What should be happening at 38 weeks pregnant

Get more tips and advice on your pregnancy, baby and parenting sent to your inbox. Subscribe to Start4Life pregnancy, baby and toddler emails What does my baby look like? Your baby, or foetus, is around That's approximately the length of 3 carrots and the weight of 3 butternut squash.

In the second trimester, your baby was covered in a furry coat of soft, downy hair lanugo. That's mostly gone now, although some babies are born with patches here and there. Your baby is storing up some sticky green slime in their bowels meconium.

This is made up of everything they swallow in the womb, including bits of amniotic fluid and hair. It will normally come out after the birth as the first poo. If the baby does a poo during labour, it can be a sign of distress and your baby will need close monitoring. Are you feeling cooped up at home? It's fine to go for a walk outside to get some fresh air, but take your notes with you just in case.

You may be on your maternity leave now or about to stop work. Find out how much leave and pay you're entitled to. It's a good time to tone up those muscles 'down under'. Gentle exercises can help to prevent leakage when you laugh, sneeze, cough or jump around on your future baby's trampoline. Get the muscles going by pretending that you're having a wee and then stop the 'urine' in midflow. Do your best to stop smoking , give up alcohol and go easy on the cappuccinos.

We know that's easy to say, but hard to do. Ask your midwife or GP for support. We can usually get enough vitamin D from sunlight, but between October and March it's best to take a vitamin D supplement every day.

Just 10 micrograms is all you need it's the same for grown-ups and kids. It's worth checking if you're entitled to free vitamins. Get moving! It's recommended that pregnant women do minutes of exercise throughout the week. You could start off with just 10 minutes of daily exercise - perhaps take a brisk walk outside.

Some swelling in your feet and ankles is normal during these last weeks, but call your doctor or midwife without delay if you notice excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, or have a sudden weight gain.

These are symptoms of a serious condition called preeclampsia. It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy during the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. While you're sleeping, you're likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.

Don't see your symptom? Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page. Unfortunately, serious problems , like preeclampsia , can strike at the end of pregnancy. Be on the lookout for symptoms that warrant a call to your doctor or midwife.

There's nothing better than coming home to a clean house with your new baby! See what other parents wish they had known about preparing for a newborn. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world.

When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals.

You and your baby are getting ready for labor in many different ways, and you may feel this in the pelvic area, too. When your baby drops lower into your pelvis, you may feel increased pressure on your pelvis, bladder, and hips.

Because your body is producing a hormone called relaxin, which softens the ligaments, muscles, and joints in preparation for childbirth, you might also experience some back or pelvic pain , especially as you get closer to your due date. Swollen ankles and feet. Your body will produce and retain more fluid than usual, and as a result, you may notice swelling known as edema in your hands and legs.

To combat this, try to rest with your feet up, drink more water to help flush out excess fluid, and wear loose clothes and shoes so you feel a little more comfortable. Some moms-to-be find that wearing support hose or stockings can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.

If you notice any sudden swelling in your face or hands, contact your healthcare provider, as this could be a sign of a blood pressure condition called preeclampsia. Some slight nausea can crop up again at 38 weeks pregnant or in the following weeks, and it can sometimes be a sign that labor is starting.

At 38 weeks pregnant, you may have already felt Braxton Hicks contractions. These practice contractions usually occur irregularly and will often stop when you move or change positions. Pumping shouldn't hurt. If your nipples are painful or sore, there are there are things you can do.

Learn what to expect during your first prenatal visit. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. General symptoms at 38 weeks pregnant. Signs of labor at 38 weeks pregnant.

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