Pregnancy week 38

Your baby’s development

At week 38 your baby is about the length of a leek: roughly 49.8 cm and 3083 g. You are still in early term (37–38+6). Meconium, the first stool, has collected in the bowel and will be passed in the first days after birth. Your baby is getting ready to enter the birth canal, and the head is usually settled in the pelvis. The lungs and brain will keep developing after birth. Cartilage and bones are strengthening. The sense of touch is well developed, so skin-to-skin contact straight after birth can help settle your baby. Labour begins in part through your baby's own hormonal signals, so some babies arrive earlier and some later. Every baby has their own timing, and that is perfectly normal. Talking to your baby and gently stroking your belly can strengthen your bond. The lines on fingers and toes, the fingerprints, formed long ago and are unique to your baby.

Changes in the mother

The feeling of waiting can become strong in these weeks. Every contraction and every trickle may raise the question, has it started? The most useful guide is that true labour contractions are regular, come closer together and last longer. Many hospitals and birth centres mention the 5-1-1 rule: contractions about 5 minutes apart, each lasting about 1 minute, for about 1 hour. This is a general guide, and your provider or hospital may give you more specific advice. Labour may move at a different pace in a first and a later pregnancy. Pelvic pressure, tiredness, restlessness and poor sleep are expected. In these last days, soothing things like a warm shower or a gentle walk can ease the wait. If you are unsure about the signs of labour, do not hesitate to call.

To do this week

• Use a simple app or clock to time contractions.
• Clarify with your provider or hospital how frequent contractions should be before you call.
• Arrange in advance for someone to look after other children or pets.
• Rest and simplify your to-do list.

Tip for the partner

Take on timing the contractions: a log of start time, length and gap helps greatly when deciding to go to hospital.

Nutrition tip

Having a light meal and fluids before contractions begin helps you store up energy for labour.