Pregnancy Week 38
Your baby is continuing to mature and gain weight as you get closer to meeting your little one. The brain and lungs are still developing, your baby is storing more body fat, and the body is becoming increasingly prepared for life outside the womb.
Your Baby This Week
Continued Brain Development
Your baby’s brain continues to mature during week 38.
Although your baby has developed significantly by this stage, the brain and nervous system continue making important connections that support movement, feeding, breathing, and other functions after birth.
Lung Maturation
Your baby’s lungs continue preparing for breathing after birth.
Surfactant production continues, helping the tiny air sacs in the lungs remain open when your baby takes the first breaths.
Gaining More Body Fat
Your baby continues accumulating fat beneath the skin.
This makes the body fuller and helps your baby store energy and regulate body temperature after birth.
Getting Ready for Birth
Your baby’s organs are increasingly prepared for life outside the womb.
Many babies are already in a head-down position, while the baby’s body continues making final adjustments before delivery.
Almost Time
Your baby is about the size of a leek. Your baby continues gaining fat and maturing while preparing for life outside the womb.
Your Body This Week
Your body may be showing more signs that pregnancy is approaching its final stage.
More Pelvic Pressure
As your baby settles lower into the pelvis, you may feel increased pressure around your pelvis, hips, and bladder.
Frequent Urination
The baby's position can place additional pressure on your bladder, making frequent urination common during these final weeks.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions may become more noticeable. They are generally irregular and do not steadily increase in intensity and frequency like true labor contractions.
Changes in Vaginal Discharge
You may notice increased vaginal discharge. You may also notice the loss of the mucus plug as the cervix begins preparing for labor.
Tips for week 38
- Continue taking your prenatal vitamin every day.
- Eat balanced meals containing protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Continue including iron-rich foods.
- Choose calcium-rich foods to support your baby's bones.
- Include healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat fiber-rich foods to support digestion.
- Rest whenever you feel tired.
- Continue gentle, pregnancy-safe activity if approved by your healthcare professional.
- Keep your prenatal appointments.
- Keep your hospital or birth-center bag ready.
- Make sure transportation arrangements are available if you need to go to the hospital.
- Keep important contact numbers easily accessible.
- Review your birth preferences with your healthcare team.
- Know when you should contact your maternity care team.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs.
- Limit caffeine to 200 mg or less per day.
- Continue paying attention to your baby's usual movement pattern.
Nutrition This Week
Your baby continues developing during these final weeks, while your body prepares for delivery and recovery.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Iron Rich Foods
Calcium Sources
Protein Rich Foods
Folate Rich Foods
Healthy Fats
Fruits & Vegetables
Whole Grains
Stay Hydrated
Nutrition Tip
Keep your meals simple, balanced, and nutrient-dense. Focus on protein, iron, calcium, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats rather than trying to eat significantly more food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my baby full-term at Week 38?
Week 38 is still considered early term. Pregnancy is considered full term from 39 weeks through 40 weeks and 6 days.
How big is my baby at Week 38?
Your baby is approximately the size of a leek. Exact length and weight vary from baby to baby.
What is developing during Week 38?
Your baby’s brain and nervous system continue maturing, the lungs continue preparing for breathing, and your baby continues gaining body fat and weight.
Is my baby ready to be born?
Your baby is well developed and increasingly prepared for life outside the womb, but important maturation continues during the final weeks, particularly in the brain and lungs.
Should my baby's movements decrease?
Your baby has less room to move, so the type of movement may change. However, your baby should continue moving according to their usual pattern.
A noticeable decrease or significant change in movement should be reported promptly to your healthcare professional.
How do I know if labor is starting?
Labor may begin with regular contractions that become stronger, longer, and closer together. Other possible signs include your water breaking or changes in vaginal discharge.
If you think labor has started or your water breaks, contact your maternity care team for guidance.
Can my baby still change position?
Yes, although there is less room for movement. Most babies are head-down by this stage, but your healthcare professional can check your baby’s position.
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