by Stephanie Poole, Doula & Lactation Consultant

You made it to 40 weeks pregnant.
The finish line.
The grand finale.
The “everyone keeps texting me asking where the baby is” stage.

So if you’re wondering why you’re still pregnant…
Here’s the truth your provider may not have mentioned:

Your Baby Is NOT Late

Only 4 to 5% of babies are born on their due date.
Because guess what?
Due dates are a prediction, not a promise.

A normal full-term birth can be anywhere from 40+5 to 41+3 for first-time moms.
You are exactly where you should be.

The Secret Work Happening Inside Your Body

Even without contractions, things are happening:
• Baby’s brain + lungs finishing key development
• Cervix softening and thinning
• Hormones prepping your milk supply
• Baby positioning for birth

Your body is working overtime… quietly.

Signs Labor Is Close (Even If It Isn’t Obvious)

• Lightning crotch
• More discharge
• Bathroom marathons
• Period-like cramps
• Lower back pressure
• Sudden ...

You’ve made it to week 38 of pregnancy — congratulations! 

You’re in the home stretch. But being this far along doesn’t mean the journey is over. In fact, it’s a time full of subtle (and sometimes surprising) changes — both for you and your baby. Here’s a full guide to what’s going on, how you can support yourself, and what to get ready for next.

1. The “Full Term” Misconception

At 38 weeks many people say, “You’re full term now!” … which is technically correct, but there’s more nuance. The truth is: your baby is still undergoing significant brain and lung development. While many organs are ready, the last few weeks matter.
So instead of thinking “time’s up,” think: “Let’s finish strong.”

2. Symptoms No One Really Talks About

This stage comes with some little-known symptoms:

• Lightning crotch: sudden zaps down low as baby’s head presses nerves. Normal, but name it so you don’t freak out.

• Nesting bursts: late-pregnancy oxytocin surge means you might suddenly clean

  ...

You’ve officially made it to 37 weeks pregnant!  First of all, congratulations, mama—you’re in the home stretch! But let’s be real… this week can feel both exciting and utterly exhausting. Everyone’s probably asking, “Is the baby here yet?”  And while people love to say, “Baby could come any day now,” there’s actually a lot happening with your body and your baby that no one really talks about.

This guide will break down:

• What’s happening with your baby at 37 weeks

• Common and surprising pregnancy symptoms

• How to tell real labor from false labor

• Practical tips for the next few weeks

• How to prep for birth and breastfeeding

By the end, you’ll feel more confident and prepared for this final stage of pregnancy.

Is 37 Weeks Considered Full Term?

At 37 weeks, you’re considered early term, not “full term” yet. Full term is actually 39–40 weeks.

Why does this matter? Babies born at 37 weeks often do well, but research shows they may be more likely to:

Imagine Taylor Swift, one of the biggest stars on the planet, preparing for childbirth. What would her birth plan look like? How would she stay calm and prepared?

Today, we’re taking a fun twist on birth prep by exploring the strategies I'd use to help Taylor Swift have a smooth, empowering birth – and the best part? These tips are perfect for ANY mom-to-be, not just celebrities!

1. Create a Flexible Birth Plan:
A customized birth plan is key, but flexibility is a must. Think about your pain relief options, who you want by your side, and your ideal birth environment, then share these details with your birth team. Having a plan that adapts gives you peace of mind, no matter how labor unfolds.

2. Embrace Natural Pain Management Techniques:
While it may seem like celebs have endless options, some of the best pain relief techniques are simple. Breathing exercises, visualizations, and water therapy are powerful tools that are accessible to all moms-to-be. Practice these in adva...