Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Baby Development at 38 Weeks
- Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 38 Weeks
- Preparing for Labor and Delivery
- Changes in Your Body at 38 Weeks
- When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
- Conclusion
- References
Introduction
Welcome to the 38th week of your pregnancy! As you approach your due date, your body and your baby are undergoing final preparations for labor and delivery. This comprehensive guide will walk you through your baby's development, common symptoms you may experience, and essential steps to take as you prepare for your little one's arrival.
Baby Development at 38 Weeks
Size and Weight
At 38 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a leek, measuring about 19.41 inches (49.3 cm) from head to toe and weighing around 7.13 pounds (3.2 kg) 12.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 19.41 inches (49.3 cm) |
| Weight | 7.13 pounds (3.2 kg) |
Physical Appearance
Your baby is ready for their first pictures, with a nice layer of fat for smooth skin, minimal remaining lanugo (except perhaps on the upper arms and shoulders), and potentially more hair on their head 3.
| Physical Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Skin | Smooth, with a layer of fat |
| Lanugo | Minimal, may remain on upper arms and shoulders |
| Hair | May have more on the head |
Fingernails and Toenails
Your baby's fingernails and toenails are fully formed, with toenails reaching the tips of the toes and fingernails possibly extending beyond the fingertips 4.
| Nail Development | Status |
|---|---|
| Fingernails | Fully formed, may extend beyond fingertips |
| Toenails | Fully formed, have reached the tips of toes |
Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 38 Weeks
Swollen Ankles and Feet
Causes of Swelling
Some swelling in your feet and ankles is normal during the last weeks of pregnancy. As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on your pelvic veins and the vein that carries blood from your legs to your heart, causing blood to pool and fluid to be forced from your veins into the tissues of your feet and ankles 5.
Managing Swelling
To counteract swelling:
- Move around regularly and avoid sitting or standing for too long
- Elevate your feet when possible, using a stool or pillow
- Wear comfortable shoes and compression socks
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Sleep Disturbances
Insomnia in Late Pregnancy
About two-thirds of pregnant women report experiencing insomnia late in pregnancy, often due to difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position 5.
Tips for Better Sleep
To improve sleep:
- Avoid large meals or drinking too much water in the evening
- Relax in a quiet, dimly-lit room before bedtime, avoiding screens
- Read or do a guided meditation to help you fall asleep
- If unable to sleep within 30 minutes, get up and do a relaxing activity until drowsy
Vivid Dreams
Intense, vivid dreams are common during pregnancy, likely due to hormone surges. These dreams may reflect conscious thoughts and worries or be entirely unrelated to reality 5.
Lightning Crotch
Lightning crotch is a sudden, jolting pain in the pelvis or groin that occurs when the baby's head pushes against the nerves in the cervix and lower uterus. Wearing a supportive belly band and shifting positions may help alleviate this discomfort 5.
| Lightning Crotch Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Sensation | Sharp, electric shock-like pain |
| Duration | Brief, lasting only a few seconds |
| Timing | Most common in the third trimester |
| Causes | Baby's head pressing on cervical and uterine nerves |
Changes in Vaginal Discharge
Mucus Plug
As labor approaches and your cervix begins to dilate and efface, you may notice a mucousy discharge, which is your mucus plug dislodging. This is an early sign of labor, but it doesn't necessarily mean labor will start immediately 5.
Bloody Show
Bloody show is a discharge tinged with blood that occurs as the cervix thins out before labor. Like the loss of the mucus plug, this is a sign that labor is approaching but not necessarily imminent 5.
| Discharge Type | Appearance | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | White, creamy, or clear | Healthy |
| Mucus Plug | Mucousy, clear, or tinged with blood | Early sign of labor |
| Bloody Show | Tinged with blood | Sign of approaching labor |
| Abnormal | Green, yellow, foul-smelling, or causing irritation | Possible infection, contact healthcare provider |
Heartburn and Indigestion
Managing Heartburn
Heartburn and indigestion may be worse than ever at 38 weeks due to the expanding uterus. To manage these symptoms:
- Eat small meals
- Avoid trigger foods
- Sleep with your chest elevated
Nausea as a Warning Sign
While nausea can accompany heartburn and indigestion, sudden onset of nausea or vomiting can be a sign of preeclampsia and should be reported to your healthcare provider 5.
Preparing for Labor and Delivery
Recognizing Late-Pregnancy Complications
Be aware of symptoms that require immediate medical attention, such as severe headaches, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling, or decreased fetal movement 5.
Preparing Your Home
Consider having your house cleaned and organized to create a welcoming environment for your return with your newborn 5.
Learning About Infant Feeding
Breastfeeding Basics
If planning to breastfeed, educate yourself on the basics and seek advice from experienced mothers to help you succeed 5.
Formula Feeding Basics
If choosing to formula feed, familiarize yourself with safe preparation and storage practices 5.
Flexibility in Feeding Plans
Recognize that even the best-laid plans may require adjustment, and prioritize a healthy, fed baby and a happy, healthy mother above all else 5.
Understanding Newborn Screening Tests
All states require newborn screening tests for rare but serious conditions. These tests are crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of disorders that can cause long-term health problems or be fatal if left untreated 5.
| Condition Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Hearing Loss | Congenital deafness |
| Heart Defects | Congenital heart disease |
| Metabolic Disorders | Phenylketonuria (PKU), galactosemia |
Changes in Your Body at 38 Weeks
Belly Size and Shape
Your belly may continue to grow and drop lower as your baby gains weight and descends into your pelvis. Your uterus is pushing against your abdominal wall, making your belly feel hard, heavy, and tight 5.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions may become more frequent and noticeable, potentially helping your cervix efface and dilate in preparation for labor 5.
| Braxton Hicks Contractions | Description |
|---|---|
| Sensation | Tightening in the abdomen |
| Frequency | Increasing in late pregnancy |
| Purpose | May help prepare the cervix for labor |
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe headaches
- Vision changes
- Sudden swelling in the face, hands, or feet
- Persistent upper abdominal pain
- Sudden nausea or vomiting
- Decreased fetal movement
- Vaginal bleeding or watery discharge
- Regular, painful contractions
Conclusion
As you navigate the 38th week of your pregnancy, remember to stay informed about your baby's development, be aware of common symptoms, and take steps to prepare for labor and delivery. Trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with any concerns. With a little patience and preparation, you'll soon be holding your precious newborn in your arms.
References
Footnotes
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Hadlock, F. P., Harrist, R. B., & Martinez-Poyer, J. (1991). In utero analysis of fetal growth: A sonographic weight standard. Radiology, 181(1), 129-133. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiology.181.1.1887021 ↩
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Vintzileos, A. M., Campbell, W. A., Rodis, J. F., Bors-Koefoed, R., & Nochimson, D. J. (1984). The ultrasound femur length as a predictor of fetal length. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 64(6), 779-782. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6390277/ ↩
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MedlinePlus (ADAM). (2023). Fetal development. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002398.htm ↩
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Mayo Clinic. (2022). Fetal development: The 3rd trimester. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997 ↩
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2024). How your fetus grows during pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15