38 Weeks Pregnant: Week-by-Week Guide

In This Article

At this stage of your journey, new developments are beginning to unfold. Check out this week-by-week guide to find out what’s in store for your baby and your body in week 35 of pregnancy.

• What trimester is 38 weeks? Third trimester
• How many weeks of pregnancy are left? two
• How many months is 38 weeks pregnant? You’re in your ninth month.

With week 37 of your pregnancy complete, you’re on week 38. Enjoy it, as week 39 is on the horizon! 

One of the most exciting things about pregnancy is how many changes you’ll experience with your little one over the span of just 7 days! Here’s some tips and tricks to keep on top of all that’s happening.

Your Baby at 38 Weeks Pregnant

What's Happening in There

• Your baby is the size of pumpkin.
• You’re in the ninth month of pregnancy and the third trimester.
• The countdown continues: You’ve got two weeks to go!

What Happens During the 38th Week of Pregnancy?

• Slow and steady: The average baby at 38 weeks weighs about 6.5 pounds. While some babies add fat to their frame at a slower pace, others may not gain at all during these last few weeks. Their height is anywhere from 17 to 20 inches from head to toe. Remember, every baby is different.
• Bye, peach fuzz: Your baby continues to shed lanugo, the fuzzy hair that has been covering them since early in your second trimester. The intestines are gathering the lanugo, along with dead skin cells and digested amniotic fluid, to create your baby’s first poop. This waste, called meconium, will look tarry and greenish-black to whoever is on the inaugural diaper duty.
• Funny face: All the sucking and swallowing that your little one has been doing is good practice for eating when they’re born. Your baby is also developing the muscles that will allow them to make facial expressions—so they can begin to communicate with you and those around them.
• Make some noise: At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby’s lungs have matured to the point where they’re ready to work with the vocal cords to let out their first cry—and second, and third!

What Should I Be Feeling at 38 Weeks Pregnant?

• You may have an overwhelming urge to clean, cook, or get organized. This nesting instinct is expected, so have fun with it. Just be careful not to overextend yourself.
• On the flip side, you may also feel tired. Everything from leg cramps to heartburn to back pain may be keeping you awake at night. Try a few pregnancy sleep strategies to encourage some quality Zzs.

36 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Movement

At 36 weeks, your baby’s amniotic sac home is getting pretty crowded. With limited room, your growing peanut isn’t flipping and floating around like they used to, but they'll still be kicking, wiggling, jabbing, and poking. Doctors may recommend that you count your baby’s kicks to keep track of their movement and contact your doctor if something seems out of the ordinary for your little one.

How Big Is Your Baby at 38 Weeks Pregnant?

Baby Position at 38 Weeks

Your little superstar is getting ready to roll and has likely settled into the birthing position: head-down, facing your back, with their chin tucked and their legs up by your ribs. However, some babies are still head-up at this stage, meaning they are breech. This position can make vaginal birth difficult, but there are steps you and your doctor can take that may help your baby change position before labor.

Week 38 Pregnancy Symptoms

During week 38 of pregnancy, your body is changing quickly. As your baby grows, you will too, and there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may experience at this time.

1. You may be breathing easier. Baby has descended low into your pelvis, so there’s less pressure on the lungs and stomach. The drawback? More pressure on your bladder, and subsequently, the need to pee frequently.
2. You may experience sharp, shooting pains in the pelvis, vagina, or rectum. This symptom, known as lightning crotch (the medical term is symphysis pubis dysfunction), may be caused by the baby’s movement, pressure from the baby on pelvic nerves, or stretching of your ligaments supporting your belly. Staying active, wearing a belly support belt, and changing positions may provide some relief.
3. You may be noticing an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions. These false alarms are nature’s way of getting you ready for the real deal.
4. Are your rings or shoes tight? It’s probably due to edema caused by water retention. Swelling in the hands, legs, feet, and ankles is common during pregnancy. But hang in there—you’ve got only weeks to go and it’ll go away after giving birth. If you experience severe swelling, swelling in your face, and rapid weight gain, call your doctor as it could be a sign of preeclampsia.
5. Insomnia is kind of a given at this point in your pregnancy, whether due to aches and pains, your belly size, a stuffy nose, or feeling overheated. Try some sleep strategies for getting the rest you and your baby need.
6. While you may be tossing and turning at night, by day you may suddenly get the urge to clean, fix up the baby’s room, and reorganize and redecorate your entire home. This nesting instinct may seem like an old wives’ tale, but it's a common phenomenon. And while you're channeling your favorite HGTV start, be extra careful and avoid lifting heavy objects, standing on ladders, and using toxic chemicals.

Week 38 Pregnancy Symptoms

During week 38 of pregnancy, your body is changing quickly. As your baby grows, you will too, and there are certain pregnancy symptoms you may experience at this time.

1. The symptom that’s probably on the top of your mind is labor. Signs of labor include diarrhea, nausea, loss of the mucus plug, the bloody show, your water breaking, and contractions. Whether it’s pain in the vagina, rectum, back, hips, or legs, chances are you’ll be experiencing some aches and discomfort these last couple of weeks. Your baby is resting on sensitive nerves and your ligaments are loose. Call your doctor if you have any concerns.
2. Your belly may be itching as a result of hormones and the expanded skin. Use moisturizing lotions, stay hydrated, and avoid taking overly hot baths or showers. Hang in there! Soon you’ll be cuddling your cutie on that belly.
3. Your need to pee frequently will continue as your little one rests on your bladder.
4. Puffiness is par for the pregnancy course. Edema, swelling in your hands, ankles, and feet due to water retention and increased blood and fluid volume, is common. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating foods high in potassium are a couple of things you can do to help reduce swelling. While most swelling is normal, sudden swelling in your face, hands, and around the eyes could be a red flag for serious conditions such as preeclampsia and deep vein thrombosis (DVD). Contact your doctor if you notice any swelling that concerns you.

Baby Brain Waves

Your Baby’s Brain Is Developing

Your baby’s brain is still developing. It’s continuing to grow and weighs about 14 ounces. In this late pregnancy stage, keep up your intake of the brain-nourishing nutrient DHA through your diet and a prenatal supplement with expert-recommended DHA levels (200 milligrams daily while pregnant or breastfeeding). You're 38 weeks pregnant, and your baby will soon be in your arms. Your little one’s brain will continue to make new connections for many years.

Pregnancy Health

Real Issues, Real Solutions

The issue: Not all breast milk is equal in nutritional value.
The solution: If you're planning to breastfeed, you can give your milk a nutritional boost with a few smart strategies. More info you might find helpful:

• Choosing to Formula Feed
• Whole Proteins: Close to the Breast
• Breastfeeding & Formula Supplementing Tips
• Your Guide to Being 39 Weeks Pregnant

Learn more about your pregnancy, including pregnancy planning and pregnancy nutrition to feel prepared to continue this magical adventure. You’re armed with the facts, what to do, and now you can take time to connect with the little one growing inside you.

With week 37 in the rearview mirror and week 38 going strong, look to the future and what's coming up in week 39!