38 Weeks Pregnant

Baby’s Development

Fetus ~49.8 cm (leek), weight ~3,100 g (6.8 lb) [1]. Meconium (first stool) accumulating in intestines. Brain and lungs fully mature. Grasp reflex strong. Responds to light, sound. Body fat ~15% of body. Skin: smooth, plump. Most babies in cephalic position. Movement: less room, but should still feel 10+ in 2 hours. Survival rate: 99%+ [2].

Pregnancy Symptoms

Third trimester, full term. Symptoms: backache, heartburn, constipation, leg cramps, swelling, headaches, Braxton Hicks (more frequent, more intense). Uterus ~38 cm (fundal height). Lightening complete. Kicks distinct, possibly less frequent (less room). Round ligament pain, sciatica, pelvic pressure (intensifying). Weekly OB visits. Cervix may be effacing and dilating. Bloody show, water breaking, regular contractions = labor [2].

Body Changes

Uterus ~38 cm fundal height. Weight gain: 30-38 lbs by week 38 typical. Bump large, “dropped.” Stretch marks, linea nigra, melasma, visible veins, varicose veins. Breasts 2+ cup sizes up, colostrum may leak. Possible “pregnancy mask” (melasma). Swelling in feet/ankles. Cervix: effacing, possibly dilating 1-2 cm [2].

Tips for Week 38

• Continue kick counting — 10 in 2 hrs daily. Less than 10 → eat, drink, lay on left, try again. 2nd low count → call OB.
• Address anxiety about labor — talk to provider, attend class, hire doula, read evidence-based birth stories, visualize the day.
• Finalize postpartum plan — who’s helping, meals, dog care (your dog!), work leave, sibling prep.
• Address pelvic pressure — Kegels, side-sleeping, support belt, prenatal PT.

Things To Do (Checklist)

• Continue kick counting (10 in 2 hrs daily)
• Address labor anxiety
• Finalize postpartum plan
• Address pelvic pressure
• Confirm hospital bag ready, route mapped
• Fetal position; cervix check (if indicated); GBS review

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m 38 weeks and no signs of labor. Is that OK? A: Yes. First-time moms often go to 40+5. Signs can appear days before labor or in labor. Trust the process [1].

Q: I lost my mucus plug. Does that mean labor is starting? A: Not necessarily. Can be days or weeks. Bloody show (blood-tinged) is more predictive. Call OB to report [2].

Q: When should I go to the hospital? A: 5-1-1 rule (5 min apart, 1 min long, 1 hr). Or: water breaking, severe back pain, bleeding, decreased fetal movement. Call OB first [1].

For Dads

• Be the “5-1-1” expert — when contractions hit 5 min apart, 1 min long, 1 hr → call OB, drive to hospital. Time contractions (app: Full Term, Contraction Timer).
• Finalize logistics — go-bag by door, route mapped, parking plan, backup driver, child/pet care (your dog!), work calendar blocked.
• Practice labor support — counter-pressure, breathing cues, position changes, what to say/not say.
• Read The Expectant Father Ch. 37-38 — labor, your role, decisions in the moment.
• Pray for safe, healthy labor and delivery — the moment of meeting, the gift of life.

Sources

1. ACOG — How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
2. Mayo Clinic — 38 Weeks Pregnant
3. Expecting Better — Emily Oster (Chapters 15-16: Third Trimester → Labor)