Week 38: Awaiting Labor
The thirty‑eighth week is a time of awaiting labor. Your baby could be born at any moment!
Baby size: Fever (160-165 mm)
Baby development
Final touches before the big debut
Your little one is completing the final preparations. Its brain and lungs are the only organs that continue to mature actively up to the moment of birth.
What’s happening this week:
- Hair and nails: The baby may have a full head of hair, and the nails extend beyond the fingertips, so it may scratch itself.
- Eye color: Most children of European descent are born with dark‑gray or blue eyes. The final color will be established during the first year of life.
- Vernix coating: The protective vernix gradually disappears.
- Reflexes: All reflexes needed for life are well developed.
Your fetus weighs about 3–3.1 kg, and its length is almost 50 centimeters.
Changes for mom
Listening to yourself
Your body is loudly announcing the approaching labor. It is important to be able to decode its signals.
What you may notice:
- Stronger practice contractions: They can be quite intense but remain irregular.
- Loss of the mucus plug: It may appear as clear, yellowish, or bloody discharge.
- "Stomach upset": Some women experience nausea or diarrhea before labor. This is the body “cleansing” itself.
- Severe fatigue or a sudden surge of energy.
Knowing the signs of labor onset is the key to your peace of mind. Reread our article "Signs of Labor Onset".
Overview
Week 38: Awaiting the "D-Day"
At the thirty‑eighth week your baby is fully ready for birth. It continues to accumulate fat, which will help it adapt to the new world. All organs and systems function like those of a newborn.
It is now the size of a large pumpkin. Its intestines are filled with meconium — the first stool that will be passed after birth. It tightly clenches its fists, practicing the grasp reflex.
For you this is a "calm before the storm" period. You may feel very tired and impatient. Labor can start on any day, so it is important to listen to your body’s signals and get plenty of rest.
This is a week of sweet anticipation. Each day can feel like the same day. Try to relax, trust your body, and enjoy the final moments of pregnancy.
You are on the home stretch. To be ready for everything, reread our detailed overview "Third Trimester: What You Need to Know".
Tips for mom
Maximum relaxation and waiting
Your only job right now is to rest, relax, and wait.
What to do:
- Watch comedies and light movies. Laughter produces endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
- Sleep whenever you can. It doesn’t matter whether it’s day or night.
- Eat light foods. Soups, yogurts, fruits — anything that doesn’t burden the stomach.
- Check the hospital bags once more. Make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.
It’s important to be ready for everything. Review the article "Packing the Hospital Bag" so you miss nothing.
Tips for partner
Readiness #1 and total calm
Your main role is to embody calm and confidence. Your panic will definitely not help.
Your contribution to the joint effort:
- Be present. Simply your presence already soothes.
- Help her relax. Give a massage, turn on music, talk about something pleasant.
- Know when it’s time to go. Remember the “5‑1‑1” rule: contractions last 1 minute, repeat every 5 minutes, for a total of 1 hour.
- Take care of everything. Fill up the car, charge phones, let relatives know you’re “on standby”.
Your role in labor is very important. Reread the article about partnered birth to feel more confident.
Checklist
Your action plan for week 38
Waiting for the start!
- ✅ Attend the weekly doctor appointment.
- 😴 Sleep, sleep, and sleep again.
- 😂 Watch your favorite comedies.
- 👜 Place the bags in the hallway or even in the car.
- 📱 Check that all important numbers are in the quick‑dial list.
- 📚 Refresh your knowledge about the stages of labor, by reading the article "Stages of Labor".