38th week of pregnancy Week

There are only two weeks left until the birth (unless the baby wants to come right away! 😄 ). You may need to be on your toes at all times now because your body is preparing for birth . The digestive system changes, contractions, and pelvic pressure experienced this week may be signs that the baby is very close to arriving. Excitement is at its peak, right? 🤩 Now let’s see what awaits you in week 38!

Highlights – 38 Weeks Pregnant 🤰

🔥 Heartburn and reflux can be annoying!
As your baby grows, it puts pressure on your internal organs, especially your stomach . This can lead to heartburn and reflux. Avoiding spicy and heavy foods can help you get through this process a little more easily. (Yes, don’t trust that famous “spicy food makes labor start” myth! 😅 )

🚽 The intestines are also preparing for birth!
Due to the effects of hormones, you may experience changes in your bowel movements, such as diarrhea . This is a natural part of your body preparing for the big day . Don’t forget to drink plenty of water!

🏥 It’s time for a cervix check at the doctor’s office!
This week your doctor or midwife can check to see if your cervix is opening and thinning . Even if it’s not opening yet, don’t worry, things can move quickly once baby is ready.

⚡ Lightning strike sensation in vagina and legs?
If you’re experiencing sudden electric shock-like pains in your legs, groin, or vagina , don’t worry! Your baby is pressing on the nerves in your pelvic area as it’s descending. This is a common sign that labor is approaching !

The countdown has begun for the big day ⏳ , but the baby will decide when to come! So try to stay calm, rest and gather your energy. 💕

Baby’s Condition in Week 38 👶

Your baby might be having a mini birthday party in your womb because he’s almost done developing! 🥳 He probably has some hair in the womb right now and is slowly shedding the white, slippery vernix caseosa that covers his skin. However, you’ll still see remnants of this vernix when he’s born—especially in his folds! 💕

How Big Is The Baby At 38 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby is now the size of a winter melon! 📏 Approximately 50 cm long and weighs 3.1 kg . An interesting detail: Its head and belly have almost the same circumference!

How Many Months Is 38 Weeks Pregnant?

You are exactly nine months pregnant ! 🎉 You are now in the final stretch, you need to be ready for birth at any moment. You can hold your little miracle in your arms in a week or maybe a few weeks later! ⏳ 💕

38 Week Ultrasound 📸 👶

You see your doctor every week now that you are due . You have an appointment this week too! Your doctor will check to see if the baby is in a head-down position and if his or her head is settled into the pelvis. 🔍 If it has settled, you are one step closer to the birth process!

You will also be given a pelvic exam . The doctor will check your cervix for dilation and thinning . But remember , just because your cervix is dilated doesn’t mean you’ll go into labor right away. Likewise, you could go into labor the next day even if you haven’t dilated yet! 🤯 Labor is a completely unpredictable process—exciting, but it also requires patience.

If your doctor wants to get more detailed information about your baby’s weight and general condition , they may request an ultrasound at 38 weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, a biophysical profile (BPP) test, which evaluates your baby’s breathing, movements, muscle tone, heart rate, and amniotic fluid volume, may be performed. 📊 If your doctor decides that it would be safer for your baby to be born earlier as a result of the BPP, your due date may be brought forward! ⏳ 💕

Common Symptoms of 38 Weeks Pregnant 🤰 🔥

There is very little time left until the birth! Your body is preparing to bring your baby into the world and you feel it. Here are the most common symptoms in the 38th week:

• 🔹 Braxton Hicks contractions: It’s completely normal to have contractions at 38 weeks! If the contractions are not regular and go away when you change positions, these are false labor pains (Braxton Hicks) . But if they become regular, labor may be approaching! 🚼 💥
• 🔹 Sleep problems: It is almost impossible to have a sound sleep at night due to both excitement and physical discomfort. 😴 To alleviate this a little , you can take a warm shower, drink a relaxing tea or do light stretching exercises before going to bed.
• 🔹 Increased vaginal discharge: If you notice a thick mucus-like discharge, don’t worry! This could be the mucus plug falling off, which is a sign that labor is approaching. ⏳
• 🔹 Itchy belly: Your belly has reached its maximum stretch point and you may be feeling itchy due to the skin’s tension. But if the itching is accompanied by a rash , you should tell your doctor!
• 🔹 Swollen feet and ankles: It’s normal to have swelling in your feet and ankles! Don’t forget to put your feet up and rest whenever you can during the day. Now you can pamper yourself! 💆‍♀️ 💖

38 Weeks Pregnant Belly and Labor Symptoms 🤰 ⏳

38 weeks into pregnancy Is the pregnancy completed by week? You’re so close! This week is called early term . You’ve passed 37 weeks, but full term (week 39 and beyond) hasn’t started yet. So you’re in the most exciting days of waiting right now! 🍼 ✨

28 weeks into pregnancy Are the signs of birth starting this week? 🤔

Could your baby be ready to arrive? Signs of labor may start to show at week 38. Here are the signals you should look out for:

• 🔹 Mucus plug and/or bloody discharge: You may notice that your vaginal discharge is thick and slimy . It may also have a slightly bloody appearance ( bloodshot ). This could be a sign that your cervix is preparing for labor.
• 🔹 Diarrhea: Having diarrhea at 38 weeks may not be due to the spicy food you ate, but rather to the birth hormones starting to work. 💨 💦
• 🔹 Nausea: Some mothers report feeling slightly nauseous just before giving birth. Although there is no definitive symptom, your body may be sending you a signal!
• 🔹 Contractions: Braxton Hicks or real labor? If the tightening in your belly is regular and becoming more frequent, labor may have begun! If the contractions are less than 5 minutes apart and last longer than 2 hours , it may be time to go to the hospital!
• 🔹 Back pain: You may have had mild back pain up until now, but back pain that starts suddenly or becomes very severe at 38 weeks could be back labor . Don’t forget to let your doctor know!
• 🔹 Your waters have broken: If you suddenly feel a slight leak or a heavy flow, your amniotic sac may have ruptured. Most women go into labor quickly after their water breaks, so it’s important to let your doctor know! 🚼 💦

Uterine Dilation and Probability of Birth at 38 Weeks of Pregnancy 🩺 ✨

🔹 How dilated should my cervix be at 38 weeks? :: It’s different for every expectant mother! Some women may not be dilated at all, while others may be 1-2 cm dilated. Your doctor will monitor the dilation of your cervix during weekly check-ups. If you’ve reached 4 cm dilation, you may be in active labor! 🤱🏼 🍼

🔹 Can I give birth at 38 weeks? : Yes! Babies usually set their own time , and sometimes this can be a few weeks early. However, 38 weeks pregnant is still considered “early term”, so it’s best not to try to speed up labor on your own.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend medically inducing labor. These include:
✅ Preeclampsia (high blood pressure)
✅ Gestational diabetes
✅ Uterine infection
✅ Placenta problems
✅ Twin pregnancy (multiple pregnancies are usually delivered this week or next week)
✅ Conditions such as bleeding occur.

If your doctor says “It’s time to go into labor!” you may be a little panicked. Especially if you’ve prepared yourself as if you still have two weeks! But don’t worry, you’re in the right hands and your doctor will take the best care of you and your little one. 💕 👶 ✨

Recommendations for the 38th Week of Pregnancy 💖 🌿

There’s not much time left until you meet your baby! Here are a few suggestions to make yourself a little more comfortable this week:

💆‍♀️ Show Tenderness to Your Belly!

An itchy and tight belly is a must in the 38th week. 🙈 You can soothe your skin by using a rich moisturizer like pure shea butter . Also, drinking plenty of water will both moisturize your skin from the inside and keep your body vigorous.

🌳 Take a Walk in the Park

Moving around can help reduce swelling by increasing blood circulation and can make you feel a little lighter. Now that you’ve packed your maternity bag, imagine being able to stroll through the same park with your stroller soon! 🍼 ✨

💜 Discover the Magical Effect of Lavender!

Lavender can help you fall asleep more easily with its relaxing and calming effect . You can put a drop or two of lavender oil on your pillow, use a diffuser, or scent your room with a natural room spray.

⏳ Track Your Contractions!

Are they real labor contractions or Braxton Hicks? You can track the duration and frequency of your contractions with a contraction tracking app or a stopwatch . If you’re having regular, increasingly stronger contractions, it might be time to call your doctor! 👶 ✨

38th Week Pregnancy Checklist 📅 🍼

Here are some important reminders to remember this week:

1. 39. Schedule Your Weekly Appointment:
   The birth is just around the corner, don’t forget your next weekly appointment!
2. Make Last Minute Purchases from Your Registration List:
   Make sure you have everything ready by grabbing the last few things you’ll need.
3. Prepare the Diaper Station:
   Create an organized station with diapers, wipes, and other supplies.
4. Complete the Breastfeeding Area:
   Preparing a comfortable area for breastfeeding will make the moments you spend with your baby more enjoyable and comfortable.

You’re in the final stretch! Only a few weeks left to hold your baby in your arms! 🎉 👶