Pregnancy nutrition for weeks 37–40
Weeks 37–38 are early term; weeks 39–40 are full term. Growth and maturation continue through these weeks.
What is developing
- ACOG classifies weeks 37–38 as early term and weeks 39–40 as full term.
- Lanugo is mostly gone by around 40 weeks for many babies.
- The baby continues to prepare for birth and life outside the womb.
Nutrient highlights
These highlights organize food comparisons. Daily nutrient needs continue throughout pregnancy; priority labels are not trimester-specific intake targets or medical advice.
Protein
High priorityProtein supports steady nourishment and maternal recovery needs.
Protein supports tissue maintenance and repair during pregnancy.
Iron
High priorityIron supports red blood cells and helps prevent anemia late pregnancy.
Iron needs remain elevated in pregnancy and deficiency is common.
Calcium
Medium priorityCalcium supports bones and teeth as growth completes.
Calcium is essential for skeletal structure.
Vitamin D
Supporting priorityVitamin D supports calcium use and bone health.
Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption.
Practical notes
- Third trimester calorie needs often rise to about +450/day for many people.
Sources
- NHS 111 Wales: Pregnancy week by week (weeks 37-40)
- ACOG: Definition of term pregnancy
- CDC: Weight gain during pregnancy (calorie needs by trimester)
- health.gov MyHealthfinder: Eat healthy during pregnancy (calorie needs by trimester)
- National Academies Press: Dietary Reference Intakes (Protein and Amino Acids; pregnancy RDA summary)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron (Health Professional)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplements and Life Stages: Pregnancy (Health Professional)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Calcium (Health Professional)
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D (Health Professional)