from 37 full weeks + 0 days to 37 full weeks + 6 days
Size of A leek
- The baby is fully developed and ready to be born.
- The lungs produce enough surfactant to handle breathing on their own.
- The baby's intestine is filled with meconium, which comes out after birth.
- The fat layers give the baby a plump appearance.
- The baby has likely settled into the position in which they will be born.
Physical changes
- The cervix may have begun to dilate slightly.
- The mucus plug may come away – a jelly-like clump, sometimes tinged with blood.
- The belly may look like it has dropped lower.
Common symptoms
- Increased restlessness and difficulty sleeping.
- Back and pelvic pain.
- Strong Braxton Hicks that sometimes feel like real contractions.
- Loose stools can be a sign that the body is preparing.
- Extreme fatigue alternating with bursts of energy.
Emotional changes
- Impatience – you want it to happen now.
- Nervousness about the unknown mixes with anticipation.
- Many experience a calm determination – you are ready.
- Contact the delivery ward if: contractions come regularly every 5 minutes for at least one hour, your water breaks (regardless of amount), or you have bleeding.
- Signs that labor is approaching: the mucus plug comes away, loose stools, nesting instinct, irregular contractions becoming more regular.
- Rest when you can – labor requires energy.
- Spend quality time with your partner before the baby arrives.
Appointments & check-ups
- Midwife checkup with cervical assessment if indicated.
- Heart rate monitoring (CTG) if the midwife deems it necessary.
- Blood pressure and urine test.
Important
- Green or brown amniotic fluid when your water breaks – go directly to the delivery ward (may indicate meconium in the fluid).
- Heavy bleeding – call emergency services.
- Decreased fetal movements – contact the delivery ward without delay.
- Severe headache, vision disturbances, or pain under the ribs – seek urgent care.
Good to eat
- Easily digestible, energy-giving foods: bananas, dates, toast with honey.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Light protein-rich snacks: yogurt, nuts, boiled eggs.
- Fruit smoothies with banana, berries, and oat milk.
Be aware of
- Have snacks ready to bring to the delivery: energy bars, fruit, juice.
- Eat regularly even if your appetite is low.
- Avoid heavy food that may cause discomfort.
Avoid
- Unpasteurized products.
- Raw fish and raw meat.
- Alcohol.
Supplements
- Continue with prescribed supplements.
- Vitamin D.
- Iron as needed.
Gentle movement can help the body prepare for labor. Listen to your body and do what feels good.
If you want to try to encourage labor naturally, walks, pelvic movements, and relaxation can help. Avoid home remedies that are not medically established.
Suggested activities
- Walks – a classic tip for helping start labor
- Pelvic rocking and swaying on a Pilates ball
- Relaxation and deep breathing
- Gentle yoga or stretching
Avoid
- Strenuous exercise
- Activities far from the hospital
- Anything that causes pain or discomfort
Pelvic floor exercises
Continue practicing consciously relaxing the pelvic floor. During labor, it is about opening up and letting go, not holding back.
Sources
The content on this website is based on information from 1177.se and the Swedish Food Agency. It does not replace professional medical advice. Always contact your midwife or doctor with questions about your pregnancy.