38 WEEKS PREGNANT
Congratulations, you’re 38 weeks pregnant – you’re almost there!
38 weeks pregnant is how many months?
If you’re 38 weeks pregnant you’re in month 9 of pregnancy; only a few weeks left!
Your baby at week 38 of your pregnancy
The hands have fully formed nails that reach the end of the fingers and the grasp is strong. You will soon be able to feel this when your baby grabs your finger for the first time. The organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.
The intestines are accumulating lots of meconium (baby's first bowel movement). The circumference of the head and the baby's abdomen are about the same size.
If the eyes are grey or dark blue at birth, they may stay grey or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown as your baby gets older. This is because a child's irises (the coloured part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after birth.
How big is my baby at 38 weeks pregnant?
Your baby is about the length of a stick of rhubarb measuring 50cm and weighs just over 3kg.
Your body during week 38 of pregnancy
The next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Try not to be despondent if you are fed up with being pregnant. The end is almost in sight and your baby will soon be here.
It’s important to keep an eye on any swelling in your feet and ankles and remember to elevate your legs as often as possible.
Braxton hicks
Braxton Hicks contractions, unlike real contractions, don't build up and
are not painful, just uncomfortable. True contractions, however, start at the top of your uterus and then spread over the entire uterus, through your lower back and into the pelvis. True labour will become stronger and more painful and won't be alleviated by changing position.
Your body is on the final countdown
Now that you only have a couple of weeks left of your pregnancy (unless of course your little one makes a late appearance) your body will begin to get ready for labour. As part of this you may notice that your bump “drops” if it hasn’t already, as your baby descends fully into your pelvis, ready for the big day. When this happens, you may notice your breathing is a little easier and the pressure on your pelvis increases.
Colostrum and breast changes at 38 weeks pregnant
Have you noticed leaky breasts? Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal. You may notice your breasts are leaking a thin, yellowy liquid, this is the colostrum, preparing to feed your baby. Full of antibodies the colostrum is pretty important stuff as it has more protein and less fat and sugar which is better for your new baby’s digestive system. If you are leaking colostrum you may want to purchase some breast pads and begin wearing them in your bra to protect your clothing.
Not all women will experience this though, so if you haven’t, don’t worry, your breasts are still producing colostrum ready for when your baby arrives.
Ashleigh
Your belly at 38 weeks pregnant
Our amazing mums-to-be have shared photos of how their baby bump looked at 38 weeks pregnant...
Victoria
Lorraine
Nyla
Terri
It's important to note that every woman's pregnancy tummy at 38 weeks will look different so you shouldn't compare yourself to others.
Mums explain six different breastfeeding positions and why they could be a great option for both you and your little one…
Week 38 pregnancy symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Your mucus plug may make an appearance
- Diarrhoea
- Itchy tummy
- Nesting instinct
- Braxton hicks
- Stretch marks
- Breast changes
Tips to keep in mind now you’re 38 weeks pregnant
- Use this time to finish preparing your baby's nursery or to do the tasks you may not get around to for a while after your baby's born.
- It’s a good idea to get measured for a nursing bra now.
- Your midwife will check to see how the baby is lying at your antenatal checks.
- You could be super organised and prep some meals for the freezer ready for when you have your baby so you don’t need to worry about cooking
- Double check you have everything ready in your hospital bag
- If you’re planning to give birth in hospital, it’s worth doing a few practice runs in the car