Pregnancy Calendar at Week 38
What's Happening with the Baby
At this stage, the baby is full-term and mature, measuring between 18 to 22 inches in length and weighing between 6.2 to 8.8 pounds. The baby already has the complete appearance of a newborn:
- All organs and major systems are fully developed and functioning independently, except for the respiratory system – the first breath will be taken after birth;
- The cardiovascular system directs blood to all the major structures of the body, with the tiny heart beating at a rate of 140 - 160 beats per minute;
- The gastrointestinal tract is formed, and it already contains meconium, or the first stool, which is produced in the womb from swallowing amniotic fluid;
- The nervous system is differentiated, improving coordination of movements, which are now more calm and less chaotic;
- Reflexes are present even before birth: the baby can grasp an object that comes near their fingers;
- A sucking reflex is evident when a finger is placed in the mouth;
- The production of the baby's own hormones begins, aiding in the final maturation of the respiratory system and easing the physical separation from the mother.
What's Happening with Mom
Feelings:
If a woman is 38 weeks pregnant, labor can start at any moment. The baby is fully ready for independent life, and the mother's body is preparing for the birth process.
Increase in Belly Size
During this period, the belly reaches its maximum size, making movements and bending over difficult, and can cause shortness of breath. It's at this time that the belly starts to drop, and the baby's head presses against the exit of the birth canal.
Periodic Contractions
The uterus is preparing for a successful delivery and is essentially rehearsing the process, which feels like belly tightness and hardness. During these moments, the uterus contracts, guiding the baby's head. Sometimes this process is accompanied by weakness and fatigue.
Vaginal Discharge
The discharge is clear or whitish, scant in volume, and odorless. Mucous lochia accompany the passing of the cervical plug, and the color can be pinkish. If the volume increases, it may indicate leaking amniotic fluid. In this situation, a doctor's consultation is necessary to explain how to recognize if your water has broken during pregnancy.
Headache
Due to fluid retention in the body of a pregnant woman and an increase in circulating blood volume, the risk of elevated blood pressure rises, which is often accompanied by headaches. Visiting the prenatal clinic is essential, as this symptom could indicate a developing complication.
Nausea
Sometimes it precedes a headache and accompanies hypertension, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby in the later stages of pregnancy. Regular blood pressure monitoring is necessary, and if it remains consistently high, seeking medical attention is mandatory.
Vision Deterioration
This symptom signals potential cardiovascular issues and requires a doctor's examination.
Colostrum Leakage
Some women may experience discharge from their breasts, while for others, this may only start after the baby is born. If colostrum is leaking heavily, use breast pads and remember to change them 3-4 times a day.
Weight Loss
As the due date approaches, the expectant mother may stop gaining weight, and it might even decrease. There's no need to worry about this. The body is preparing for childbirth, and appetite may decrease due to hormonal changes designed to aid the birthing process and reduce the risk of complications.
Anxiety and Worry
The closer you get to your due date, the more intense the internal discomfort from thoughts about the upcoming birth becomes. The calmer the atmosphere at home and the more mindful your approach to this period, the more smoothly everything will go. Don't forget about exercise, breathing techniques, and a balanced diet.
Medical Examination
If a woman has been under prenatal care, by the 38th week, all necessary examinations should already be completed. Therefore, any further need will be determined either by medical indications or the absence of required tests.
Doctors
- Regular monitoring by an obstetrician-gynecologist. If necessary, they will refer the woman to specialists. This doctor handles the tactical aspects of managing the pregnancy if any complaints or complications arise at 38 weeks.
- If there is a chronic condition, the pregnant woman is examined by a therapist. If there are any somatic issues, the doctor will adjust the treatment.
- If there is venous insufficiency, treatment is prescribed by a surgeon or phlebologist, although some medications are recommended to be discontinued before delivery.
- Based on medical indications, any specialist may be involved in assessing the pregnant woman's condition and adjusting her medication therapy.
Tests
- Complete blood count if the pregnant woman has had a respiratory infection or if the previous test raised concerns.
- Urinalysis at each visit to the prenatal clinic.
- Blood coagulation test to assess potential blood loss during delivery.
- If there is an Rh incompatibility, a blood test for antibody titers may be required.
- Any tests based on medical indications.
Examinations
Ultrasound examinations are not typically conducted at this stage if there are no risks. However, there are situations where it may be prescribed:
- In cases of multiple pregnancies to determine the position of the fetuses and assess the risk of hypoxia during labor;
- Following a previous C-section when a woman wishes to deliver naturally, to evaluate the condition of the surgical scar;
- If the fetus is in an unstable or incorrect position;
- If fetal movements stop or if the woman reports bloody discharge.
Pregnancy Challenges
A woman lives in anticipation of labor, worries about the upcoming birth, and prepares to become a mom. During this time, the difficulties are usually short-term and quite manageable with the help of medical professionals.
Waddling Gait
Due to the significant weight of the baby and the uterus, the pregnant woman's center of gravity shifts, resulting in a waddling gait. This process doesn't last long and disappears without a trace after childbirth.
Shortness of Breath During Physical Activity
This happens because of the high position of the diaphragm. As the due date approaches, the belly will drop, the pressure will decrease, and the shortness of breath will stop.
False Labor Contractions
These can be mistaken for the start of labor; the difference is that they stop with movement. If the contractions become more frequent and longer-lasting, it's time to head to the hospital.
Vaginal Discharge
If there is a small amount of light-colored discharge without an unpleasant odor, there is no danger. If the discharge becomes bloody or has a strong odor, immediate consultation with a gynecologist is required. A large amount of clear fluid indicates the rupture of the amniotic sac and a risk of infection for the baby, and the pregnant woman will be hospitalized.
If the pregnancy has had complications, the woman is sent to the hospital in advance, around 38 weeks, for constant monitoring of the mother and baby's condition.
Headache, vomiting, and vision deterioration indicate the development of a pregnancy complication known as preeclampsia. Immediate hospitalization in the intensive care unit and 24/7 monitoring by medical staff are necessary. This condition poses a danger to both the mother and the baby.
What You Can and Can't Do
The period of restrictions is coming to an end, and the baby is fully ready for life outside the womb. Ahead lies a completely different quality of life. The behavior and thoughts of a pregnant woman should be focused on a successful delivery.
What Moms-to-Be CAN Do:
- Rest and gather strength for the upcoming labor and caring for the baby.
- Do manageable household chores without lifting heavy objects or bending over.
- Take leisurely walks in good weather, preferably in green areas.
- Use pregnancy exercises and preparation for childbirth.
- Continue eating a balanced diet without overloading the stomach and intestines.
- Monitor bowel movements.
What Moms-to-Be CAN'T Do:
- Lift heavy objects or do tasks that involve bending over or increasing abdominal pressure.
- Eat fast food, consume any amount of alcohol, or smoke.
- Get nervous or experience stressful situations.
- Ignore changes in overall health to avoid complications.
- Start or stop taking medications without consulting a doctor.
Helpful Tips
If a woman is preparing to become a mom for the first time, it's worth reading medical literature on labor behavior, practicing proper breathing techniques, and getting ready to follow the doctor's and midwife's instructions.
For women who have given birth before, maintaining a positive mindset is important. Their labor process usually takes less time, and the sensations are already familiar. Getting plenty of sleep before labor can help build up strength and prevent hypoxia in the baby during delivery.