Day 263 of 280, third trimester
You are 37 weeks and 4 days
Each of your baby's bones is gradually being strengthened thanks to enough calcium.
17 days until your due date
Your baby's bones are strengthened by ossification, in which hard bone forms from calcium. To meet the extra demand, your body absorbs calcium much more readily from your diet.
By now the humerus in the upper arm, the femur in the thigh, and the tibia in the lower leg have ossified. Because ossification happens at specific weeks, ultrasound can use it as a marker to estimate how far along a pregnancy is, if needed. It may happen a few days earlier in girls than boys, and interestingly, the kneecap (patella) doesn't ossify until after birth.
Good to know
Bach flower remedies
Flower essence blends are designed to calm and center your energy, which some believe helps you relax and focus. Rescue Remedy and Emergency Essence, types of Bach flower remedy, are thought by some to help in labor and in the weeks before and after the birth. People take them for anxiety, shock, worry, stress, or simply a boost during a long or painful labor.
You can put four drops in a glass of water and sip it at intervals, or place drops directly on your tongue from the pipette. Both blends also come as a cream to apply to the skin or a spray for yourself and your surroundings. Ask your doctor before trying these or any natural remedy, since they haven't been thoroughly studied.
Ask a Doctor
I've had a small amount of bleeding. Should I be concerned?
Bleeding in late pregnancy can be serious, because it may be caused by the placenta partly or completely separating from the wall of the uterus (placental abruption) or by a low-lying placenta (placenta previa). A mucus discharge tinged with blood late in pregnancy may be a "bloody show." Always get medical advice for bleeding at any stage of pregnancy to rule out problems.
As a matter of fact
Birth weight and genes
Just because your partner was above average weight at birth doesn't mean your baby will be. Birth weight depends on the mix of genes your baby inherits, so if your partner is tall and big-boned and you're petite and were a tiny baby, keep your fingers crossed for your genes!
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.