38 Weeks Pregnant

As the physical discomforts during the remainder of third trimester progress, any fear of labor you may have had is transformed into a strong desire to get the baby out. During the 38th week into pregnancy, you may lose your mucus plug. It can look like thick, slippery brown discharge or an actual "plug." For some women, this may occur just before going into labor.

Enjoy Peaceful Time While It Lasts

Don’t allow yourself to get distracted by phone calls from relatives trying to find out if you’ve started labor. Make plans every day: See a movie, take a walk, read or lounge. To relieve back, hip and leg pain, continue engaging in non-weight-bearing activities, such as walking, swimming, practicing yoga. These also can help speed up you physically recovery after childbirth. Do not worry about those stretch marks – they will begin to fade within a few months after you deliver. If you havn’t already, this would be time to attend a breastfeading class, because you baby could arrive anytime.

Check Your Packing List

Some women may already have packed up things to take along on the trip to hospital. Be sure to see if everything you may need or want while you are away is in the luggage. A nightgown that opens easily, unless you prefer to wear the hospital gown, socks, slippers, one or more pillows for extra comfort, a blanket, massage oil, an unopened bottle of olive oil for a perineal massage, lip gloss, makeup, a toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, a hairbrush, deodorant, body lotion, a photograph that comforts you, some healthy snacks, a CD player and some of your favorite CDs should be included.

Your Baby’s Progress At 38 Weeks Pregnant

At this point, your baby may weigh either six to six and a half pounds or around eight pounds. The fine downy hair that covered most of your baby's body in the second trimester is now gone, or remains only on the upper back and shoulders. The baby also has developed “orienting response.” If a light is shown on your belly, he or she will now turn towards it. About 18 and a half inches long, he or she would look very well developed if born during this period.