Week 38 of Pregnancy
Third trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of a leek
19.5 inches · 6.8 lbs
Baby this week
- •Gaining about half a pound per week now
- •Lungs are nearly fully mature and ready for breathing air
- •Baby is in head-down position for most pregnancies, preparing for birth
- •Can recognize and respond to voices and sounds from outside the womb
You this week
- •Increased Braxton-Hicks contractions (practice contractions)
- •Pelvic pressure and heaviness as baby drops lower
- •Increased vaginal discharge or bloody show
- •Difficulty sleeping despite exhaustion
- •Swelling in feet and ankles
- •Lower back pain from baby's position
This week's tips
- •Time any contractions you feel—jot down the duration and frequency to share with your provider if they become regular
- •Stay mobile with walking or gentle movement, which can help with comfort and potentially encourage labor progression
- •Prioritize rest when you can; short naps are better than fighting for solid sleep
- •Keep your hospital bag in an easy-to-grab spot and review your birth plan one more time
- •Eat smaller, frequent meals if heartburn is intense; spicy foods may worsen it
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
You're in the home stretch now. Next week (week 39) is considered full term, and labor could begin any time from here. Your body is sending signals that it's preparing for birth—pay attention to what feels different and trust your instincts about when to reach out to your care team.
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For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
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