38 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Development, Symptoms, and Labor Signs

By week 38 of pregnancy, you are officially in the final stretch. Many babies born at this point do well, yet every additional day in the uterus still supports growth, especially for the brain and lungs. This is a time of anticipation, physical changes, and frequent check-ins with your health care team.

This guide explains what is happening with your baby and your body at 38 weeks, what to expect at prenatal visits, how to recognize labor, and how you can prepare emotionally and practically for the big day.

Your Baby at 38 Weeks: Almost Ready for the Outside World

Although growth slows near the end of pregnancy, your baby is still fine-tuning systems needed for life outside the womb.

Size and general growth

• Typical length is about 17–20 inches (43–51 cm) from head to heel.
• Average weight is roughly 6–7.5 pounds (2.8–3.4 kg), though healthy babies can be smaller or larger.
• Body fat continues to build under the skin, helping with temperature control after birth.
• Movements may feel different — more stretches and rolls than big flips — because space is tight.

Organ maturity

By 38 weeks, your baby’s major organs are formed and functioning, but some are still maturing in important ways.

• Brain: The brain is rapidly growing and forming new connections. Much of this rapid brain growth continues through the final weeks of pregnancy and after birth.
• Lungs: The lungs can usually function outside the womb by this stage, but they continue to develop air sacs and surfactant, which keep tiny airways open.
• Liver and digestive tract: The liver is getting better at processing substances, and the bowels are filling with the baby’s first stool (meconium).

First bowel movement: meconium

Inside the uterus, your baby swallows amniotic fluid. Waste products from this, along with shed cells and fine body hair, collect in the intestines as meconium, a thick, greenish-black substance that will usually be your baby’s first bowel movement after birth.

Sex-specific developments

• If you are carrying a boy, the testicles usually have moved down into the scrotum by this time. In some babies, one or both testicles may descend after birth; your baby’s provider will check this during newborn exams.
• If you are carrying a girl, the external genitals are typically well developed, and the labia are more clearly defined.

Your Body at 38 Weeks: Common Symptoms and Changes

As you approach your due date, your body adjusts to support labor and delivery. Some symptoms are uncomfortable but normal; others signal the need for prompt medical advice.

Typical late-pregnancy symptoms

• Pelvic pressure: When the babys head settles deeper into the pelvis (often called “lightening”), you may feel increased pressure low in the abdomen and pelvis. Walking may feel awkward or heavy.
• Frequent urination: The babys position often puts extra pressure on the bladder, meaning more bathroom trips, including overnight.
• Irregular tightenings (Braxton Hicks): Painless or mildly uncomfortable contractions can come and go, especially in the evenings. They do not get steadily stronger, longer, and closer together.
• Sleep troubles: Discomfort, heartburn, and the need to urinate frequently can disrupt sleep.
• Backache and joint discomfort: Loosening ligaments and added weight strain the lower back and hips.

Swelling: what is usual and what is not

Mild swelling of the feet and ankles is common at the end of pregnancy, especially after standing for long periods.

Contact your health care provider urgently if you notice:

• Sudden or severe swelling of the face, hands, or around the eyes
• Rapid weight gain over 1–2 days not explained by eating
• Headaches that do not improve with rest or pain relief
• Vision changes, such as blurring, spots, or flashing lights

These can be warning signs of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication related to high blood pressure that requires quick evaluation.

Other symptoms you might notice

• Vaginal discharge often increases and may be thicker.
• Pelvic twinges or sharp, brief pains can result from the baby pressing on nerves or stretching ligaments.
• Shortness of breath may improve slightly if the baby has moved lower, giving your lungs a bit more space.

Recognizing Signs of Labor at 38 Weeks

Many pregnant people go past 38 weeks before labor begins. Still, it is helpful to know how to distinguish early labor from normal late-pregnancy discomforts.

Possible signs that labor is approaching

• Loss of the mucus plug: A plug of thick mucus that has sealed the cervix may come out as a glob or in smaller pieces. It may be clear, yellowish, or tinged with blood. Labor can start soon afterward or still be days away.
• Bloody show: A small amount of blood-streaked mucus can appear as the cervix begins to open and thin.
• More frequent contractions: You may notice cramps or tightenings that are uncomfortable but still irregular.
• Loose stools: Changes in hormones and the bodys preparation for labor can cause softer or more frequent bowel movements.

True labor versus practice contractions

When to call your health care provider or go to the hospital

Your provider may give you personalized instructions, but many recommend contacting them or going to the hospital if:

• You have regular contractions every 5 minutes, lasting about 1 minute each, for at least an hour (if this is your first baby).
• Your water breaks, whether as a gush or a steady trickle of fluid from the vagina.
• You notice decreased fetal movement compared to your babys usual pattern.
• You have vaginal bleeding that is more than light spotting.
• You suspect something is wrong or feel very unwell.

Prenatal Visits and Possible Tests at Week 38

Prenatal visits are usually weekly at this stage. Your care team will monitor both your health and your babys well-being.

Routine checks

• Blood pressure to screen for hypertension and preeclampsia.
• Weight to track overall gain and sudden changes.
• Urine tests to look for protein (a possible sign of preeclampsia) and sometimes infection.
• Fundal height (measurement from the top of the uterus to the pubic bone) to follow babys growth.
• Listening to the babys heartbeat with a handheld Doppler.

Cervical exams and babys position

Depending on your situation and your preference, your provider may:

• Check how much the cervix has begun to open (dilate) and thin (efface).
• Feel the babys position (for example, head-down or breech) and how far into the pelvis the head has descended (station).

Additional monitoring if needed

Some pregnancies require extra monitoring, especially if there are medical conditions, concerns about babys growth, or the pregnancy has gone past the due date. Your provider may recommend:

• Nonstress test (NST): You lie down while sensors on your abdomen track the babys heartbeat and movements. You might be asked to press a button when you feel movement.
• Biophysical profile (BPP): An ultrasound combined with heart rate monitoring to assess movement, muscle tone, breathing motions, and amniotic fluid.

Preparing for Labor, Birth, and the Postpartum Period

At 38 weeks, planning and practical preparation can make you feel more confident and calm.

Clarifying your birth preferences

Consider discussing these topics with your health care provider before labor starts:

• Pain relief options (such as epidural, nitrous oxide, IV medications, or non-medication methods)
• Who you would like to have present for labor and delivery
• Positions you may want to use during labor and pushing
• Preferences around immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth, if medically safe
• Feeding plans, such as breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination

Practical steps before baby arrives

• Hospital or birth center bag packed with essentials like identification, health insurance information, comfortable clothing, basic toiletries, phone charger, and items for the baby (diapers, clothing, blanket).
• Car seat correctly installed and checked according to local safety guidelines.
• Safe sleep space prepared, such as a crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards.
• Support network arranged for childcare for older siblings, pet care, or help at home during the first days and weeks after delivery.

Caring for your emotional well-being

Mixed emotions are common at 38 weeks: excitement, anxiety, impatience, or worry can come and go in waves.

• Talk openly with your partner, friends, or family about your feelings.
• Practice simple relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, gentle stretching, or listening to calming music.
• Ask your provider about local or online support groups for expecting parents.

Healthy Habits in the Final Weeks

Maintaining healthy routines supports both you and your baby as you approach delivery.

Nutrition and hydration

• Focus on balanced meals with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats.
• Drink enough fluids to keep urine light yellow; staying hydrated may also help reduce Braxton Hicks contractions.
• Continue taking your prenatal vitamin unless your provider advises otherwise. Many recommend continuing prenatal supplements while breastfeeding as well.

Physical activity and rest

• Unless your provider has restricted activity, gentle exercise such as walking or prenatal yoga can improve circulation and mood.
• Rest when you can. Short naps may help make up for nighttime sleep interruptions.
• Use pillows to support your belly and between your knees when lying on your side to ease back and hip strain.

When to seek urgent care

Call your health care provider or emergency services right away if you experience:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain or sudden, intense headache
• Vision changes or sudden swelling of face and hands
• High fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing
• A significant drop in or absence of baby movements

Frequently Asked Questions About Week 38 of Pregnancy