38 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development

Your little one is close to making his debut, but he’s still making the most of each day and is busy growing and developing. For example, in these final few weeks, his brain is still growing. In fact, his brain can grow as much as one third in size in the time when you’re 35 to 39 weeks pregnant. You knew he was a genius! His little liver is nearly fully developed at this time, too.

After your baby is born, his first few bowel movements will actually be a substance called meconium. This greenish-black, sticky form of poop starts to build up in his intestines while he’s still in the womb, and is formed from waste materials such as dead skin cells and lanugo, the fine body hair that's starting to be shed.

Even though your estimated due date is still a couple of weeks away, you may start to notice some signs of labour approaching, and your baby could arrive any day now. In fact, only about 4 percent of moms-to-be deliver exactly on their due date.

Twins and other multiples are more likely to be born preterm than a single baby, so keep an eye out for signs of labour if you’re 38 weeks pregnant with twins.

RELATED PREGNANCY TOOL

Baby Name Generator

Filter by gender:

Girl

Boy

Unisex

Filter by theme:

Cute

Flowers

Literature

Nature

Royal

Unique

Mythology

Color

Generate names

The Size of the Fetus at 38 Weeks Pregnant

At 38 weeks, the average fetus is about the size of a bunch of rhubarb, probably weighing around 6 1/2 pounds.

This illustration can give you a general idea of how your baby may be positioned at 38 weeks:

Mom’s Body at 38 Weeks Pregnant

If you’re wondering how many months along you are at 38 weeks pregnant, you’re in either your 9th or 10th month, because the weeks of pregnancy don’t necessarily fit neatly into months.

At 38 weeks pregnant, you may still be gaining weight, believe it or not. If you had a normal body mass index (BMI) before you were pregnant, it’s likely that you’ll put on between half a pound and one pound per week during the third trimester.

Your ever-growing belly might be getting in the way of a good night’s sleep (and normal movement) these days, but the end is in sight now!

Some moms-to-be find that getting regular exercise is more difficult at this point. If this is the case for you, you might want to focus on breathing exercises to help get you ready for your labour.

Not only do these exercises help you relax and de-stress, but they also come in handy for managing the pain and discomfort of labour.

38 Weeks Pregnant: Your Symptoms

At 38 weeks pregnant, here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing:

• Frequent urination. As your baby and uterus grow, they’re putting more pressure on your bladder, so you may need to go to the bathroom more often. Even though those extra bathroom visits are a hassle, keep drinking plenty of water to stay well hydrated.

• Pelvic pressure. You and your baby are getting ready for labour in many different ways, and you may feel this in the pelvic area, too. When your baby drops lower into your pelvis, you may feel increased pressure on your pelvis, bladder, and hips. Because your body is producing a hormone called relaxin, which softens the ligaments, muscles, and joints in preparation for childbirth, you might also experience some pelvic or back pain, especially as you get closer to your due date. Try to stay off your feet as much as possible, move slowly and carefully, and soak in a warm bath if you’re feeling uncomfortable.

• Swollen ankles and feet. Your body will produce and retain more fluid than usual, and as a result, you may notice swelling (known as edema) in your hands and legs. To combat this, try to rest with your feet up, drink more water to help flush out excess fluid, and wear loose clothes and shoes so you feel a little more comfortable. Some moms-to-be find that wearing support hose or stockings can also help reduce swelling and discomfort. If you notice any sudden swelling in your face or hands, contact your healthcare provider, as this could be a sign of a blood pressure condition called preeclampsia.

• Nausea. Some slight nausea can crop up again at 38 weeks pregnant or in the following weeks, and it can sometimes be a sign that labour is starting. If you’re feeling queasy, try to eat several smaller meals throughout the day, and stick to bland foods like bananas, rice, or toast.

• Contractions. At 38 weeks pregnant, you may have already felt Braxton Hicks contractions. These practice contractions usually occur irregularly and will often stop when you move or change positions. On the other hand, true labour contractions will come at regular intervals, getting closer together over time. They’ll increase in strength and intensity, and they often start from the back and move to the front of your abdomen. Timing your contractions will give you more information about whether you’re experiencing the real deal or just more Braxton Hicks. It might also help to read up on what contractions feel like, to help you tell the difference.

38 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

• Have you considered your options for pain relief during your labour? If you haven’t, reach out to your healthcare provider. Pain relief drugs are typically either analgesic, which usually lessen but don’t stop the pain, or anesthetic, which stop you from feeling any pain. One well-known pain relief option is the epidural, but your healthcare provider is the best person to ask about what could be right for you. If you’ve taken a childbirth class, you may have also learned about comfort techniques like the Lamaze, Bradley, and Read methods. Consider all your options, and talk over your preferences with your provider.

• You may want to choose a birth partner who will be with you throughout your labour and delivery. This person can be your partner, a family member, a friend, or even a trained professional, like a doula. Your birth partner can support you emotionally and provide encouragement. He or she can also give practical assistance like timing contractions or offering a soothing massage, for example. Medical studies show that moms-to-be who have continuous labour support often have shorter labours and require less pain medication. But, no matter what, you won’t be going it alone when the big day comes. Your hospital or birthing centre staff will be with you every step of the way.

• Find out your hospital or birth centre’s policies on eating and drinking during labour. If you know you’ll be having a cesarean section, you’ll need to restrict your food intake before surgery. Your healthcare provider will be able to give you more information on how long you’ll need to fast for. For a vaginal delivery, it may be possible to have small amounts of clear liquids during labour (think ice chips!), but you may not be allowed to eat solid foods. Check with your provider or hospital staff in advance to be sure.

• Depending on when you’re reading this, you could be just days away from your pregnancy being full term. Congratulations – you’ve come so far! Your pregnancy is considered full term at the start of 39 weeks. Remember, most babies aren’t born on their due dates, so you might meet your little one any day now.

• If you’re considering breastfeeding your baby, you might like to research lactation consultants in your area. A lactation consultant can help you get started and help navigate any possible challenges associated with breastfeeding your baby, such as getting the proper latch, increasing your breast milk supply, or dealing with sore breasts. You may be able to find one doing a simple online search, but your healthcare provider, your midwife, or perhaps a friend who’s used one before may also be able to recommend one.

38 Weeks Pregnant: Ask Your Doctor

• Is there anything you can do from here on out to prepare for labour?

• Is it safe to have sex during the final weeks of pregnancy?

• What is recommended if your baby is in a breech position?

• Under what conditions might it be necessary to induce labour, and how common is inducing labour at 38 weeks pregnant?

• Who should you call if you think you may be in labour? Should you call straight away or wait for something specific?

• Can you still breastfeed if you’ve had breast implants or other breast surgery?

• How soon can you start breastfeeding after giving birth?

• If things go well, how soon after you give birth are you likely to be discharged from the hospital?

38 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist

• If you haven’t already had it, ask your healthcare provider when you will have the Group B strep test. This routine test checks whether you carry the GBS bacteria so your provider can give you the appropriate course of treatment if the test result is positive and you plan to give birth vaginally.

• You may have already started packing your hospital bag, but you might not have been able to pack things you’re still using, like your phone charger and toothbrush. Make a list of these items or go through our downloadable hospital bag checklist, so you or your partner can throw the last few items in the bag before you go to the hospital.

• If you haven’t done so already, have your baby’s car seat installed so it’s ready to bring your baby home safe and sound.

• Take some time to pamper and care for yourself – you may not have this kind of “spare time” for some time once your baby is born. For example, you may like to do things like getting a haircut or going for a pampering pedicure.

• Sign up for even more weekly pregnancy tips: