Day 259 of 280, third trimester
You are 37 weeks exactly
Your baby can now hear many sounds that will all be familiar to him once he's born.
21 days until your due date
This late in pregnancy, sounds pass easily into the uterus, and there's no doubt your baby hears and responds to them. He startles at loud noises but now also turns toward familiar sounds and practices looking for where they come from. He's recognizing a wider range of frequencies, telling different sounds apart, and learning and remembering familiar ones, such as your voice and your partner's.
Your baby breathes faster and his heart rate rises when he's concentrating on sounds. Although he can hear at birth, the eardrum keeps thinning and becomes more mobile and responsive afterward. Your voice will be the most familiar sound to him when he's born.
Focus on
Dads: The final weeks
You're not alone if you feel bewildered and shell-shocked by the baby's imminent arrival. Expect plenty of changes at home: once your partner starts maternity leave, she may launch into a whirlwind of preparation and need your help to get everything ready.
Supporting her practically and emotionally matters, but look after yourself too. Rest whenever you can; even if you've agreed she'll do most of the night care, your sleep will still be disrupted after the birth. See friends now, but not to the point of exhaustion, and keep up your exercise routine if you have one.
It's normal to feel anxious about what's ahead, both as birth partner and as a dad, but somehow everything will fall into place. Focus on the thought of holding your newborn.
Ask a Doctor
What if I can't breastfeed?
It's normal to have doubts, but most women have enough milk, and with some help with positioning, most babies breastfeed without problems. You may even be leaking colostrum by now.
Keep an open mind, and remember that breast milk doesn't come in straight after the birth. If you have problems, try to persevere, and don't feel pressured to give up because it suits the hospital staff or your partner, or because a friend or relative says it's not necessary. And if you don't end up breastfeeding, you can still be close to your baby while bottle-feeding.
Explainer
Talk to your baby
It won't be long until you meet your baby. In the meantime, talk to him: he'll recognize your voice, and your partner's, once he's born.
Appointments and key dates around now
- RSV vaccineFrom 28 weeks
Read the full 37 weeks pregnant guide
This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.