Week 38 of Pregnancy
Learn about your baby's development and what to expect at 38 weeks pregnant.
Baby's Size This Week
Baby Development at Week 38
- ● Your full-term baby is approximately 49.8 cm long and weighs about 3083g.
- ● Lung development is complete, and the surfactant coating the air sacs is fully established — your baby is ready to breathe air at birth.
- ● Your baby's skull bones remain soft and flexible, connected by fibrous joints called fontanelles that allow the head to mold during passage through the birth canal.
- ● The brain and nervous system are still actively developing — term birth allows the brain to benefit from the hormonal environment of labor, which supports neurological maturation.
- ● The meconium (your baby's first stool) has accumulated in the intestines, consisting of swallowed amniotic fluid components, skin cells, and bile.
- ● Your baby's grip is strong and all major reflexes — rooting, sucking, startle (Moro), and stepping — are established and ready to be assessed at birth.
Your Body at Week 38
- ● You may experience lightening — as the baby drops lower into the pelvis, breathing becomes easier but pelvic pressure increases significantly.
- ● Signs of labor to watch for include regular contractions (5 minutes apart, lasting 60 seconds, for 1 hour), water breaking, or bloody show.
- ● Stay close to home, keep your hospital bag packed, and contact your provider if labor begins or if you notice decreased fetal movement.
- ● The cervix is actively softening (ripening), effacing (thinning), and may be dilating — your provider assesses this at weekly visits.
- ● Extreme nesting is common at this stage — an intense burst of energy and urgency to have everything perfectly prepared.
- ● Lightning crotch (sharp pelvic nerve pain), pelvic floor pressure, and difficulty walking may be significant as the baby's head presses deeply into the pelvis.
Week 38 Checklist
- ☐ Review the signs of labor: regular contractions (5-1-1 rule: 5 minutes apart, 1 minute duration, for 1 hour), water breaking, or bloody show — know when to go to the hospital.
- ☐ Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice significantly decreased fetal movement — do not wait for your next scheduled appointment.
- ☐ Finalize your postpartum support plan: confirm who will be at home helping, arrange meal delivery or prep, and have your lactation consultant's number saved.
- ☐ Rest as much as possible and stay nourished — labor requires significant energy and your body is preparing intensively.
- ☐ Confirm your birth facility has received your pre-registration and GBS test results, and that your provider has your birth plan on file.
- ☐ Arrange pet or childcare logistics for when labor begins, and ensure your support person has a flexible schedule and knows the birth plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect at 38 weeks pregnant?
At 38 weeks pregnant, you are early term and could go into labor at any time. Your baby is about the size of a Leek (49.8 cm) and is fully ready for birth. Common experiences include cervical changes, lightning crotch, extreme nesting, pelvic pressure, and early signs of labor. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
How big is my baby at 38 weeks?
At week 38, your baby is approximately 49.8 cm in length and weighs around 3083g — roughly the size of a Leek. These measurements are averages based on WHO fetal growth charts; individual babies vary naturally in size.
What is the 5-1-1 rule for knowing when to go to the hospital?
The 5-1-1 rule is a common guideline for first-time mothers: contractions are 5 minutes apart, each lasting 1 minute, for at least 1 hour consistently. At this point, you should call your provider or head to your birth facility. For women who have given birth before, the interval may be shorter (3-1-1) because labor often progresses more quickly. Always follow your provider's specific instructions, which may vary based on your birth plan and distance from the hospital.
What does meconium in amniotic fluid mean during labor?
Meconium is your baby's first stool, normally passed after birth. Occasionally, the baby passes meconium before delivery, which can turn the amniotic fluid greenish or brownish. Meconium-stained fluid is relatively common (occurs in about 10–15% of deliveries) and is not always concerning, but it can indicate fetal stress. The delivery team will monitor closely and may have a neonatologist present at birth in case the baby needs airway suctioning.
Is it normal to feel extremely impatient or anxious at 38 weeks?
Completely normal. The final weeks of pregnancy are an emotional time, with anticipation, anxiety, discomfort, and excitement often coexisting. Many women report feeling a mixture of urgency and fear as they approach their due date. Staying connected with your support network, practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques, and focusing on the practical tasks remaining can help channel these feelings productively. Talk to your provider if anxiety is overwhelming or affecting your ability to sleep or function.
Track Your Exact Pregnancy Week
Use our free Pregnancy Week Tracker to find out exactly how far along you are based on your last menstrual period or due date.
Track My Pregnancy →Sources
- ACOG
- WHO Fetal Growth Charts
- Mayo Clinic
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your pregnancy.