👶Your baby this week
Your baby is now **full term**, about the length of a **small changing bag** (~49.8 cm) and typically around 7 lb.
Lungs and **vocal cords** are ready for those first cries; surfactant production supports easy breathing after birth.
Most **lanugo** (fine downy hair) and some **vernix** have been shed; baby keeps swallowing amniotic fluid, contributing to the first poo (**meconium**).
Eye colour may appear **blue/grey/brown** at birth and can shift shade with light exposure during the first months.
Still adding **fat** and fine-tuning the **brain and nervous system** for life outside the womb.
Movements may feel more like **rolls, stretches and wiggles** in tighter quarters, but you should still feel regular activity each day.
🌸Your body this week
At your **antenatal appointment** (around now), your midwife/doctor will check **fundal height** (tape measure), **blood pressure**, and **urine** (for protein) to screen for **pre-eclampsia**.
You may notice **Braxton Hicks** (practice contractions), increased discharge, and possibly pass the **mucus plug** or see a **bloody show** as the cervix ripens.
Some experience **looser stools/diarrhoea** before labour as the body ‘clears out’. Stay hydrated.
If baby has **dropped/engaged**, you might breathe easier but feel more **pelvic pressure** and need to wee more often.
Breasts may leak **colostrum**; nursing pads can help. Not leaking is also normal.
💛Symptoms you might notice
Every pregnancy is different. These are common around week 38 — speak to your midwife if anything worries you.
Braxton Hicks contractions
Irregular, usually painless tightenings that ease with rest, hydration or position change. If contractions become **regular, stronger and closer together**, contact your maternity unit.
Mucus plug & bloody show
A clear/yellow/brown glob of mucus or pink/brown discharge can signal cervical changes. **Fresh red bleeding** or suspected **waters breaking** (especially green/brown fluid suggesting meconium) needs urgent assessment.
Diarrhoea or loose stools
Can precede labour. Sip fluids and eat lightly (broths, toast, ice lollies). Seek advice if severe, persistent, or with fever.
Insomnia & restlessness
Anticipation and discomfort disrupt sleep. Keep screens off late, try a warm bath, and use extra pillows for side-sleeping support.
Pelvic pressure, backache & cramps
Common as baby engages. Try a support belt, gentle stretches, warm baths, short walks, and side-sleeping with pillows.
Heartburn, indigestion & bloating
Smaller, frequent meals and avoiding spicy/greasy foods can help. Ask your midwife about safe antacids if needed.
Swelling (oedema) & frequent urination
Mild swelling of feet/ankles and more bathroom trips are typical now. **Sudden swelling** with headache/visual changes warrants urgent review (possible pre-eclampsia).
Leaky breasts (colostrum)
Yellowish pre-milk may leak; nursing pads can protect clothing. Lack of leaking is also normal.
Frustration or boredom
Feeling ‘over it’ is common at this stage. Short walks, fresh air, and simple prep tasks can help the wait feel easier.
✨Tips for week 38
Keep monitoring movements
Know Your usual pattern. If movements **slow, change or stop**, call your midwife or maternity unit **immediately**, don’t wait.
Antenatal checks & pre-eclampsia awareness
Attend all appointments. Seek urgent help for **severe headache, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, sudden swelling**, or feeling very unwell.
Birth timing & plans
Planned caesareans are usually scheduled **≥ 39 weeks**. If pregnancy continues **beyond 41 weeks**, you may be offered **induction** (e.g., vaginal tablet/gel). Confirm preferences in your birth plan.
Home birth prep (if planned)
Be organised: labour outfit, nursing/breast pads, maternity pads, baby essentials, towels/waterproof sheets. Plan **pain relief** (TENS, ball, pool; midwife can bring gas & air/pethidine). Set the atmosphere and keep a **hospital bag** ready in case of transfer.
Baby sling safety (T.I.C.K.S.)
If using a sling, ensure baby is **Tight, In view, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off chest, Supported back**. Upright, airway-clear positioning is essential.
Vaccinations & protection
If not yet received, ask about **RSV** vaccination (offered from ~28 weeks up to labour) and ensure you’ve had **whooping cough** vaccine to help protect your newborn.
Stay active, fed & rested
Gentle walks, pelvic tilts, daily **Kegels**, and balanced meals (**~+200 kcal/day** in the 3rd trimester if needed). Limit caffeine; avoid alcohol and smoking.
When to call triage
Waters breaking (or green/brown fluid), **reduced movements**, **regular painful contractions**, heavy bleeding, severe headache/visual symptoms, or intense abdominal pain.
Postnatal & practical planning
Review newborn **screening** choices, discuss **feeding plans**, line up **postnatal support**, and consider **contraception** after birth.
Meconium awareness in labour
If baby passes meconium (green/brown waters) during labour, this can indicate **distress**, you and baby will need closer monitoring.