitoring). Or it may be done directly on the baby while inside your uterus (internal monitoring). Fetal monitoring is a very common procedure.

Read article
OB/GYN
Fetal Movement Counting

Fetal movement counting is a way to check the health of a developing baby (fetus). It’s often called kick counting. It’s done by counting the number of kicks you feel from your baby in a certain time period.

Read article
OB/GYN
Blood Glucose Screening During Pregnancy

A blood glucose screening tests for gestational diabetes. Learn about who is at risk for this condition, what happens during a screening, what to know if you test positive, and how to treat it.