At 38 weeks pregnant you can start getting very excited since you have only have a few more weeks to go. You can expect this last month to be spending a lot more time in your providers office with appointments scheduled weekly. Though these appointments will be exciting as you get closer to delivery your provider can predict your baby’s size and how close you are getting to delivery. At 38 weeks pregnant you provider will also discuss when to call if you think you are going into labor or when to head right for the hospital. You should also be aware at 38 weeks pregnant for false labor symptoms. These consist of contractions that don’t increase in severity and frequency or that subside with moving around or just changing your position. Some signs of real labor are contractions that intensify without relief by changing your position or when your “water breaks”.

Physically at 38 weeks you will notice changes in your baby’s activity as the weeks pass there will be less room to move around. Right now your uterus is about 38 to 40 centimeters from your ribs to your pubic bone. Your baby is now concerned “full term” and is ready to be born. At 38 weeks pregnant your baby will grow a rapid 2 inches and 2 ½ pounds in this last month. By this last month your baby’s umbilical cords is about 2 feet long and your placenta weighs about 1 ½ pounds. You will also notice more frequent or intense Braxton Hicks contractions which can be painful at times. Sometimes women will experience impatience, irritability, oversensitivity, restlessness, or even relief you are almost there. Some women also begin to nest at 38 weeks pregnant. The nesting instinct causes frantic restless behavior until she feels everything is in order. Though your intentions are good there is no way you can expect to get everything done before your baby arrives home.