Baby is the size of a pumpkin
👶 Baby's development
Brain and lungs continue maturing. The baby is cramped — just growing and gaining weight.
💛 How mom feels
Lower belly pain may appear — birth canal is preparing. Watch for contractions!
📖 Tip of the week
The baby continues gaining weight — about 30g per day. Antibodies are still being transferred from mom, building immunity for the first months of life. Rest and save your energy — it's almost time!
🔬 Detailed baby development
- The baby is now considered full term (ACOG defines full term as 39-40 weeks, with 37-38 as early term)
- The brain and nervous system continue to fine-tune, forming millions of neural connections daily
- The baby's organ systems are all functional and ready for independent life
- The baby has a firm grip that will be evident immediately after birth (grasp reflex)
- Most of the lanugo and vernix have been shed, though some may remain in skin folds
- The baby is about 49.8 cm long and weighs approximately 3,100 grams, roughly the size of a leek
🤱 What mom may feel
- Cervix may begin to dilate and efface (thin out) without noticeable contractions
- Increased pelvic pressure, especially when standing or walking
- Braxton Hicks may become more intense and frequent
- Insomnia and anxiety about the approaching delivery date
- Nesting urges continue — desire to have everything perfectly ready
- Lower back ache that may come and go
🏥 Tests and check-ups
Weekly prenatal visit with cervical check (if your provider performs them), blood pressure, fetal heart rate, and fetal position confirmation. If induction is being considered for medical reasons, your provider will assess cervical readiness (Bishop score). Non-stress tests may be performed for any concerns.
💡 Tips for this week
- Practice your labor breathing and relaxation techniques regularly
- Stay active with gentle walking to encourage the baby to engage further in the pelvis
- Keep your hospital bag by the door and your car fueled up
- Review the signs of labor with your partner and establish a communication plan
- Try to rest and enjoy these final days of pregnancy — eat well and pamper yourself
❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the Bishop score?
The Bishop score assesses cervical readiness for labor based on dilation, effacement, station (how low the baby is), consistency (soft vs. firm), and position (anterior vs. posterior) of the cervix. A higher score suggests the cervix is favorable for induction or spontaneous labor.
Should I try to induce labor naturally?
Methods like walking, nipple stimulation, and certain foods are popular but have limited scientific evidence. Avoid castor oil and herbal supplements, which can be harmful. If induction is needed, let your healthcare provider guide the process safely.
When should I go to the hospital?
Go when contractions are regular (every 5 minutes) and lasting 60 seconds for at least 1 hour, your water breaks, you have heavy vaginal bleeding, or you feel decreased fetal movement. Call your provider if you are unsure.
Is it normal to feel anxious about delivery?
Absolutely. It is completely normal to feel anxious or fearful about labor and delivery. Talk about your feelings with your partner, provider, or a mental health professional. Childbirth education classes and having a solid birth plan can help reduce anxiety.
📝 Week 38 of pregnancy: preparing for birth
At 38 weeks, your baby weighs around 3.1 kg and measures approximately 49 cm — similar in size to a leek. The lanugo has almost entirely gone, and most of the vernix has been absorbed into the amniotic fluid or will coat your baby’s skin at birth. Your baby’s grip is now strong, their reflexes are well developed, and they are perfectly prepared for life outside the womb. Some babies have already developed a head of hair, while others arrive with very little — both are completely normal.
At this stage, virtually every woman is ready for the pregnancy to be over, and that is entirely understandable. You may experience lightning crotch — sudden, sharp shooting pains in the vagina or rectum caused by the baby’s position pressing on nerves. Swelling in the feet and ankles is usually at its peak in these final weeks; elevating your feet when resting and gentle walking can help with circulation. You may also notice that your belly looks or feels different — perhaps lower or more prominent — as the baby settles deeper into the pelvis.
At your 38-week appointment, your midwife will carry out the routine checks and confirm your birth preferences. Discuss the process of induction of labour with your midwife — in the UK, women are typically offered induction between 41 and 42 weeks if labour has not started naturally, as the risk of stillbirth increases slightly after this point. If you have a medical condition such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, or a previous stillbirth, induction may be recommended earlier. Understanding the process — including a membrane sweep, which can be offered from 40 weeks — will help you feel prepared.
Practical preparation at 38 weeks should be complete. Ensure your home is ready for the baby — the sleep space, feeding area, and nappy-changing station should all be set up. Prepare nutritious snacks and easy meals for the postnatal period; batch cooking and freezing meals now will be invaluable in the weeks after birth. If you are planning to breastfeed, ensure you have the contact details for a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group — support in the early days makes a significant difference to outcomes. Rest as much as you can — your body is preparing for one of the most remarkable things it will ever do.
⚠️ When to see a doctor
- Vaginal bleeding
- Sudden decrease in baby movements (fewer than 10 in 2 hours)
- Severe headache or seeing spots
- Swelling of face, hands, or sudden leg swelling
- Leaking or gushing of amniotic fluid
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks (every 10 minutes)
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
Sources
- WHO recommendations on antenatal care (2016)
- ACOG Practice Bulletins
- Williams Obstetrics, 26th Edition
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