Your pregnancy is considered "full term" when gestation reaches in the ninth month or 37th week. You may be shattered after carrying your baby for almost a year, but you may also be excited to think about the moment when you will finally meet your little angel. At 37 weeks, you need to pay attention to some important signs, as labor could start anytime from this week onwards – any point between 37 and 42 weeks’ gestation. What’s more, you are likely to have period like cramps at 37 weeks, which may or may not indicate the start of labor. The following information will help you understand how to do next steps.

Cramping When 37 Weeks Pregnant – What Does It Mean?

The first day of the 40th week is your due date, but you are likely to go into labor anytime between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. If you go into labor in your 37th week of pregnancy, it is considered pre-term labor. On the other hand, you have a post-term labor if you do not go into labor until after 42 weeks. It is important to bear in mind that period like cramps at 37 weeks do not always indicate the start of labor. This could only be sporadic uterine contractions called the Braxton Hick – they indicate that your body is 'preparing' for giving birth.

Here are some basic signs of Braxton Hicks:

  • You may feel as if your baby has moved down in your womb – this is called lightening.

  • You may experience increased discomfort in your lower back along with some abdominal cramping.

  • You may have a tightening sensation in your uterus – it could be quite painful at times.

  • You may have bloody mucus discharge from your vagina – it is also called the bloody show.

There will be some specific signs when your contractions actually indicate true labor. For instance:

  • Your contractions will be persistent and will not stop with rest.

  • You may notice your contractions occurring with increasing frequency.

  • You may notice your contractions become stronger.

  • You may notice the time between subsequent contractions is getting shorter with time.

It is important to call your doctor if you believe you have the signs of labor, especially before 37th week of pregnancy. If you are in labor, you may experience diarrhea, pain in abdominal and pelvic area, and lower back. You may also feel uterus tightening or contractions, although they may not be painful. However, if your waters haven’t broken, your symptoms could just be a false alarm.

What Others Have Experienced

Here is what others have experienced about period like cramps at 37 weeks and having back pain at 37 weeks of pregnancy. Check this out!

"I am 37 weeks now and have had lower back pain since the start of my pregnancy. I called my doctors today when I noticed my back pain becoming worse this morning. They said that it may indicate the start of labor, but it could still take some time, as my body is getting ready for it. They also mentioned that severe back pain could be due to a urinary tract infection. I have been having Braxton Hicks since week 35 and have only lost some chunks of my mucus plug. I am not aware of how far dilated I currently am, but my doctors told me to go to the hospital if the pain and discomfort become unmanageable. I hope it all turns out well."

"I have heard my friends say that I will know when my body is ready to go into labor. I am not sure that is true though. My water broke at week 37, and I never experienced anything out of the ordinary before that. I had to go to the hospital and did not feel anything until a couple of hours before giving birth. I had contractions only before giving birth. I strongly believe that when it comes to pregnancy, every case is different. It is possible to have hard contractions but not go in active labor right away. I believe you just need to take things a bit lightly because being nervous is only going to increase the discomfort. If you are having contractions at 37 weeks, just try to relax. Take a warm bath and know that you are almost there. Just do not forget to count contractions and go to your doctor if the time between them is getting shorter."

What Can You Do to Relax？

It is natural to feel concerned when you have period like cramps at 37 weeks. However, you need to relax your nerves and know that it usually means your body is getting ready for the big moment. Many women report early contractions as being similar to menstrual cramps. If you are in early labor and the contractions are not too bad yet, you may want to try to the following comfort measures:

  • Try resting on the couch

  • Taking a bath or shower

  • Using a heating pad

  • Gentle walking or gentle swimming

  • Staying busy and distracting yourself with chores, movies, or books

  • Getting a massage from your partner, family member, or doula

  • Sitting on a birthing ball

  • Trying yoga or light stretches

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