Overview
Baby continues to gain a little weight and shed the protective coating. Week 38 is a waiting week for many families, and the emotional challenge is often staying grounded while everything feels possible at any moment.
Third Trimester · Weeks 28–42
Week 38 Pregnancy
Baby continues to gain a little weight and shed the protective coating.
About the size of a leek3 min read10 sections
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Baby Development
The baby continues gaining a little weight, shedding some vernix, and refining the coordination needed for feeding after birth. The brain and lungs still benefit from every extra day inside if all is well.
Baby Size
A playful size comparison for this week is leek. That leek-sized baby is full term and finishing the last quiet details of readiness.
Mother's Body Changes
Your cervix may be softening, Braxton Hicks may feel stronger, and pelvic heaviness may be part of almost every day now. Some people feel a burst of nesting energy while others mostly feel done.
Common Symptoms
Week 38 can bring pelvic pressure, mucus discharge, stronger tightenings, backache, swelling, and interrupted sleep. You may also feel looser bowels or a little easier breathing if the baby has dropped.
Nutrition Tips
Keep meals simple, hydrating, and satisfying because comfort matters now as much as nutrition. Soups, curd, fruit, dals, khichdi, and small protein-rich snacks are often easier than heavy rich meals.
Exercise & Movement
Comfortable walking and mobility work can help you feel less stiff, but there is no prize for overexertion this late. Listen for the point where movement helps rather than drains you.
Emotional Wellbeing
The waiting can become mentally loud in week 38, especially if every call or message is asking for updates. Protecting your peace is a valid form of late-pregnancy care.
Partner Support
Partners can field outside questions, keep routines calm, and be ready without acting like a siren. Their steadiness can help you keep your own nervous system softer.
Warning Signs
Urgent warning signs this week include heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fever, fainting, leaking fluid, or a severe headache with vision changes. Call for reduced movement, waters breaking, bleeding, or contractions that are building into a regular pattern, and do not ignore severe headache or visual changes either. From week 28 onward, contact your care team promptly if the baby's usual movements slow down, weaken, or stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
True labour contractions usually become regular, stronger, and closer together over time. Waters breaking or bleeding are also reasons to call your care team.
ParentVibes Tip
Keep up gentle movement; it can help you feel comfortable. Keep moving gently if it feels good, but let comfort lead instead of trying to force labour to begin.
Continue your journey
Explore the full third trimester guide.
ParentVibes offers general information, not medical advice. Always follow your doctor or midwife.