Pregnancy week 38
At nearly 7 pounds around week 38 of pregnancy, the baby is and will remain around 21 inches in length. The mother will also remain close to her belly size at week 38 for the rest of the pregnancy. Labor could occur anytime between today and by week 40, so it is best to be prepared. Knowing as much as possible about the delivery process will help mothers in week 38 calm their nerves. Also, having a hospital bag packed with cozy socks, chapstick, hair and toothbrushes, and a change of clothes that would fit a woman at pregnancy month five, is a good way to help soon-to-be mothers feel more at ease about the upcoming event. Remember to pack for baby too; a cute outfit, some adorable booties, gloves, hat, mittens, and a baby blanky! In fact, the most important essential to pack is an infant car seat. The hospital is required, by law, not to allow the baby to leave without a properly installed car seat. Sometimes hiring a professional to install the seat can help alleviate some worries and make sure it is installed properly.
In the first few minutes the baby is born, he will receive what is known as an Apgar score from the doctor. This score assesses specifics such as the baby’s color post delivery, the baby’s respiratory capabilities, the heart rate, muscle tone, and reflexes. These factors can help determine how well the baby did in the birthing process, which, in turn, help formulate an evaluation of how the baby will do in the upcoming weeks. After the one minute Apgar test, another test is administered to gauge the baby’s ability to cope with his new surroundings. A high score in this test maintains that the baby is doing very well and includes an assessment of the degree of pink in the baby’s skin, the force of the baby’s cry, which assesses respiratory strength, a heart rate over 100 beats per minute, sturdy and vigorous movements of the muscles, and active reflexes during the test. A low score in this test requires more testing.
Current guidance (today's medical sources): By week thirty-eight the baby's organs are ready to function on their own and it is building fat to help regulate temperature after birth. Practice contractions may strengthen, and true labour can begin at any time. Recognising the difference between Braxton Hicks and regular, progressing contractions helps with timing the call to the maternity unit.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly about heavy vaginal bleeding, severe or persistent abdominal pain, a high fever, severe or sudden headache, vision changes, or fainting. Seek urgent care if you are worried — these can be signs that need medical attention.
Sources: NHS — 38 weeks pregnant; ACOG — How to Tell When Labor Begins; Mayo Clinic — Fetal development: The 3rd trimester. Informational only. See our sources & medical-review policy.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is 38 weeks pregnant?
Week 38 falls in the third trimester. Pregnancy is usually counted in weeks (about 40 in total) rather than months, because weeks are more precise.
What is happening to the baby at 38 weeks?
The baby's organs are ready to function; it builds fat for temperature control after birth.
What symptoms are common at week 38?
Practice contractions may strengthen; signs of labour may begin any time. Symptoms vary a lot from person to person; discuss anything that worries you with your healthcare provider.
Browse the whole pregnancy
See every week from 1 to 40, grouped by trimester.
See the week-by-week guide →Informational only — not medical advice. Pregnancy Week to Week is a general educational reference. It is not a substitute for professional medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Every pregnancy is different: always consult your doctor, midwife, or other qualified healthcare provider about your own pregnancy, and never disregard or delay professional advice because of something you read here. In an emergency, contact your maternity unit or local emergency number immediately.