38 weeks pregnant symptoms?

Week-by-week guide to pregnancy
pregnant woman sitting down
When you're pregnant, you have lots of questions. Our week-by-week pregnancy guide is packed with lots of useful information. From what's happening inside your body, to how your baby is developing, and tips and advice on having a healthy pregnancy – this is your one-stop pregnancy guide!

1st trimester
2nd trimester
3rd trimester

3rd trimester

Our week-by-week pregnancy guide is full of essential information. From advice on writing a birth plan to what to expect at antenatal classes, you'll find it all here.

Week 28
Week 29
Week 30
Week 31
Week 32
Week 33
Week 34
Week 35
Week 36
Week 37
Week 38
Week 39
Week 40
Week 41

Week 38 – your 3rd trimester
What's happening in my body?

At your antenatal appointment, around now, your midwife or doctor will measure the size of your bump with a tape measure and check your blood pressure. They will also look for any protein in your urine that could indicate that you've got a dangerous condition called pre-eclampsia. This can happen in the 2nd half of pregnancy or after the baby is delivered.

If you're having a planned caesarean, otherwise known as an elective caesarean, then you'll probably be booked in when you're at least 39 weeks' pregnant. This is to give your baby's lungs the best chance of being fully developed.

You'll have a chat about what might happen if you go beyond 41 weeks. There could be risks for you or the baby, so you may be offered induction. This is where labour can be brought on artificially by putting a tablet or gel in your vagina. Around 1 in 5 labours are started this way.
5 tips for a happy home birth

Around 1 in 50 women in England have their babies at home, supported by a midwife. Here are some tips for a happy, healthy home birth.

Be organised and have everything put aside for the big day. That includes something to wear in labour, a nursing bra, breast pads, maternity pads, and new baby essentials.

Plan pain relief with your midwife. You may want to a TENS machine, a birthing ball and a birthing pool. You can arrange for your midwife to bring Entonox (gas and air) and pethidine on the day.

Put aside some towels and waterproof sheets – you'll need them to soak up the fluids.

Think about the atmosphere you'd like to create – will you burn scented candles and play your favourite music?

Have a bag packed just in case there are complications and you need to get to hospital in a hurry. Week 33 has advice on what to pack.

Flexibility is the key, whatever type of birth you choose. Ultimately your baby is the boss – and all everyone wants for you is a safe, peaceful delivery.
Baby sling safety

Many parents use a sling or baby carrier instead of a pram to keep their baby close to them. If you decide to use a sling, make sure you have learned how to use it safely, as a small number of deaths from suffocation have been linked to slings.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) advises the safest slings are the ones that hold your baby solidly against your body, in an upright position. Make sure you can see your baby, that their face is not restricted, and their airways are always clear.

The T.I.C.K.S rule to keep your baby safe when wearing a sling or carrier is:

T – Tight

I – In view at all times

C – Close enough to kiss

K – Keep chin off the chest

S – Supported back

Read more about sling safety and the T.I.C.K.S rule on the RoSPA website.
3rd trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 38 weeks)

One new symptom this week could be frustration or even boredom. It really won't be long now, try to be patient!

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
sleeping problems (week 19 has information about feeling tired)
stretch marks (read about stretch marks on week 17's page)
swollen and bleeding gums (week 13 has information about gum health during pregnancy)
pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb ("round ligament pains")
piles (read about piles on week 22's page)
headaches
backache
indigestion and heartburn (week 25 talks about digestive problems)
bloating and constipation (read about bloating on week 16's page)
leg cramps (week 20 explains how to deal with cramp)
feeling hot
dizziness
swollen hands and feet
urine infections
vaginal infections (see week 15 for vaginal health)
darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy"
greasier, spotty skin
thicker and shinier hair

You may also experience symptoms from earlier weeks, such as:

mood swings (week 8's page has information on mood swings)
morning sickness (read about dealing with morning sickness on week 6's page)
weird pregnancy cravings (read about pregnancy cravings on week 5's page)
a heightened sense of smell
sore or leaky breasts (read about breast pain on week 14's page)
a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.
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What does my baby look like?

Your baby, or foetus, is around 49.8cm long from head to heel, and weighs just over 3kg. That's approximately the length of 3 carrots and the weight of 3 butternut squash.

In the 2nd 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.

Action stations

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.

This week you could also...