Real, evidence-based guidance for exactly where you are right now.
Baby Development
Officially considered "early term" from this point (37 weeks 0 days) — a real, meaningful clinical threshold, though "full term" (39-40 weeks) remains the ideal target when there's no medical reason for earlier delivery.
Your Body This Week
The body is genuinely preparing for labor — cervical changes may begin, sometimes felt as increased pelvic pressure.
Diet
Continue a varied, nutrient-dense diet.
Supplements
Continue your prenatal vitamin.¹
Tests
GBS results, if tested, are typically available now.
Vaccinations
Tdap, if not yet given, should be completed by the end of this week (end of the 27-36 week window).⁵
Exercise
Continue gentle activity as comfort allows.²
Red Flags — When to Call Your Doctor
Regular contractions, reduced fetal movement, fluid leakage, or a bloody mucus discharge ("bloody show") warrant contacting your doctor.
Doctor Visits
Weekly visits continue.
Mental Health
Real anticipation intensifies as full term approaches — a normal, valid part of these final weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between "early term" and "full term"?
"Early term" is 37-38 weeks, "full term" is 39-40 weeks, and "late term" is 41 weeks — real, distinct categories because research shows outcomes are genuinely, measurably best at full term when there's no medical reason to deliver earlier.
References