Congratulations! At 38 weeks of pregnancy, you’re almost at the finish line of your journey. Your baby is fully developed and ready to meet you, though they might still take their time to arrive. This stage can be both exciting and challenging as you prepare for labor while managing the physical and emotional changes of late pregnancy.
Read the blog to understand everything you need to know about the 38th week, from baby development to self-care tips, to keep you ready and confident for the big day:
Pregnancy Developments and symptoms at 38 Weeks Pregnant:
- More frequent urination: If you’re going to the bathroom a lot these days, it’s likely that your baby’s head is in your pelvis, making less room for your bladder. You may want to skip caffeine and any other diuretic drinks now. Just don’t cut out liquids altogether—you need fluids now so you can stay hydrated as you get closer to delivering.
- Mucus plug: You may be experiencing more discharge now and you may even pass the mucus plug—a clear, yellow or brown glob of mucus that’s been corking your cervix throughout your pregnancy—as you become dilated. Does this mean that labor is imminent? Maybe. But it could be days or even weeks away.
- Vaginal discharge: Vaginal discharge can be tinged pink or brown as the blood vessels in the cervix rupture during dilation and effacement. Once your underwear or toilet paper has that hint of color, it could mean you’ll be face-to-face with your baby sooner rather than later.
- Itchy belly: One way to soothe an itchy belly? Slather on vitamin E oil. In fact, you might want to stock up on an extra bottle of vitamin E capsules — it’s also great for sore nipples, which are in your near future if you’re planning to breastfeed. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking extra vitamin E, though.
- Tiredness and frustration: Many people start getting a little impatient, tired and frustrated by this point. This can sometimes be made worse by well-meaning comments such as ‘not long now!’ from those around you. It’s natural to feel a little stressed, but try to relax as best you can.
- Nesting instinct: A change in energy levels is pretty common this week. You may be increasingly exhausted or you may get a burst of energy, also known as the nesting instinct, as you try to organize and clean the house before the baby comes. Go ahead and clean, but don’t wear yourself out. Save that energy for childbirth instead of squandering it on a clean closet.
- Trouble sleeping:
- Everyone talks about lack of sleep once your baby arrives, but you’ve probably noticed you’re getting less shut-eye already. It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you’re not getting good sleep, you’re not alone. About two-thirds of pregnant women report that they have insomnia late in pregnancy.
- Insomnia is generally pretty harmless late in pregnancy. But if lack of sleep is interfering with your ability to function—if you find yourself making mistakes while driving, forgetting about food on the stove, or stumbling more often—talk to your doctor.
Baby Development:
- Your baby is about the size of a small watermelon or pumpkin, weighing approximately 2.8 kg to 3.4 kg and measuring around 19-20 inches in length.
- Your baby’s eyes right now are blue, gray, or brown, but once they’re exposed to light, they may change color or shade. By the time your baby turns 1, you’ll know their true color.
- Shedding hair: The lanugo, the fine downy hair that covered your little one’s body for warmth, is falling off in preparation for delivery.
- Your baby’s lungs have strengthened and the vocal cords have developed, which means she’s ready to communicate through wails and cries.
- Your baby’s fingernails and toenails are fully formed – toenails have reached the tips of your baby’s toes, and their fingernails may extend beyond their fingertips. Your baby may need a nail trim soon after birth !!!
38 Weeks Pregnant: What you should be preparing for
- Go for a stroll: Walking is easy on your knees and ankles, which makes it one of the best exercises during pregnancy.
- Run through your labor distractions:
- Childbirth education programs generally teach you to cope with labor discomfort by using distraction techniques.
- Relaxation, meditation, and visualization—like imagining your cervix is blooming like a flower (dilating, that is)—are often useful between contractions, whereas breathing exercises can help during them.
- Wear loose, cool clothing:
- Perpetually damp these days? Here come those hormones again. Their effects, along with increased blood flow to the skin and increased metabolism during pregnancy, can make you sweat, even in colder weather.
- To stay cool, wear loose, light clothing or dress in layers (a lightweight cardigan can be worn post-baby and be surprisingly nursing-friendly, if you plan on breastfeeding). Be sure to also drink plenty of water.
- Watch for late pregnancy complications: Unfortunately, serious complications can strike at the end of pregnancy. Be on the lookout for symptoms that require you to call your doctor.
- Read up on baby feeding: Now is a great time to think about how you’ll be feeding your baby. Breastfeeding can be challenging, so talk to the experienced moms in your life about their best tips for breastfeeding successfully.
- Learn about newborn screening tests: All states require newborn screening tests for rare but serious conditions, including hearing loss, congenital heart defects, and metabolic disorders. These tests detect disorders that can cause long-term health problems, or even be fatal, if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Signs of Labor to Watch For:
At 38 weeks, labor could begin at any time, or it could still be a few weeks away. Keeping an eye out for signs of labor ensures you’re ready when the time comes.
- Regular Contractions: True labor contractions are more intense than Braxton Hicks. They occur at regular intervals, progressively last longer, and grow stronger over time.
- Bloody Show: You might notice a pinkish or brownish mucus discharge, often referred to as the “bloody show.” This is a sign of cervical changes and may indicate labor is approaching.
- Water Breaking: A sudden gush or steady trickle of fluid from your vagina may mean that your amniotic sac has ruptured. This is a strong indicator that labor is beginning, and you should reach out to your doctor or midwife immediately.
- Lower Back Pain: Intense, radiating back pain that doesn’t subside could indicate early labor contractions, especially if it occurs with other signs.
Conclusion
Always consult with healthcare professionals for guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Enroll in our free lactation webinar to understand more about pain suffered during breastfeeding, possible causes, and solutions for the same.