38 Weeks Pregnant is part of the third trimester. At 38 weeks pregnant, baby is very close to birth, movement should still follow your baby’s normal pattern, and your body may be showing more signs that labor is getting closer.
38 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development, and What to Expect
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, your baby is about the length of a stick of rhubarb, most lanugo is gone, meconium is building in baby’s bowels, and third trimester symptoms like Braxton Hicks, pelvic pressure, vaginal discharge, backache, swelling, leaking nipples, and labor signs may become more noticeable.
What Does 38 Weeks Pregnant Mean?
38 Weeks Pregnant means you are thirty-eight weeks into the pregnancy timeline, counted from the first day of your last menstrual period. You are in the third trimester, and your baby is getting very close to birth.
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, different medical systems may use different wording. The NHS says baby is now full term and could come any day now. Many United States providers describe 37 weeks through 38 weeks and 6 days as early term, with full term beginning at 39 weeks. Follow your own OB, midwife, or healthcare provider’s guidance for your pregnancy.
The NHS says that at 38 weeks, baby is around 49.8 cm long from head to heel, about the length of a stick of rhubarb. The NHS also says most lanugo is gone now, and baby is storing meconium in the bowels for the first poo after birth. NHS
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, your provider may also discuss baby movement, blood pressure checks, urine checks, bump measurement, baby position, signs of labor, contractions, waters breaking, membrane sweep options, induction timing if pregnancy continues, birth preferences, and when to call the hospital.
38 Weeks Pregnant Baby Size
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, baby is about the length of a stick of rhubarb according to the NHS. The NHS gives a measurement of around 49.8 cm from head to heel. NHS
Size comparisons can vary by pregnancy guide, but a stick of rhubarb is the week-specific comparison from the NHS. Tommy’s also says baby is about the length of a leek or a stick of rhubarb and measures nearly 50 cm from head to heel. Tommy’s
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, baby is close to birth, but baby may still benefit from more time in the womb for brain growth, feeding strength, immune support, body fat, and temperature control.
Simple explanation: At 38 Weeks Pregnant, baby is about the length of a stick of rhubarb according to the NHS and measures around 49.8 cm from head to heel.
38 Weeks Pregnant Baby Development
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, baby development is focused on final preparation for birth, weight gain, feeding readiness, movement, and continued brain and body maturity.
Mayo Clinic says that at week 38, the measurements around baby’s head and belly are about the same, baby’s toenails have reached the tips of the toes, and most lanugo is gone. Mayo Clinic also gives an estimated weight of about 6 1/2 pounds by this point, though baby size varies quite a bit. Mayo Clinic
The NHS says baby is storing meconium in the bowels. Meconium is a sticky green substance made from things baby swallows in the womb, including amniotic fluid and bits of hair. It usually comes out after birth as baby’s first poo. NHS
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, baby may sleep, wake, roll, stretch, suck, grasp, respond to sounds, detect light, swallow amniotic fluid, practice breathing movements, and have active and quiet times. Movement should continue right up to and during labor.
38 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
38 Weeks Pregnant symptoms may feel more intense because your body is very close to birth. Your back, hips, pelvis, bladder, legs, lower belly, and ribs may all feel more pressure, especially if baby has moved lower.
The NHS lists common symptoms at 38 weeks, including Braxton Hicks contractions, sleeping problems, stretch marks, swollen and bleeding gums, round ligament pains, piles, headaches, backache, indigestion and heartburn, bloating and constipation, leg cramps, feeling hot, dizziness, swollen hands and feet, urine infections, vaginal infections, skin changes, mood swings, cravings, heightened sense of smell, sore or leaky breasts, white milky discharge, and light spotting that should be checked if there is bleeding. NHS
You may also feel impatient, frustrated, bored, excited, nervous, or ready to be done. Those feelings can be very common this close to the end of pregnancy.
- A heavy belly or feeling more pressure when walking.
- Pelvic pressure, backache, hip discomfort, or sore ribs.
- More vaginal discharge or mucus-like discharge.
- Shortness of breath, or easier breathing if baby has dropped lower.
- Bloating, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, or piles.
- Headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums.
- Leg cramps, feeling hot, or trouble getting comfortable at night.
- Swollen feet, ankles, hands, or fingers.
- Braxton Hicks contractions or stronger practice contractions.
- Frequent urination or pressure on the bladder.
- Leaking colostrum or sore breasts.
- Rolls, wiggles, stretches, pushes, nudges, or stronger pressure.
38 Weeks Pregnant Baby Movement
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, baby has less room than before, so movements may feel different. Instead of sharp little kicks, you may notice rolls, stretches, swishes, pushes, wiggles, or pressure as baby shifts position.
Even though space is tighter at 38 Weeks Pregnant, movement should not suddenly slow down, become weaker, or stop. You should still notice your baby’s usual pattern.
Tommy’s says baby should not be moving less and that you should feel baby moving right up to and during labor. Tommy’s also says to contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately if baby is moving less than usual or has stopped moving. Tommy’s
38 Weeks Pregnant Cramping
Mild cramping at 38 Weeks Pregnant can happen. Your uterus is large, ligaments are stretched, digestion may be slower, and baby may be pressing lower into the pelvis.
Some women feel pulling, stretching, pelvic pressure, or period-like discomfort around this time. Occasional mild tightening can also happen. However, severe pain, regular tightening, or cramping that feels different from your normal should be checked.
Call your doctor right away if cramping is severe, one-sided, comes with heavy bleeding, shoulder pain, dizziness, fainting, fever, leaking fluid, regular painful tightening, strong pelvic pressure, or pain that feels very different from normal pregnancy discomfort.
38 Weeks Pregnant Spotting
Some women have light spotting at 38 Weeks Pregnant. Light spotting does not always mean something is wrong, but bleeding during pregnancy should still be mentioned to your healthcare provider.
If spotting becomes heavy, bright red, painful, or comes with dizziness, shoulder pain, one-sided pelvic pain, leaking fluid, regular contractions, pelvic pressure, or severe cramping, call your doctor quickly.
A mucus plug or bloody show can happen close to labor, but you should still call your provider if you are unsure, if bleeding is more than spotting, or if symptoms feel concerning.
38 Weeks Pregnant Appointments
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, you may have an antenatal or prenatal appointment around now. The NHS says your midwife or doctor may measure your bump and check your blood pressure. They may also check your urine for protein, which can be a warning sign of pre-eclampsia. NHS
Your provider may also check baby’s heartbeat, baby’s position, swelling, symptoms, and any concerns you have. Depending on your pregnancy and location, your provider may discuss Group B strep, membrane sweep options, induction timing if pregnancy continues, planned cesarean timing, pain relief, and when to go to the hospital.
The NHS says that if you are having a planned cesarean, it will probably be booked when you are at least 39 weeks pregnant to give baby’s lungs the best chance of being fully developed. Your own provider will explain what applies to your pregnancy. NHS
38 Weeks Pregnant Third Trimester
38 Weeks Pregnant is in the third trimester. You are close to the end of pregnancy, but your body and baby may still need more time before labor begins naturally.
The wording around 38 weeks can be confusing. Some pregnancy guides call 38 weeks full term, while many United States medical sources describe 38 weeks as early term and 39 weeks as full term. Follow your own OB, midwife, or healthcare provider’s wording and advice.
Even if you are 38 weeks pregnant and close to birth, call your provider right away for reduced movement, leaking fluid, bleeding, severe pain, severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, or symptoms that worry you.
38 Weeks Pregnant Sleep and Comfort
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, sleep may be difficult. Your belly is bigger, your hips may ache, pelvic pressure may increase, bathroom trips may interrupt sleep, and baby may feel active when you are trying to rest.
Tommy’s says that in the third trimester, the advice is to go to sleep on your side. This includes daytime naps and night sleeping. Tommy’s
If lying flat makes you feel dizzy, short of breath, faint, or uncomfortable, change positions and let your provider know. Pillows, side sleeping, smaller meals at night, and resting when you can may help.
38 Weeks Pregnant Labor Signs
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, it is helpful to know possible labor signs. Tommy’s says signs that labor may be starting can include contractions, cramps or painful tightenings, a show, backache, an urge to go to the toilet, and waters breaking. Tommy’s
Braxton Hicks contractions are usually irregular, short, and often painless. Labor contractions tend to become stronger, more regular, and longer lasting over time.
Call your provider, midwife, or hospital if you think labor has started, your waters break, you have bleeding, baby is moving less, or you feel unsure about what is happening.
38 Weeks Pregnant Waters Breaking
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, leaking fluid should always be taken seriously. Waters breaking may feel like a sudden gush, a slow trickle, or fluid that keeps leaking and cannot be controlled like urine.
Tommy’s says waters breaking may feel like a popping feeling followed by a gush or trickle of fluid, lots of dampness that does not smell like urine, or leaking small or large amounts of fluid from the vagina. Tommy’s says to contact your midwife, hospital, or birth center once your waters have broken because baby has a risk of infection. Tommy’s
Call right away if the fluid is green, brown, smelly, bloody, or if leaking fluid comes with fever, pain, contractions, or reduced baby movement.
38 Weeks Pregnant Meconium
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, baby is storing meconium in the bowels. Meconium is usually passed after birth as baby’s first stool.
The NHS says that if baby does a poo during labor, it can be a sign of distress and baby will need close monitoring. This is one reason it is important to tell your provider if your waters look green, brown, or unusual. NHS
Do not try to diagnose fluid color at home if you are unsure. Call your provider, hospital, or maternity unit and explain what you are seeing.
38 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, not everyone has an ultrasound. Some pregnancies may have growth scans, placenta checks, fluid checks, baby position checks, or other ultrasounds depending on medical history and provider preference.
Baby may move, roll, stretch, turn, respond to light, practice breathing movements, or shift position during a scan. Sometimes baby’s position makes it hard to get every image, and that does not automatically mean something is wrong.
Your provider will explain what they see based on baby’s measurements, your dates, placenta location, amniotic fluid, baby position, and your medical history.
38 Weeks Pregnant Body Changes
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, your bump may make walking, standing, working, and sleeping more difficult. Your lower back may work harder, your hips or pelvis may feel more pressure, and you may need more breaks during the day.
If baby drops lower, you may notice more pelvic pressure and more bathroom trips. Some people feel a little relief from heartburn or breathing pressure when baby moves down, but others mainly feel more heaviness in the pelvis.
You may also notice skin stretching, more visible veins, breast changes, colostrum leaking, leg cramps, trouble sleeping, swelling, more discharge, occasional belly tightening, sore ribs, or stronger pressure from baby. These can happen in pregnancy, but severe pain, heavy bleeding, leaking fluid, regular painful contractions, or movement concerns should be checked right away.
What to Do at 38 Weeks Pregnant
If you are 38 Weeks Pregnant, keep up with prenatal care and ask what appointments, vaccines, or tests are coming next. This may include blood pressure checks, urine checks, baby position checks, Group B strep discussion, birth planning, membrane sweep options, induction timing, and labor instructions.
The NHS says week 38 can be a good time to keep your pregnancy notes with you, think about stopping work, start or continue pelvic floor exercises, attend antenatal classes, talk about newborn screening, and keep eating a healthy balanced diet. NHS
This is also a good time to make sure your hospital bag, car seat, important phone numbers, pregnancy notes, and birth preferences are easy to find.
- Confirm your next prenatal appointment.
- Ask about Group B strep, baby position, and any testing that applies to you.
- Ask what to do if contractions start or your waters break.
- Ask when your provider wants you to go to the hospital or birth center.
- Keep your hospital bag packed and easy to grab.
- Keep your pregnancy notes and important phone numbers easy to find.
- Make sure the car seat plan is ready before birth.
- Keep paying attention to your baby’s normal movement pattern.
- Drink fluids and eat balanced meals when possible.
- Call your provider for bleeding, severe pain, leaking fluid, regular painful tightening, waters breaking, or movement concerns.
What to Eat at 38 Weeks Pregnant
At 38 Weeks Pregnant, balanced meals with protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and fluids can help support your body during the final weeks of pregnancy.
The NHS says there is no need to eat for two. In the third trimester, you may need about an extra 200 calories a day, but that is not much. The NHS recommends a healthy balanced diet with a variety of foods every day, including plenty of fruit and vegetables. NHS
If heartburn or constipation is bothering you, smaller meals, slower eating, fluids, fiber-rich foods, and avoiding lying down right after eating may help. Ask your provider before taking medicines, supplements, or stool softeners.
What Not to Worry About Too Much at 38 Weeks Pregnant
It is normal to feel emotional at 38 Weeks Pregnant. You may feel excited, nervous, impatient, tired, uncomfortable, frustrated, or worried about labor. The final days and weeks can feel long.
Movement may feel different as baby grows, but you should still pay attention to what is normal for your baby. If movement seems clearly reduced, weaker, stopped, or different, call your provider right away.
Try not to compare your bump, symptoms, movement pattern, baby position, labor signs, dilation, hospital bag timing, or energy level to someone else’s. Every pregnancy has its own pattern.
When to Call Your Doctor at 38 Weeks Pregnant
Most mild symptoms at 38 Weeks Pregnant can be normal, but some symptoms should be checked quickly. Trust your instincts if something feels severe, unusual, or unsafe.
Call your doctor right away for heavy bleeding, severe cramping, one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, fainting, fever, leaking fluid, waters breaking, regular painful tightening, strong pelvic pressure, vomiting that keeps you from holding down fluids, sudden swelling, severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, severe itching, severe pain under the ribs, green or brown fluid, or movement that seems clearly reduced from your baby’s normal pattern. This page is for general education and does not replace medical care.
38 Weeks Pregnant Summary
38 Weeks Pregnant is part of the third trimester. At 38 weeks pregnant, baby is about the length of a stick of rhubarb according to the NHS, most lanugo is gone, baby’s toenails may have reached the tips of the toes, and baby is storing meconium for the first poo after birth.
The most important things to know about 38 Weeks Pregnant are simple: baby movement should continue, labor signs may start, your appointment may include blood pressure and urine checks, and it is time to pay close attention to symptoms like bleeding, leaking fluid, waters breaking, regular painful tightening, severe pain, swelling, itching, chest pain, shortness of breath, green or brown fluid, or movement changes.
If you are 38 Weeks Pregnant, keep taking care of your body, stay in contact with your healthcare provider, and call right away for heavy bleeding, severe pain, leaking fluid, regular painful contractions, dehydration, severe rib pain, movement concerns, or symptoms that worry you.