Pregnancy Calendar at Week 38
Hi there, little one!
I'm already a pretty big kid — about the size of an avocado.
And you know what? I’m completely ready to meet the outside world with open arms 😍.
My organs are working well, my heart beats rhythmically, I can breathe, swallow, even suck my thumb.
There’s just a tiny bit more to go — and I’m making my very first move. The same one. My first free breath of life.
Do you hear how my little heart is pounding? It’s beating 140–160 times a minute — just like a tiny drum, and it’s playing just for you.
My nerves and muscles are already connected; I can feel, I can sense how you’re touching my little body, how you’re kissing me, or just talking softly.
Even my tiny little tummy already knows how to work. Right now, it has a few minky tricks up its sleeve — like saying, "I’m ready."
And at last, I can feel your warmth from inside, but the softest skin — in your hugs.
Every day, I get closer to you.
And with each little beat, my tiny heart whispers:
"Thank you for being my mama. I almost have you in my hands."
Your little one ❤️
What happens to me
Feelings:
During week 38 of pregnancy, the mother's activity can suddenly slow down at any moment. Your baby is already fully ready for independent living, and your body is actively preparing for birth.
Increased activity overall
At this stage, activity reaches its maximum size, which can make movements and contractions harder, and also trigger labor. Your baby’s head begins to engage, and it starts to settle into the birth canal.
Periodic contractions
The uterus is preparing for labor through 'training' contractions. This can be uncomfortable, as it involves tension and muscle tightening. Sometimes, this leads to a decrease in appetite, which helps reduce the risk of complications during labor.
Discharge from the genital tract
Discharges may be transparent or whitish, usually sparse and without a strange smell. Sticky discharges can be associated with cervix opening and may have a pinkish tint. If the volume increases, it could indicate early signs of water leak. In such cases, a doctor’s consultation is necessary to understand how the water level changed during pregnancy.
The main belly
During pregnancy, a woman’s body maintains more fluid and increases circulating blood volume, which can raise blood pressure — a serious complication of pregnancy. This often causes headaches. It’s important to see a doctor, especially if this symptom appears in the later stages of pregnancy.
Precise diagnosis
- Rest and conserve energy for upcoming labor and caring for the baby.
- Eat light homemade food, avoiding heavy meals and sugar.
- Avoid stress and traumatic loads.
- Discuss your feelings with your doctor and loved ones to get support and recommendations.
Tests
- General blood test if pregnancy has been monitored, or if a previous analysis has raised concerns.
- Urinalysis during each visit to the gynecologist.
- Blood clotting test to assess the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
- Any additional tests based on medical indications.
Examinations
Ultrasound examination for this period is usually not required unless there are specific indications. However, in some cases, it might be necessary:
- Multiple pregnancy can make it difficult to determine the position of the baby and assess the risk of hypoxia during delivery.
- If the woman has had previous cesarean sections and wants to deliver naturally, an assessment of the scar condition is needed post-operatively.
- Based on medical indications, doctors may need to monitor the health of the mother and baby more closely in a hospital.
What NOT to do
- Lifting heavy objects and exerting effort related to lifting and increasing blood pressure in the abdominal area.
- Eating fatty foods, consuming alcohol, and smoking.
- Nervously stressing or overloading yourself.
- Ignoring changes in your general condition, especially sharp pain, which requires urgent medical attention.
- If water leaks and the pregnancy continues with complications, the woman should go to the hospital for early monitoring, which typically lasts about 38 weeks, to continuously observe the condition of the mother and baby.
What is likely to happen
- Rest and conserve strength for upcoming labor and care for the baby.
- Stay relaxed in a calm environment and avoid heavy loads.
- Practice breathing exercises, avoid overfatigue, and get enough rest.
False labor pains
False labor pains can be mistaken for real contractions at the beginning of labor, but they usually stop once movements begin. If contractions become more frequent and persistent, head to the maternity hospital.
Early labor
High uterine activity triggers contractions. As labor approaches, the woman’s body prepares more fully, and labor may accelerate, leading to actual delivery.
Pain in the head
During pregnancy, the woman can experience a variety of emotions, worry about the upcoming birth, and prepare to become a mother. This period of heightened stress calls for intense inpatient care and continuous monitoring of the mother’s and baby’s health. This situation is risky for both the mother and the baby.
What is okay and what is not
Pregnancy restrictions are usually limited to the end, and the baby is fully ready for life outside the mother. Before giving birth, a woman can expect a new, natural phase of life. It’s important that her behavior and thoughts during pregnancy are directed towards well-being — for herself and the baby.
What a future mom can do:
- Rest and build strength for upcoming labor and taking care of the baby.
- Perform gentle home exercises, avoiding lifting heavy objects and strain.
- Relax in a peaceful environment during good weather, preferably outdoors.
- Practice breathing exercises and activity moderation during pregnancy.
What NOT to do in the future:
- Heavy lifting and exerting effort related to physical work and increasing blood pressure in the abdomen.
- Eating fatty foods, drinking alcohol, and smoking.
- Nervousness and overexertion.
- Ignoring symptoms of discomfort or sudden pains, which require immediate medical attention.
- Being overly tired, which can risk the health of both mother and baby.
Helpful Tips
If you're planning to become a mom for the first time, it's a good idea to get familiar with medical literature about pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for your newborn. Knowing what to expect can make the journey smoother and help you feel more confident. Remember, staying positive during pregnancy can really boost your strength and help reduce the risk of complications for your little one.
Is week 38 a good time for labor?
- Doctors generally don’t recommend going past week 38 unless there's a clear medical reason, like issues with your health or the baby’s. If your baby reaches full term, which is usually between 39 and 40 weeks, it’s a good sign that everything’s on track for a healthy development. Both the baby's brain and overall growth develop rapidly around weeks 37 and 38, and they start gaining fat. This helps their brain function better and regulate their body temperature after birth.
Does pregnancy tend to be fully carried out at week 38?
- According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), babies born at 37 and 38 weeks are considered preterm. Babies born at 39 and 40 weeks are considered full-term. Even so, babies born after 37 weeks are still often considered late, since most pregnancies go to that point. The latest recommendations suggest that pregnancy is most optimal if it reaches 39 weeks because it allows the baby’s lungs and other systems to develop fully. Early births are most often caused by stress or bleeding, which can trigger early labor, especially with the rising rates of prematurity in places like Boston-Hicks, where some babies are delivered prematurely due to concerns over sepsis or other complications.
CHECKLIST
- I read about how to take care of newborns, and now I know how to properly look after their delicate little skin. I figured out that the first time you bathe your baby, it should only be after a certain amount of time — we’ll make sure to gently wipe their little bottom until the remnants of meconium are gone.
- I learned about the stages of labor and ways to reduce pain at each phase. Honestly, each stage can really influence my emotional state. (My best tip: when I feel overwhelmed, it means the labor is almost over!)
- I’ve planned a stroller route that means I can bump into my baby around this week! I just hope everything goes smoothly—I’m really looking forward to seeing this new little person.
- I found out how to stay connected with my little one after they’re born. I can't wait to hold that tiny bundle in my arms!
- I double-checked my plans in case labor starts unexpectedly. If my partner isn’t nearby, I have a backup way to get to the hospital quickly.
