38 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms, Baby Development, Belly Size & More!

Have you maintained a pregnancy week by week chart? It will be fun for you to compare now that your baby now weighs over 3 kilos and is almost 20 inches long. Her/his organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. The placenta has  generated extra glycogen and this has been stored in your baby’s liver. This will help sustain energy needs in the first two days while your milk supply builds up. You may notice that your baby moves much less now and instead of full-fledged kicks or body movements, you can only feel jabs and prods. Your baby’s head is now expected to be fixed, locked or engaged in the pelvis. So, let’s get to know about what are the pregnancy symptoms that denote 38 weeks pregnant and how your baby looks during 38 weeks. So, keep on reading to find out.

38 Weeks Foetus Development 

In preparation for delivery, the lanugo, the fine, downy hair that covers your baby’s body to keep it warm, is falling out. Your baby is now prepared to communicate through wails and screams since its voice chords and lungs have grown stronger.

How Big Is A Baby During 38 Weeks Pregnancy?

Your baby is about 35 cm from head to bottom and weighs about 3.2 kg.

38 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Your energy levels are now at an all time low and you might be feeling extremely lethargic. Rest as much as you can and indulge in your favourite things, just don’t forget to continue your prenatal exercises.

As your baby’s head gets locked into the pelvis, you might experience sharp shooting pains in the vagina. It is a good idea to start massaging your nipples this week. If you have flat or inverted nipples, a gentle massage in the last couple of weeks will help the nipples form and make breastfeeding easier. This is also a good time to shop for nursing bras if you haven’t already. Your breast size is not going to change anymore and you should be able to get the correct size.

Physical Development

Many mums-to-be don’t feel like wearing a bra towards the end of pregnancy as they feel too big and uneasy. Wear maternity camisoles if bras make you uncomfortable or try wearing nursing bras made in stretchy cotton material.

Emotional Development

You might feel like just getting over and done with delivery since you’re heavy and probably uncomfortable. If you live in a warm climate and are expecting your baby in summer, the last few weeks can be pretty unbearable. Practice patience, as it is best that labour starts spontaneously with least intervention. This will also ensure an easier birth experience as your baby will be a willing participant in the process! Many people might call you to enquire if you’ve gone into labour yet. This can be very annoying since you are also waiting anxiously for labour to begin. Just reassure yourself that everything will happen in due time, and will happen well.

Your Body At 38 Weeks Pregnancy

Leaking colostrum from breasts, heartburn, nausea, indigestion, constipation, and mood swings are among the signs of 38 weeks pregnancy or pregnancy month 9 that you may still be experiencing during the pregnancy.

38 Weeks Pregnant Belly Picture 

Image Credit: afriendformymonster

38 Weeks Foetus Picture 

Image Credit: cdn.24.co.za

38 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound: Do You Need It?

Your doctor may advise an operation called an “external cephalic version” to try and relocate the baby with their head facing down toward the pelvis if they are still in the breech position (feet first) for 38 weeks pregnant ultrasound. 

Self Care Tips And Checklists For 38 Weeks Pregnancy

Here are some self care tips and checklists for leading the healthiest life possible during your 38 weeks pregnancy. 

• Start preparing your postpartum meals during the third trimester.
• Verify that everything you packed in your hospital bag still fits you.
• Walking is one of the best exercises during pregnancy because it is easy on your knees and ankles.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothes. 
• Do squat exercises. 
• Spend time outdoors. Not always sitting indoors.
• Do a skincare routine at least 3-4 days a week to make your skin glowing and supple.
• Treat yourself. You deserve some “me time” because you’ve been working so hard.

FAQs

What should I be feeling at 38 weeks pregnant?

Insomnia, fatigue, trouble sleeping. Indigestion, heartburn, swelling in your hands and feet.

Is giving birth at 38 weeks normal?

Yes. 

What is a baby doing in the womb at 38 weeks?

At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby is nearing full term and complete maturity. 

What week is most common to go into labour?

37-38 weeks of pregnancy. 

Is 38 weeks considered full term?

Yes. 

Why is my belly hard at 38 weeks pregnant?

The muscles and ligaments around your uterus stretch during 38 weeks that make your belly feel hard during this period. 

Takeaway

Your doctor is monitoring your pregnancy week by week for the last couple of visits. If your baby has grown rapidly, your doctor may consider doing an induction to speed up delivery. An induction is done by application of a gel directly on the cervix to help the cervix soften and dilate. If this does not work, then your doctor might start an IV with pitocin which is the synthetic form of oxytocin.

Oxytocin is the natural hormone produced by the body that helps the uterus contract during labour. You might want to discuss some natural methods of inducing labour with your doctor before attempting the pharmacological ones. Some natural methods include nipple stimulation and intercourse. Also, if you want to know about 39 weeks pregnant symptoms then check out this one and get all your answers. But if you aren’t still pregnant and want to conceive but unsure about when you can be intimate with your partner after or before your menstruation, then a pregnancy calculator can help in assisting you with the best date for the intimacy. Know more about it here!