By now, you may have adopted the pregnancy waddle! It happens to many women at the end of pregnancy, as your baby sinks lower into your pelvis and makes it harder to walk. While it can be all too tempting to confine yourself to the couch at this stage, taking gentle walks is excellent for your mental health and for encouraging labour. 

How is your baby growing when 38 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby now measures 35cm from head to bottom and weighs about 3.2kg. Every day your baby gets a little heavier. Most of the lanugo (fine hair covering the baby) has disappeared, but they may still have a covering of vernix. Vernix is a creamy substance that protects them from amniotic fluid.  

What You May Feel 

Your doctor or midwife appointments are now most likely weekly until the baby arrives. Some women are scanned every time, while others won’t have seen their baby since around the 20-week mark. It all depends on the type of care and whether there are any concerns with your pregnancy. Interestingly, the World Health Organisation recommends only one ultrasound before 24 weeks. For women, without any risk factors, routine scanning after 24 weeks has no proven benefit for the mother or baby.  

Most women go into labour somewhere between 38 and 42 weeks. So it could be called a due month rather than a due date.  

Tips when you are 38 Weeks Pregnant

Your urge to nest may get stronger as the end approaches, so put it to good use! Getting down on your hands and knees and scrubbing (gently) at the floors has the added benefit of getting your baby in the best position for birth, as well as leaving you with a shiny home! Keep doing those pelvic floor exercises, too, as they are more critical than ever. 

Published 26th September 2022