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Fetal development week 38


38 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips, Baby Development

Reviewed by

Kate Shkodzik, MD

Obstetrician and gynecologist

Contents

    At 38 weeks pregnant you are approaching full-term pregnancy. Perhaps more than ever, you are feeling ready for the next step: childbirth! But before then, there is still a lot to know about this important week in your pregnancy. 

    We break down your 38th week day by day, so you know what to expect and what you should look out for as you get closer to your due date. 

    38 weeks pregnant in months

    If you are at 38 weeks in your pregnancy you are in your third trimester; 8 months and approximately 2 weeks pregnant. 

    Your baby will continue to grow in size, gaining approximately 0.5 lbs per week in the final weeks of pregnancy. Your baby will start to fill out as that adorable squishy baby fat starts to accumulate around their knees, shoulders, and elbows.  

    How big is your baby at 38 weeks pregnant? 

    Your baby is as big as a bunch of leeks or Swiss chard! They will be around 19-20 inches long and weigh between 6-7 lbs on average. 

    Pregnancy week 38 fetal development

    Your baby’s brain, lungs, and liver continue to grow in the final weeks of pregnancy, which is one of the reasons why it’s important to deliver at full term, or as close to full term as possible. 

    The lanugo (the fuzzy, soft hair that coats your baby’s skin) will be gone or nearly gone by now. 

    Your baby’s bowels will also be storing its first poo, called meconium, which it will pass after delivery. Meconium is a slimy substance that is made up of anything your baby may have swallowed in the uterus. 

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    The biggest change you might notice in your body at 38 weeks pregnant is an increase in pressure in your lower abdomen. Around this time is when your baby will start to change its position in the womb; with the head facing downward in the pelvis.  

    At 38 weeks pregnant you may be feeling uncomfortable in your body. Your body will feel heavier and you may struggle to find a comfortable position to sit, sleep or even stand for long periods of time. Try to wear clothing that makes you feel as comfortable as possible during this time. 

    You may find it helpful to choose the right pregnancy bra for you, which will accommodate your changing breast size.  Also, your nipples may start to leak colostrum, a nutrient-rich liquid, so don’t be alarmed if you notice wetness or yellow stains in your bra.

    38 weeks pregnant belly

    At 38 weeks pregnant, your belly may look like it has “dropped,” showing the appearance of being lower towards your pelvis. This new shape is a result of baby’s changing position in the uterus. 

    38 weeks pregnant symptoms

    As your pregnancy progresses, you may notice that you don’t experience as many new symptoms, but instead, your existing symptoms are intensified. At 38 weeks pregnant you may experience: 

    • insomnia, fatigue or difficulty sleeping 
    • indigestion and heartburn (until the baby’s position changes)
    • swelling in your hands and feet 
    • headaches 
    • feeling dizzy or light-headed
    • backaches, especially in the lower back, or upper back
    • bloating and constipation
    • feeling hot or overheated 
    • increased vaginal discharge called a “mucus plug”

    What you eat during pregnancy can help mitigate some pregnancy symptoms.   Make sure your meals are nutritious and you are staying well hydrated — even if that means you have to pee all the time!

    You may also experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are sporadic and usually painless contractions that are your body’s way of preparing for real labor. If your contractions become consistent or cause intense pain or bleeding, contact your doctor immediately. 

    Your prenatal appointment at 38 weeks may include an ultrasound, which will check your baby’s position inside the womb. If your baby is still in the breech position (feet first), your doctor may recommend a procedure called ‘external cephalic version’ to try and reposition the baby with their head facing down towards the pelvis.

    If your pregnancy is normal and your baby appears healthy, this may be your last ultrasound!

    You have made it this far and you may feel like you just want to give birth already. But be patient! Try and enjoy these final weeks as relaxed and stress-free as you can.  

    Make time for gentle exercise or go out and meet with friends if you’re feeling cooped up at home. Make sure you continue to nourish yourself and your baby with a healthy, balanced diet. It’s also a good idea to stock the freezer with ready-made and nutritious meals for yourself, so you don’t have to worry about cooking once the baby arrives. 

    Sex at week 38 of pregnancy

    It is perfectly safe to have sex at 38 weeks. The trick is to find a position that feels comfortable! Having pleasurable sex can also boost your mood, which can help relieve any stress and anxiety you might be feeling during this time. 

    Now that you know more about your body and your baby at 38 weeks pregnant, you may be wondering: what’s next? Here is a daily checklist of things you can do to make the most of your 38th week of pregnancy, and prepare for childbirth. 

    38 weeks 1 day pregnant 

    If you haven’t already, now is a good time to get your hospital bag ready. Think of everything you might need at the hospital to feel comfortable and prepared for baby’s arrival; put things for yourself, your birth partner, and newborn in your hospital bag.   It’s a good idea to pack this bag now, so you’re not in rush trying to put one together during labor!

    38 weeks 2 days pregnant 

    If you have been attending prenatal fitness classes or birthing lessons, you may find it helpful to practice the techniques. Practice your preferred breathing or relaxation techniques or body movements that you plan on using during labor. Just don’t try pushing yet! 

    38 weeks 3 days pregnant 

    Time to get the baby room ready! Many women feel the overwhelming urge to prepare for baby’s at-home arrival in the final weeks of their pregnancy. This is called “nesting” and it’s very common to want to organize the baby’s room and even the whole house! 

    Make sure you ask for help if you need it and try not to feel overwhelmed with your organizing efforts. 

    38 weeks 4 days pregnant 

    Halfway through your 38th week of pregnancy is a good time to have a clear picture of your birth plan. Whether you are planning for a home birth or hospital birth, make sure you know where to go, who will be there and what you’ll need when it’s go time.  

    38 weeks 5 days pregnant 

    At 38 weeks and five days, familiarize yourself with what to expect during labor and delivery. Get prepared for childbirth by reading more Flo articles or ask your health care provider any questions if you are still unsure. 

    38 weeks 6 days pregnant 

    Create your call list. Compile a list of the names and phone numbers of people you will need to reach when you go into labor and when the baby is born. Include your doctor or midwife’s contact information, and information for the babysitter or pet sitter if you have little ones at home that will need to be taken care of while you’re in labor.  

    38 weeks 7 days pregnant

    Once you reach 39 weeks pregnant, you can celebrate that your baby has reached full-term! You have worked hard to get here, so find a simple way to celebrate this milestone. Go to the spa or salon, enjoy a special meal with friends or family or just take a moment to appreciate how far you and your baby have come.  

    What to ask your doctor?

    At 38 weeks pregnant your doctor may perform a routine blood pressure check and test your urine for protein deposits that could indicate complications like preeclampsia. 

    Your baby could come at any time now, so it’s important that you feel as prepared as possible to give birth. 

    Remember, your due date is just a guideline. As you progress through your third trimester, make sure you feel prepared for labor and delivery, and that you’re ready at home for when the baby arrives.

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    38 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms and Baby Development

    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 labor 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 labor if you’re 38 weeks pregnant with twins.

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    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

    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! To find out more about your estimated weight gain in these final few weeks, take a look at our pregnancy weight gain calculator. 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 labor. Not only do these exercises help you relax and de-stress, but they also come in handy for helping to manage the pain and discomfort of labor.

    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 labor 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 back or pelvic 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 labor 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 labor 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. Want to hear about what contractions actually feel like? Get the scoop from other moms who have been in your shoes.

    38 Weeks Pregnant: Things to Consider

    38 Weeks Pregnant: Ask Your Doctor

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

    • 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 labor, and how common is inducing labor at 38 weeks pregnant?

    • Who should you call if you think you may be in labor? 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.

    • As your due date nears, you may want to check out our free online childbirth education classes – there are nine videos you can watch anytime.

    • Check out the best baby gear as voted by Pampers Parents. If you’re planning to breastfeed you may be interested in products like the best nursing bras and the best breast pumps, or if you plan to formula feed you might like to check out Pampers Parents reviews of the best baby formulas.

    • 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:




    harbingers of childbirth in multiparous and primiparas, what happens, fetal movement, baby's weight, ultrasound

    What happens to the baby at this time?

    Now the weight of the child is 3000-3200 g. Sometimes the mother can feel in the abdomen not only the fetal movement, but also rhythmic tremors - this is the child hiccups, swallowing amniotic fluid. It is believed that hiccups are a kind of training before the start of spontaneous breathing. By this time, the baby has already taken its final position in the uterine cavity - head down, towards the exit from the uterus. The obstetrician determines the presentation of the fetus by probing the abdomen of the expectant mother. But sometimes doctors detect breech presentation, in this case, an examination is performed, ultrasound is performed and the tactics of childbirth are determined. nine0005

    Index

    Norm

    Mother's weight gain

    From 8.6 (with initial overweight) to 14.5 kg (with initial weight deficit), average gain 10-12 kg

    Fundal height005

    35-38 cm

    Fetal weight

    3000-3200 g

    Fetal height

    48-52 cm

    Important!

    During the 38th week of pregnancy, the expectant mother's body is actively preparing for the upcoming birth. It is important to know in advance, read the necessary information about this process (if you have not already done so) in order to clarify how to behave with the onset of contractions. nine0005

    The first harbingers of childbirth appear in multiparous and primiparas. These are body changes, certain processes that set up the body and reproductive system for the birth of a child. The signs differ slightly depending on whether the mother is expecting her first baby or if this is her second and subsequent pregnancies.

    Many mothers are afraid to miss or not recognize these important "calls". Don't worry about that - we've put together a handy labor checklist to help you figure out when it's time to go to the hospital. nine0005

    During this period, drops of a yellowish-whitish liquid - colostrum - can periodically be released from the nipples of the breast. So the mammary glands prepare for childbirth and subsequent feeding of the baby. In order not to stain the linen, you can use special absorbent pads for the chest. They are sold in pharmacies and children's stores, they are a small circle of absorbent materials that is inserted into a bra. If colostrum is absent, this is not a sign of pathology. In some women, the work of the mammary glands starts only after the birth of the crumbs. nine0005

    Harbingers of childbirth in women expecting their first child

    One of the first signs that childbirth is imminent is breathing easier due to the fact that the stomach has drooped. This feeling is not always so vivid that the pregnant woman herself notices it, sometimes others focus on it. Although the child is also actively moving, the mother's shortness of breath decreases, breathing becomes easier, heartburn and mild nausea after eating less often occur or completely disappear. But due to the fact that the fetal head sank lower into the small pelvis, the uterus is increasingly in good shape, urination becomes more frequent due to pressure on the bladder. nine0005

    Sometimes the expectant mother suddenly notices that the child is not moving much, his movements are not so sharp and active, he seems to calm down. This is a completely natural process, since every day there is less and less space inside the uterine cavity, the walls of its temporary “house” put more and more pressure on the arms and legs, tightly cover, and the amniotic fluid becomes a little less.

    If the baby began to move less, he is also preparing for childbirth, gaining strength, but if for 10-12 hours you have not felt a single push or movement, it is better to consult a doctor. He will check if everything is fine with the baby. nine0005

    Important!

    If the mother feels the fetal movement is too active, a doctor's consultation is necessary. This is necessary to make sure that the baby does not have oxygen starvation, and the volume of amniotic fluid is normal.

    If in earlier periods fetal movements were felt as various movements, pushes, kicks and even somersaults, then by this time it is more and more often pandiculation or slight movements. The baby already has little space, sometimes his movements are very noticeable - the woman notes that she is pulling her stomach in the area where the fetal activity is felt. nine0005

    Preparing the body for childbirth

    The 38th week of pregnancy is a period of active restructuring of the body. Under the influence of hormones, the body prepares for hard work: there is pain in the lower back, pulling the lower abdomen, there is an ache in the area of ​​​​the pubic joint (the place where the pelvic bones are closed). The lower abdomen hurts due to the descent of the fetal head and its tight fit to the pelvic bones, the occurrence of more and more frequent training uterine contractions and the gradual loosening of the ligaments. Sometimes there is a feeling that the stomach is turning to stone - this is the tone of the uterus, muscle training for subsequent contractions. If these contractions are irregular, occur occasionally, they are not intense, you just need to lie on your side, rest, and they pass. If the same time passes between contractions, they become more and more sensitive, the interval is reduced - this is the beginning of labor, it's time to go to the maternity hospital. nine0005

    There is one easy way to tell if contractions are false or true. You just need to count the number of contractions and the interval between them. Use a stopwatch on your smartphone, noting how long the contraction of the uterus lasts and how long the period of relaxation, rest, will then be. If the contractions of the uterus gradually increase, intensify, and the time intervals between them gradually decrease, this is a sign of the onset of labor. Then it was time to go to the maternity hospital. nine0005

    Mucous discharge from the genital tract may occur during the 38th week. By the nature of the discharge, they look like lumps of dense transparent or whitish mucus with streaks of blood without any smell. This is the discharge of the mucous plug, which closed the cervix and prevented the penetration of pathogenic bacteria to the fetal membranes. The cervix gradually softens, opens slightly and the mucus gradually leaves.

    Good to know

    In nulliparous women, harbingers of imminent labor may appear approximately one to two weeks before the onset of labor. It's about 38 or 39th weeks of pregnancy.

    In some cases, the mother-to-be may have loose stools at 38 weeks of gestation, although no change in the woman's diet has occurred. This is an acceptable bowel reaction to changing hormone levels and preparing the body for childbirth. The intestines are gradually cleared of the contents. However, not always different sensations and changes in the work of digestion are explained precisely by prenatal changes. Diarrhea at this gestational age may also be the result of dietary errors, food poisoning, or other influences. nine0005

    A particularly alarming situation is when nausea and even vomiting occur against the background of diarrhea. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor.

    Harbingers of childbirth while expecting a second and subsequent children

    If this is not the first pregnancy and childbirth for a woman, and the family is expecting a second, third baby, then the birth may come a little earlier. The body already knows what will happen and it takes less time for the preparatory phase. Thus, the appearance of the crumbs into the world can be expected in the period from the beginning of the 38th week of pregnancy. The processes themselves, which are associated with the preparation for childbirth, may not be so pronounced, sometimes they are absent or appear just a couple of days before the baby is born. nine0005

    So, with repeated pregnancy, there may not be a pronounced and significant lowering of the abdomen. Often, the baby is initially located lower than during the first pregnancy, or the cervix relaxes just before the onset of childbirth. Then the woman feels that it has become easier to breathe, the pressure on the bladder has increased.

    Important!

    It is worth emphasizing that in multiparous mothers, the harbingers of childbirth may be completely absent. The birth process can begin suddenly, and the contractions will be stronger, the duration of labor will be shorter. Therefore, by the time of 38 weeks, you need to collect everything you need to go to the maternity hospital, all the necessary things and documents should be in an accessible place. nine0005

    Childbirth is unique, it takes place differently in women, and even in the same woman childbirth is different. If this is the third birth or the fourth, often the precursors can be barely perceptible or completely absent. And the birth act itself proceeds quite quickly and sometimes even a little earlier than the date of birth, which is determined by the doctor. But, as for the second birth, this fact is not a strict pattern, childbirth is possible almost the same day with a pre-calculated date.

    In any case, by the 38th week of pregnancy, it is necessary to collect everything necessary for a trip to the maternity hospital and, at the first contractions, immediately seek medical help. nine0005

    Is it worth it to speed up labor at this time?

    Many women experience fatigue towards the end of their pregnancy and want to have a baby as soon as possible. Therefore, they ask one question - how to speed up the onset of childbirth, is it possible to stimulate this process in order to meet the baby faster and return home, accept congratulations and raise the baby. But you don't need to think about inducing labor before the full term of 40 weeks. Although by the 38th week the baby is already full-term, he is still gaining weight, continues to develop, and nature knows better when he needs to be born. nine0005

    • 1. Normal pregnancy (clinical recommendations) // Obstetrics and Gynecology: News. Opinions. Learning. 2020. No. 4 (30).
    • 2. Burkitova A.M. , Prokhorova V.S., Bolotskikh V.M. Actual diagnostic and clinical problems in post-term pregnancy in modern obstetrics // Journal of Obstetrics and Women's Diseases. - 2017. - T. 66. - No. 2. - C. 93-103. doi: 10.17816/JOWD66293-103
    • 3. Obstetrics: national guidelines / ed. G.M. Savelyeva, G. T. Sukhikh, V.N. Serova, V.E. Radzinsky. 2nd ed. Moscow: GEOTAR-Media
    • Pediatrician
    • Pathophysiology, immunology, pediatric and adult nutrition
    • Completed the course on HB from WHO/UNICEF, taught at the Volgograd State Medical University, Department of Pathophysiology with a course of immunology, allergology

    Others articles by the author

    38 weeks of pregnancy - fetal development, mother's feelings. What happens to mom at 38 weeks pregnant?

    Often, by this time, the fear of childbirth is replaced by impatient expectation. Less than 5% of women give birth exactly on the day prescribed by the doctor, you have the same chance of meeting your baby both two weeks before and two weeks after the due date. The placenta ages and loses its functionality, the volume of amniotic fluid begins to decline. nine0005

    Together with the amniotic fluid, the child swallows his own hairs and particles of the epidermis, and meconium accumulates in his intestines. Meconium is usually passed within 48 hours of birth, but in some cases, the baby is able to push it out of itself while still in the womb. The rate of urine production increases to 27 ml/hour or up to 650 ml/day. Another sign that the baby is full-term (in addition to cartilage strengthening) is the striation of his feet.

    Many mothers are afraid of missing the start of labor, especially this fear is typical for first-time pregnant women. You should not worry about this, in the vast majority of cases this is impossible, and when the time comes, you will definitely understand that labor has begun. nine0113

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