Pregnancy week 38 - baby's development and your body

Your baby is now considered full-term, meaning they’re usually developed enough to thrive outside the womb if born now.

There are still a few weeks left before birth, though, and your baby continues to grow and gain weight, building up reserves for after birth.

Size:

Your baby is about 48 cm or 18.90 inches long, from head to foot.

Weight:

Approximately 3.1 kg or 6.83 lbs.

Fetal development:

Your baby is now fully developed and can typically adapt to life outside the womb without needing extra hospital care. They’re still gaining fat and growing, preparing for a smoother transition to life outside.

Your baby now sleeps and wakes for longer periods. When awake, they practice breathing by drawing in and pushing out amniotic fluid.

With space getting tighter, kicks may feel more like sweeping movements, stretches, or pushes. However, the frequency and strength of movements should remain steady.

Your body:

You may start noticing signs that your body is preparing for labor. Contractions might become more frequent, especially after exertion, sometimes followed by mild cramping.

The baby’s pressure is significant now, making it harder to find comfortable positions for sitting, standing, or sleeping.

Pelvic pain after activity is also common, as the hormone relaxin softens the pelvic joints in preparation for childbirth.