38 Weeks Pregnant

Babies are bits of star-dust blown from the hand of God. Lucky is the woman who knows the pangs of birth for she has held a star.

– Larry Barretto

The 38th week of your pregnancy is going to be a bit painful as your baby will be very productive during this week. The position of your baby on your 38th week will be pretty low on your pelvis so the movements will cause you weird sensations down your legs. The movements will hit your nerves present in all possible places, even unknown to you and this will cause some discomfort for sure. During this time your contractions might start any day so be prepared for it. Contractions followed by bleeding mean you and your baby are ready to see the world’s light. This might happen soon or might take a few days, so hold tight, be prepared and keep your necessary things handy.

What to expect in the 38th week

How big is your baby in the 38th week of your pregnancy?

On your 38th week of pregnancy, your baby is around 19.6 inches so you can assume your baby as big as a winter melon. Due to the size, your abdomen will obviously feel heavy and your movements will become a bit difficult as well. You are literally nurturing a tiny human being inside you who is almost ready to see the world during this week so you can expect your baby to be fully grown and ready as well. The weight will be approximately 6.8 pounds during the 38th week.

How many months are 38 weeks of pregnancy?

During the 38th week of your pregnancy, you will be in the ninth month of your pregnancy so you will be absolutely ready any day to push your baby out. It is always advisable to not become impulsive during this time. Hold tight and be patient, let your body give the indications naturally when it is ready to let your baby come out.

Symptoms in the 38th week of pregnancy.

On the 38th week of your pregnancy, you will be extremely close to your due date hence this is the time when your body will be giving you multiple indications that it is ready to bring the baby into the world. You will be experiencing a lot of emotions altogether but hold tight. Do not rush into delivering your baby when your body is not giving you indications naturally that your baby wants to come out. You will be experiencing some severe symptoms during this time some of them are the following.

  • Severe contractions.

During this time the contractions are very severe, this is mostly because you are very near your due date so your body will be giving weird indications like severe contractions. These contractions will be spontaneous and will vanish if you change your position while you sleep. The cramps will be severe and your belly will feel very tight during this point. If your contractions stop while you change your position then this is called Braxton Hicks. If your contractions are not stopping then know that it’s time to go to the hospital.

  • More mucus discharge.

On the 38th week of your pregnancy, your mucus plug will start to come out from your vagina, this is very normal because this indicates your body is preparing to push your baby out. The mucus plus is present there to protect your cervix and your baby. When your body is ready to push your baby it starts coming out of your vagina gradually, so if you see small blobs of mucus do not panic. But if you get blood with it then please contact your doctor as fast as possible.

  • Difficulty in sleeping.

On the 38th week, your body is fully prepared to bring your baby out. You are growing a tiny person inside you so your body is going through a lot of changes and due to this, your sleep will also be hampered. You will find it difficult to sleep and also your baby’s movement will become very severe which will cost your sleep. But hold tight because very soon you are going to see the beautiful face of your child and all this pain will be gone.

  • Swollen feet.

This is one problem you have to deal with on the 38th week. Shoes might not fit your feet now due to the swelling so rest your feet, soak them in salt water, and relax as much as you can because your mind and body need it.

  • Itching belly.

Due to the stretching, your belly will itch a lot during this time. Make sure you massage it with some oil and keep the skin soothed.

Is your body ready in the 38th week? How many months are 38 weeks?

Your body is definitely ready at this time and it is ready to push the baby only if it wants. Do not rush into delivering, when your baby is ready it will start giving indications and you will be ready at that moment. 38 weeks means you are nine months pregnant and you are very close to your due date.

38 weeks pregnancy signs.

The signs of your 38th week will feel a lot like labor but know the difference and take the required steps.

Nausea. This will persist for a bit longer during this week. Your body is going through so much and your digestive system is also under constant pressure so feeling nauseous is absolutely normal. If it is bothering you to a great extent make sure you take the necessary medications from your doctor to cure it.

Contractions. Your contractions will become very frequent during this week. Your belly will become tight also. If your contractions start and stop at regular intervals then it is fine and you need to relax, but if it is not stopping then it is time you rush to the hospital.

Mucus discharge. Your mucus plug will be coming out via your vagina now so you might see some excess amount of discharge. If you see blood with it make sure you consult your doctor for sure.

Breaking of your water. This is the final step before you rush to the hospital. If your waterfalls off this means your body is finally prepared to push your baby/babies out.

Can the baby be delivered in the 38th week?

The baby is almost prepared for this week so it is okay to get delivered but only if your body is giving natural indications about the delivery then only go for it. Don’t lose your patience and schedule a delivery. It is always best to deliver your baby when it is fully ready and wanting to come out on its own.

38th week ultrasound.

This is one of the most crucial weeks of your pregnancy as you are fully ready and your baby is also getting ready to come out and surprise you. The ultrasound of this week is very crucial especially to know the position of the baby. If the head is in the correct position or not it will be known from the ultrasound and this is very important as it will help in proper delivery.

During this week a pelvic examination will also be carried on to see your dilations. This ultrasound can be a biophysical profile from which your baby’s movement, muscle tones, heart rate, and everything will be examined.

Tips for the 38th week of pregnancy.

  • Take care of your belly. Make sure you massage it with oil. Take care of the itching as the stretching of the skin will cause the itching.
  • Keep yourself hydrated. Drink an adequate amount of water. Consume juices and tonics, this will keep your metabolism high and will make sure your digestive system is working properly as well.
  • Keep things that soothe your mind. You can have things infused with lavender or lemon, these fragrances help in soothing your mind to a huge extent and will also help in relaxing your mind and body.

Checklist for the 38th week of pregnancy.

  • Keep your hospital bag handy.
  • Precook some light meals.
  • Prepare yourself for breastfeeding.
  • Keep your car seat handy.
  • Ask your partner to be around.

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