At 38 weeks pregnant, you’re officially in the home stretch. Your baby is almost ready to meet you, while your body is quietly making important preparations for labor and feeding your newborn. This is also a good time to learn about newborn care choices so you can feel confident when the big day arrives.
Baby at 38 Weeks
Your baby may weigh around 7 pounds and measure approximately 20 inches, although there is plenty of normal variation from one baby to another.
By this stage, many of your baby’s major organs are mature enough to support life outside the womb. The lungs have been producing surfactant, a substance that helps keep the tiny air sacs in the lungs open as your baby breathes.
Your baby is also shedding some of the fine hair called lanugo and losing portions of the creamy protective coating known as vernix. Your baby may swallow some of this material along with amniotic fluid. After birth, the first bowel movements are called meconium—a thick, sticky, dark substance that gradually changes as your baby’s feeding begins.
Your Body Is Preparing for Birth
At 38 weeks, your cervix may already be beginning to soften, thin and change position. However, these changes can happen gradually, and some people have very few noticeable signs before active labor begins.
You may notice more frequent or stronger Braxton Hicks contractions, increased pelvic pressure, or changes in vaginal discharge. Losing part or all of the mucus plug can also happen as the cervix changes.
A “bloody show” may occur as labor approaches, but any significant bleeding, leaking fluid, severe pain, reduced fetal movement, or other concerning symptoms should be discussed promptly with your maternity care provider.
Colostrum: Your Baby’s First Milk
Your breasts may already be producing colostrum, the thick, nutrient-rich first milk made during late pregnancy and the early days after birth.
Colostrum is concentrated and contains antibodies and other components that support your newborn’s developing immune system. Even though newborns initially take very small amounts, those early feeds are important.
If you’re considering expressing or collecting colostrum before birth, speak with your midwife, doctor or lactation professional first. Antenatal expression isn’t appropriate for everyone and should be guided by your maternity team.
Think Ahead About Newborn Procedures
Preparing for birth isn’t only about labor. After your baby arrives, you may be asked about several newborn procedures and preventive treatments.
Depending on where you live and your baby’s circumstances, these may include newborn screening, vitamin K, eye prophylaxis, vaccinations, bathing and, for boys, circumcision.
The recommendations and legal requirements can differ between countries, hospitals and individual medical situations. Rather than feeling pressured to make decisions in the moment, ask your healthcare team beforehand:
- What is routinely offered?
- Why is it recommended?
- What are the benefits and possible risks?
- Is it optional?
- When does it need to be done?
- What happens if we choose to wait?
Knowing your options ahead of time can make those first hours with your newborn much calmer.
Your Week 38 To-Do List
As you wait for labor, focus on simple preparation:
- Eat regular, nutritious meals and keep yourself hydrated.
- Make sure your hospital or birth-center bag is ready.
- Keep your baby’s car seat installed correctly.
- Get plenty of rest whenever possible.
- Review your birth preferences with your support person.
- Make sure important maternity and emergency numbers are easy to find.
- Prepare a comfortable space for yourself and baby at home.
- Learn about newborn procedures before you’re asked to make decisions.
And don’t feel as though you have to spend every remaining day preparing. It’s okay to slow down and enjoy these final moments of pregnancy.
Trust the Process, but Stay Flexible
Birth doesn’t always follow a predictable timetable. Your labor may begin suddenly, gradually, or after several days of subtle changes. Your waters may break before contractions—or labor may progress without your waters breaking until later.
The most useful mindset is to prepare without expecting everything to happen exactly according to plan.
You can have preferences for your birth while remaining open to medically necessary changes. If something unexpected happens, your healthcare team can help you understand the situation and your available options.
Week 38 affirmation: I trust my preparation, listen to my body, and take each step of birth one moment at a time.
You’re almost at the finish line. Rest, prepare, ask questions, and remember that you don’t have to know exactly when or how labor will begin to be ready for your baby’s arrival.
