Your Pregnancy at Week 38

Welcome to week 38 of your pregnancy! It's amazing how quickly the time has passed, and you're now only a few weeks away from meeting your baby. Alternatively, it might feel like these 38 weeks have dragged on. As you enter this final stretch, you'll likely experience excitement, physical changes, and some surprising moments.

Baby Development at Week 38

Your baby, or foetus, is now approximately 19.61 inches long from head to heel, about the length of a leek. Earlier in the second trimester, the baby was covered in a soft, downy layer of hair called lanugo, which has mostly disappeared by now, though some babies may still have patches at birth. The baby's bowels are accumulating meconium, a sticky green substance made from everything they have swallowed in the womb, including amniotic fluid and hair. This meconium will typically be passed as the baby's first bowel movement after birth. However, if the baby passes meconium during labour, it could indicate distress, and the baby will need to be closely monitored. ⁽⁵⁾

Your baby continues to grow, and while most of the organs are now mature and functioning well, the brain and lungs are the exceptions. These two organs can work outside the womb but will develop throughout childhood. As you anticipate your baby's arrival, you might be curious about their appearance. Perhaps you hope your baby will have your hair colour, your partner's green eyes, or your dad's long legs. However, it may be difficult to determine your baby's eye colour immediately after birth unless the eyes are brown, in which case they are likely to remain brown. If your baby's eyes are grey or blue, they might stay that way or gradually change to green, hazel, or brown, typically by the time your baby reaches nine months old. ⁽¹⁾

The baby's hands are now fully developed, with nails that reach the tips of the fingers and a strong grasp that you'll soon feel when your little one grabs your finger for the first time. The intestines are accumulating meconium, which will be the baby's first bowel movement after birth. At this stage, the circumference of the baby's head and abdomen are roughly the same size, a key indicator of healthy development.

Body Changes at Week 38

Your nesting instinct, which may have surfaced earlier, is now in overdrive. You might find yourself rearranging the nursery for the hundredth time, carefully washing baby clothes, and going over your hospital bag checklist with the precision of a detective. It's as if your maternal instincts have shifted into high gear, pushing you to ensure everything is right for your baby's arrival.

Pregnancy hormones can make your emotions feel like a rollercoaster. One moment, you're filled with joy and excitement about your baby's arrival; the next, you might find yourself tearing up. These emotional swings are normal, so allow yourself to experience and express your feelings.

You may start noticing signs that labour could be near, such as increased Braxton Hicks contractions, lower back pain, or even the loss of your mucus plug. While these signs can be exciting, they don't necessarily mean labour is imminent. Stay mindful of them, but keep calm and composed. ⁽⁴⁾

Baby Bump At Week 38

Your baby bump has grown significantly, so you may feel like you're carrying a bowling ball. This may make everyday tasks like bending over or tying your shoes challenging, so don't hesitate to ask for help.

You're almost at the end of your pregnancy, and your uterus will complete its expansion this month. At the beginning of your pregnancy, your uterus may have weighed around 2 ounces, but now it could weigh approximately 2 and a half pounds. 

Pregnancy Concerns at Week 38

At 38 weeks pregnant, it's common to notice some swelling in your feet due to the increased fluid retention that often occurs late in pregnancy. This mild swelling is generally normal. However, if you experience sudden or severe swelling in your hands, face, feet, or ankles, it's important to contact your healthcare provider. Such swelling could indicate a condition called pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), also known as preeclampsia or toxaemia, which requires medical attention.

Advice for Partners

If you've not packed your hospital bag yet, now's a good time to do so, as your baby could arrive any moment. Many dads like to give their new son or daughter a special gift. If you plan on doing this, consider packing it in your bag. You might also want to consider getting your partner a special gift to remind her of your love and appreciation. These gifts don't have to be extravagant or expensive, just a thoughtful gesture to show you care.

Pregnancy Checklist for Week 38 

• Familiarise yourself with newborn screening tests. All states mandate these tests to identify rare but serious conditions, such as hearing loss, congenital heart defects, and metabolic disorders. 

• At 38 weeks pregnant, ensure you have a plan for postpartum care, including child or pet care arrangements while in the hospital. This will help you feel prepared and reduce stress if labour starts earlier than expected.

• Take some time this week to learn about the postpartum period. Understanding what to expect in those early weeks and months can help you feel more prepared.

• Create a list of essential items you're still using, like your phone charger and toothbrush, so you can quickly add them to your hospital bag when it's time to go.

• If you're planning to breastfeed your baby, it may be helpful to look into lactation consultants in your area. A lactation consultant can assist you in getting started and guide you through any challenges with breastfeeding.