Pregnancy Week 38

At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby is continuing to gain fat and prepare for birth. The brain and lungs are still maturing, and your baby’s body is getting ready to manage temperature, feeding and breathing after delivery.

Meconium, your baby’s first poo, is collecting in the bowel. It is usually passed after birth, although occasionally it can be passed before or during labour, which your maternity team will monitor.

Your baby’s fingernails and toenails may be long enough to reach the tips of the fingers and toes. Some newborns arrive with tiny scratches, because baby nails are small but surprisingly effective.

Movements may feel more restricted because space is tight, but they should not become weaker overall or stop. Rolls, pushes and stretches still count as movement.

At 38 weeks pregnant, you may feel heavy, uncomfortable and very aware of pressure low in your pelvis. Walking, sitting, turning in bed and getting up from a chair can all take more thought.

Vaginal discharge may increase, and you may notice mucus plug changes. Contact your maternity unit straight away if you think your waters are leaking or have broken, even if contractions have not started. Tell them the time it started, the colour, and whether it smells unusual. 

Also contact your maternity unit or midwife if discharge smells unpleasant, is green or brown, is blood-stained beyond a small show, or comes with pain, itching or feeling unwell.

Contractions can be confusing at this stage. Early labour can start slowly, stop and start, or build gradually. True labour usually settles into a pattern where contractions become stronger, longer and closer together.

Reduced or changed baby movements should still be checked straight away, even if you think labour might be starting.

Week 38 can feel like living in a waiting room with snacks. You may be ready to meet your baby, tired of being pregnant, excited, nervous, or all of those in the same hour.

The uncertainty can be the hardest part. You may not know whether labour will start tonight, next week, or after an induction conversation. That can make planning feel awkward.

Give yourself permission to keep days simple. A short walk, a nap, an easy meal, a small task and a bit of distraction may be enough. You do not have to make late pregnancy productive to make it worthwhile.

This week, focus on recognising changes without trying to diagnose everything alone.

Useful checks this week:

A small amount of pinkish or blood-streaked mucus can be part of a show, but fresh bleeding, heavy bleeding or feeling unwell should be checked urgently.