37 Weeks. Checking off the boxes.

Babycenter:

How your baby's growing:

Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you're planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there's a medical reason to intervene earlier.)

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

How your life's changing:

Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some "bloody show" (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.)

Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn't yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you'll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby's movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.

While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.

Alphamom:

Week 37

Your Baby:

• Weighs about six and a half pounds, and is 21 inches long — quite possibly the same length he or she will be at birth.
• Is packing on close to a half-pound of pure, unadulterated baby chub every week.

You:

• Are probably dismayed to realize you are STILL outgrowing your maternity clothes. Your shirts ride up to reveal a couple inches of belly (or elastic waistbands), your pants might bulge and pucker weirdly as your uterus drops lower, and some tops might feel especially tight as your ribcage expands to handle all your pushed-up organs.
• Might be having serious trouble getting a good night’s sleep thanks to your size (my limbs keep falling asleep under my body’s crushing weight), your baby’s jolt-you-awake-caliber kicks, bladder calls, Braxton-Hicks contractions, and your brain’s constant buzz of excitement and anxiety and massive to-do lists.

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Me: Nursery: check. Hospital bag: check. Childbirth and BF-ing Classes: check.. Baby Shower: check. Pre-register at hospital: check. Pick a Pediatrician: check. Maternity Leave paperwork: check.

So much crossed off, but why do I feel like there is so much more left to do??

Maybe it's those nagging baby shower thank-you's that I still have to attend to.

Well, put it this way, nothing is stopping this baby coming, nor would I feel unprepared if he arrives, uh, tomorrow. The foyer decoration can wait. And the fan install. And who knows what else. It's just that the more I cross off the list, the more I add to it. And that's just me.

Weekly doctor's appt last week: Yea no Group B Strep. Measuring normal, if not on the 'smallish' side (as per Dr. Smiley, thank yew I'll take that as a compliment). He's predicting a 6-7 lb babe. (!!) 1.5 cm dilated at last appointment.

Did I mention that we think he's dropped?? There seems to be more room between my rib line and the top curvature of my belly, if that makes any sense. It's been easier to breathe (more or less). And my bipple has disappeared from my gaze, looking down, which has been the most astounding thing of all. It was there, and now it's not... it's lower.

Lots more pain and discomfort.... but hard to tell if it's the real deal quite yet.