i turn 38 weeks tomorrow, i want my baby to be here but i’m so nervous at the same time
WeMoms
9 Apr 2024
My baby at 38 weeks of pregnancy
Your Baby
at 38 Weeks
As big as a small pumpkin
Length
19.9
Weight
7.2
They've packed on the pounds and reached their birth weight (about 7.5 to 8 pounds and about 19 to 21 inches in height).
In other words, now about the size of a small pumpkin.
What's new this week?
Baby's Changes Overview
Newborns can recognize the odors of strongly-flavored foods eaten during pregnancy
Many babies begin their descent into the birth position, getting ready for delivery.
Your baby is bulking up, gaining between 0.7 and 1.05 ounces daily!
Open 3D Baby to see all changes
- Brain Growth: The brain is 30% larger than a month ago, with significant development in synapses, axons, dendrites, and neurotransmitters for processing information.
Reflexes: Essential reflexes like rooting and grasping are now fully developed, preparing your baby for life outside the womb.
Vision: Although vision is still blurry, your baby's eyes are fully formed, with the ability to see light, shadow, and movement.
Auditory Development: Your baby's ears are now capable of hearing muffled sounds from the outside world, making this a great time for you to talk or sing to them.
Physical Readiness: With a fully developed skeleton and practicing hand and finger coordination, your baby is physically prepared for birth.
Your baby, the size of a leek, is fully developed. Their position is closely monitored – most babies are head down, ready for birth. You might feel intense pressure as they settle lower in your pelvis.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
Helping baby's development
- Pedicure: Treat your feet to some pampering with a professional pedicure, a perfect way to relax and beautify.
Friend Time: Enjoy quality moments with friends, whether it's a casual get-together or a dedicated girls' night, to relax and share support.
Letter to Your Baby: Writing a heartfelt letter to your baby is a beautiful way to document your feelings and expectations at this poignant time.
Reading: Indulge in a good book to relax and enjoy some quiet time before the busy days ahead with your newborn.
Date Night: Spend a romantic evening with your partner, cherishing these moments before your family grows.
Girls' Night In: If you're single or just want more friend time, organize a cozy movie night with your favorite films, snacks, and company.
Top Asked Questions
How does my baby's skin change?
By 38 weeks, your baby's skin becomes smoother and less wrinkled due to the accumulation of fat underneath. They may also shed some of the vernix caseosa.
What is my baby's position in the womb, and does it affect labor?
Most babies are in a head-down position by 38 weeks, which is ideal for a smoother labor. However, some may still be in a breech position, which your healthcare provider will monitor.
Can my baby experience hiccups frequently?
Frequent hiccups are common for babies at 38 weeks. It's a normal part of their development and helps them practice breathing reflexes.
How does my baby's immune system continue to strengthen?
At 38 weeks, your baby's immune system continues to strengthen as they receive antibodies from you, providing them with immunity against certain infections.
All I need to know
Shedding of Lanugo and Vernix Caseosa
3 min read
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Alexus
16 Oct 2023
My Dream Doll Has Arrived At 38 weeks 1 Day 🩷🩷 iM So Grateful && Excited To Be Your Mommy
Adricka Wilson
Congratulations 🎈🎊🍾🎉
27 Mar 2024
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Alexis
23 Sep 2023
If you’ve had your membranes swept, what was your experience in bringing on labor? I’m doing it at 38.5 weeks. Baby is healthy and measuring ahead and I have a lot of amniotic fluid. #membranesweeping #secondbirth #laborinduction #getoutplease #letsgosir
Nicole
I had mine swept and stayed at a steady 3 cm and 80% effaced for 3 weeks before finally going into labor at 39 weeks. Labor process for me was easy. 4 hrs unmedicated, couple pushes and she was out. But it is different for everyone,
27 Mar 2024
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Nicole
I got induced at 38 weeks with my second and same exact labor process. 4 hrs, unmedicated. Came out quickly!
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Tashawnna
30 Aug 2023
My ob said baby heartbeat sounds great and he can schedule induction at 38 weeks unless something changes so I'm definitely having him at 39 weeks I also asked him when should I stop working and when should I go back he said stop Working at 38 weeks go back 4 to 6 weeks after
Narra
Ohh h it’s getting real
27 Mar 2024
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Narra
And oh yeah I no longer have to do echocardiogram just growth scans but I do have to go for NST twice a week once at the ob and once at the hospital
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Diammond
24 Aug 2023
Yall my 38 weeks appointment is in morning tomorrow yall I hope for more good news and hope I dilated more lol I hope I'm at 4 cm at least lol I'm convinced this baby is stubborn bc wit my frist child I did not even pass 38 weeks...
Andreha
4 cm ? wowww I’ll be 39 weeks tomorrow and I haven’t dilated any my cervix still closed 😭😭😭
27 Mar 2024
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Diammond
no I was saying I hope I lm at 4 or close enough and lord dah the might need to do sum
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Rachel
2 Jun 2023
I'm at 38 weeks and my baby is 6.10pounds. Does anyone have the same situation as me? 🥹😥
Amber
I had a c section at 39wks my baby weighed 6lbs 13oz. So u measuring bout where I was
27 Mar 2024
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Katie
Mine was measuring 6 pounds at 30 weeks. I am now 38 weeks.🥺😭
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Tiffany
13 Oct 2022
32 weeks with baby boy 3pounds 11 0z and my doctor said he will induce at 38 weeks 😊😍
Tiffany
Just gonna do it if my cervix dilated any 😊
27 Mar 2024
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Aaliyah
14 Aug 2022
I had both of my kids at 38 weeks and now I’m on baby number 3 let’s see if he come out 38 weeks I’ll be 38 weeks tommrow😊✊🏾🙏🏿☺️
Blue
Are you having contractions
27 Mar 2024
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Aaliyah
Yes early this moring I was n now I’m experiencing pressure on my pelvic right now
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Robyn
29 Jun 2022
38 weeks and I know you shouldn’t rush your baby but I can’t even put into correct words how miserable I am! A week later still stuck at 2cm 😓🤦🏽♀️
Zhailee
Okay!! I’m 38 weeks & had no pain this whole pregnancy but these last 2 weeks been horrible. I’m over ts.
27 Mar 2024
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Mary
I feel you , I’m 40 weeks and haven’t start dilating at all
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Brianna
24 Apr 2022
Hey moms! I ended up having my baby at 38 weeks and of course I had to be induced. If you can, let your baby come naturally!!!!! I’m telling you, if nothing is wrong let them come on their own. (just a little advice)
Cheyenne
How did it feel to be induced ?
27 Mar 2024
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Ashley
I wanted to be induced I’m 37 weeks today how was it?
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