Pregnancy Week By Week (Week 37)

Week 37 Fetus

Must-ask Questions this Week (Week 37)

How will I know if my baby is sick?

A lot of first time parents worry over not noticing the signals that their child may send when they are unwell. Most parents also discover that they are more fine-tuned than they thought and they are able to zero in on the following illnesses with little difficulty.

• Runny nose (usually it is viral such as the common cold but can also be triggered by allergies or chemical sensitivities)

• Coughing (can be caused by common cold, allergies, exposure to cigarette smoke and other irritants or chronic lung disease)

• Wheezing (caused by the narrowing of the air passages in the lungs and the presence of excess mucus in the major airways)

• Croup (a noisy seal like bark that is caused by the inflammation of the windpipe below the vocal cords)

• Diarrhea and or abdominal cramps (can be triggered by gastrointestinal problem, food sensitivity or other illnesses)

• Vomiting (cause for concern is if your child becomes dehydrated)

• Changes to baby's skin color (extreme paleness or flushedness - can be result of systemic or localized infection)

• Rashes (caused by viral or bacterial infection or an allergic reaction to food, medication or other substances)

• Fussiness or lethargy (caused by an illness or infection)

• Fever (infection, a reaction to an immunization or overdressing your baby)


Will I be able to protect my baby from harm?

Fortunately newborns are not as fragile as they appear; besides common sense and parental instincts enable parents to keep their babies safe from harm. You will feel less helpless if you do some reading on infant and toddler care. Also, if you seek guidance from experienced friends and relatives - suggestions from familiar people and on age-old issues always help.

Some Basic Pointers (Week 37)

Make sure your bag for the hospital is packed at least 3 weeks ahead of your due date, and be prepared for at least one overnight stay.

Things for Me

• Robe and nightgown

• Slippers with rubber soles

• Toiletries (toothbrush and paste, hairbrush, deodorant, other personal care items maxipads, nursing bras)

• Nursing bra and nipple cream

• Change of clothing (with at least 2 pairs of panties)

• Going home outfit (something that fit when you were five months pregnant)


Labor Aids

• Light snacks, drinks for your and spouse

• Hot water bottle to ease back pain

• Extra pillows for greater comfort


Things for Baby

• Diapers (your hospital may provide you some)

• 2-3 sleepers

• 2-3 onesies

• A receiving blanket

• Going home outfit including a hat, mittens and booties

• Baby car seat to take baby home


The last few weeks of Pregnancy: week 37

• Labor could happen at any time, and your anxiety level rises. Keep practicing relaxation techniques

• Rest is more important than ever. Put your feet up for a couple of hours during the day and make sure that you go to bed early

• Practice massage techniques with a partner

• Take vitamin C and zinc, both important for hormone production prior to delivery

Your Nutrition (Week 37)

Detoxifying your Body

Research suggests that the placenta does not block the passage of certain toxins to the baby. To help to protect yourself and the baby eat the following foods/nutrients:

• Garlic, onion, bananas, apples and pears to reduce absorption of toxins in general

• Beans, peas and lentils which act as detoxifiers

• B vitamins for general protection

• Vitamin C and zinc to reduce levels of lead in the blood; vitamin E to reduce the risk of lead poisoning and calcium to prevent the absorption of lead

Antioxidants

Besides vitamins and minerals there are other substances that can help prevent disease and promote health the bioflavonoid. They are potent antioxidants and also give fruits and vegetables their bright colors. They include:

• Thioesters (garlic, onions, leeks)

• Terpenes (citrus fruits)

• Plant phenols (grapes, strawberries, apples)

• Carotenoids (carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, watermelon)

• Lutein (tomatoes)

The most nutritious fruits and vegetables are the fresh variety; frozen and canned varieties are acceptable too. As long as you are eating the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, you are getting the bioflavonoid that you and your baby need.
A word on Folic Acid
All women of childbearing age who are capable of becoming pregnant should consume folic acid every day. The recommended dose is:

• 400 mg a day for all women of childbearing age

• 600 mg a day for pregnant women

• 500 mg a day for lactating mothers