Very soon you will be able to hug and cuddle your own baby, because it is 38 weeks pregnant on the calendar. You may be having a hard time in every way, but your whole body must be overflowing with happiness. Undoubtedly you will be interested to know what is going on inside you and how the baby is feeling. And that’s what we’ll talk about in more detail next.
38th week of pregnancy: how the baby is developing
At the 38th week of gestation, the fetus is almost fully formed both in terms of body and limbs, as well as internally (organs, systems). In view of this, even in childbirth, the baby is no longer in danger, as its body is ready for life outside the body of the mother.
Especially the respiratory system is undergoing great preparation. Rhythmic muscle contractions occur throughout the body. Almost all processes in the body are physiologically mature for the emergence of the baby.
Fetal size at 38th week of pregnancy
The growth of the baby in the 38th week of pregnancy may be +/- 50 centimeters. Regarding the weight, the figure may differ in different cases of pregnancy, but as a rule it is about 3000 grams. Growth and weight figures depend on the level of development of the fetus itself and birth heredity.
The baby’s activity decreases somewhat during this period, because the uterus is now quite cramped. Mommy should not worry about a kind of lull, because the baby is actively gaining strength for its birth. As a rule, the fetus has already managed to take the right position (head to the cervix).
38th week of pregnancy: feelings
The 38th week of pregnancy – this is the period when the woman’s body is actively and very seriously preparing for the upcoming birth. Against the background of hormones there are some changes in their amount and ratio. More specifically, progesterone decreases little by little, and the amount of estrogen gradually increases (it is necessary to soften the tissues of the birth canal).
Among the striking symptoms, it is worth noting such moments:
- Vaginal discharge in 38 weeks of pregnancy becomes somewhat more liquid. Such a phenomenon is quite normal, as the due date for delivery is approaching, so the protective plug in the cervix of mucus. You should not worry about the change in consistency, because it is quite normal;
- Fetal movements in 38 weeks of pregnancy may provoke some discomfort in the peritoneal area – you may already be used to this. These sensations can provoke heaviness in the abdomen, digestive problems and other things. However, if you remain optimally active and eat a proper diet, most problems can be avoided;
- Frequent urination in 38 weeks of pregnancy does not seem strange, and to be more precise – it is a typical symptom of pregnancy for almost the entire period of its course. Surely you are no longer surprised to get out of bed in the middle of the night for another trip to the bathroom;
- Heartburn in 38 weeks of pregnancy may also remind you. These unpleasant sensations most often occur when you take an incorrect and uncomfortable position while sleeping or resting. It is possible to get rid of or reduce such manifestations by eating small portions and preferring the right foods;
- Insomnia in 38 weeks of pregnancy, which is largely caused by bad feelings while lying down. If you take an uncomfortable position according to the baby, he will not forget to hint about it. Rapid urination can interfere with normal sleep.
Expectant mothers may complain at 38 weeks of pregnancy that the abdomen is tight or there is pain in the lower back. Such feelings are considered quite normal, and usually do not bring the pregnant woman significant problems.
At 38 weeks of pregnancy your abdomen becomes stony – this is not a reason to worry, because it indicates that your uterus is preparing to give birth. During this period, the uterus is toned, which leads to some hardness of muscles and ligaments. Also to some reduction and hardening of the abdomen leads to a significant decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid, which leaves the body of the mommy naturally.
Ultrasound at 38 weeks of pregnancy
In most cases, an ultrasound in the 38th week of pregnancy is not performed. However, it is possible to initiate an ultrasound on the prescription of a doctor who supervises pregnancy, or at the request of the woman herself in the position.
Most likely, a scheduled prenatal examination may be scheduled at a later date. The symptoms and motivation for diagnosis (i.e. why the diagnosis is necessary) are important when an ultrasound scan is ordered.
It is obligatory for the woman to visit a gynecologist – this ritual should be present in the life of a pregnant woman on a weekly basis. Body weight and blood pressure, as well as a number of other parameters must also be monitored.
What happens to a mom’s body in the 38th week of pregnancy?
We are not going to say that the belly at 38 weeks of pregnancy is already very large – you can probably see this without prompting. You’ve also probably noticed that your weight is changing slightly downward, which is quite normal.
Still with you puffiness in 38 weeks of pregnancy – they cause a lot of problems. You may feel like your whole body is swollen. Even on the face may appear unhealthy swelling, as if you drank a lot of water the day before. As a rule, the excess water will soon go away naturally (urination, sweating).
More problems are caused by swollen feet in 38 weeks of pregnancy. You may find it very difficult to move around, and all doctors advise to move as much as possible and regularly. The only thing that can reduce these unpleasant sensations is cool baths, which you should do regularly.
38th week of pregnancy: dangers and possible problems
A woman begins to actively look for harbingers of labor in the 38th week of pregnancy, and there are a lot of signs (including folk ones) of the beginning of this important process. But the most important thing you should remember and note concerns the dangers and possible problems for both you and the baby.
Many women experience some excitement during the approaching period of withdrawal of mucus plug from the cervix. The cervical fluid (vaginal discharge) at 38 weeks of pregnancy can come out gradually or simultaneously, and the process is not dangerous for the mother or the baby. The substance may come out in small portions or all at once, and it looks like egg white. Even yellow or brown coloring of this fluid is considered normal. As a rule, there is no pain during the departure of plugs.
However, there is some danger in this and you should be careful. If you noted that the cervical fluid escapes profusely and long enough, you should think about the threat of leakage of amniotic fluid.
38th week of pregnancy: what you need to discuss with your doctor
Is it possible to have sex in the 38th week of pregnancy – this question is rarely, but is asked by doctors during routine examinations of pregnant women. As such, there is no prohibition on having an active sex life, but each case is different. Probably should refuse sex if there are signs of detachment of protective plug from the entrance to the cervix.
If you notice that the discharge has become more abundant and oily, and you want to know whether to be afraid that this amniotic fluid, it is worth checking with your doctor. Surely the specialist will advise you to go to the pharmacy, where you can buy special pads and with an indicator or test strips to determine the amniotic fluid. Such goods, as a rule, is not difficult to find and apply for testing.
Nausea and vomiting in 38 weeks of pregnancy – this is not only a sign of late toxicity, but also reason enough to see a specialist. You should not put off going to the doctor if such feelings occur frequently. However, vomiting and general malaise may indicate that you overeat.
38th week of pregnancy: tips
If you are experiencing weakness at 38 weeks of pregnancy, the most important piece of advice in this case is to rest whenever you can. Don’t miss the opportunity to spend time alone with the quietness and your own baby inside you. Try to lie down during the day if possible. Be sure to give your swollen feet a rest by taking the necessary procedures and sitting down in a comfortable chair.
It is not superfluous to give up certain household chores – washing floors and dishes, going grocery shopping and so on. In particular you should not lift heavy things or climb to heights (on a stepladder, for example). Even if these tasks bring you joy, assign them to someone close to you who will surely be glad to help you.
Don’t forget two important rules at this time: getting enough fresh air and eating right. These are two tips that you should ideally have carried through your entire pregnancy. At this time of pregnancy, you should be eating something that is nutritious, fresh, light and nutritious. It is wise to avoid foods that are too salty or too sweet. You should not walk long distances, but it is important to breathe fresh air.
It is advisable to double-check your bag, which should be taken with you to the maternity hospital. Information about what is necessary for this luggage, but you can consult your loved ones, acquaintances and your own doctor.
Also remember to prepare mentally for the birth. You should not worry, especially if the prognosis is favorable. For the birth to go smoothly you just need to be calm, balanced and positive. Try to spend more time with your family, listen to pleasant music and talk to more nice people.
38 weeks of pregnancy: questions and answers
Can I give birth at the 38th week of pregnancy?
In theory, childbirth at this term is quite normal and safe. There are no threats to the mother and her baby. However, doctors try to create all conditions so that the birth will take place in the most favorable term.
38 weeks of pregnancy – how often should the baby move?
At 38 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is not very active, because it became very crowded inside the mother’s womb. Tightness inside the mother’s tummy causes the fetus to become quiet. You should not worry because this behavior of the baby is quite normal.
What should I be afraid of during the 38th week of pregnancy?
In most cases, there is no reason to worry, because pregnancy is not threatened by anything. However, a woman should be careful, because she is responsible not only for her life and health, but also for her baby.
Is it possible to give birth in 38 weeks?
Delivery at 38 weeks of pregnancy in any case – at the birth of the first or not the first in a woman’s life – is considered a quite normal time for the birth of a child. There will be no problems for the baby or the mommy, but they both need to be under the close attention of medical personnel.
Is it possible to have sex at 38 weeks of pregnancy?
In the absence of medical contraindications to having a normal sex life in pregnant women, there is no prohibition to have sex. Neither the mother, nor her partner need not worry about whether their actions may harm the baby – the fetus is reliably protected by the uterus and placenta. However, in the presence of a difficult physical condition, general malaise, or significant painful sensations from intimacy should be abandoned.
Why does the pelvis hurt during pregnancy at 38 weeks?
At this term, a pregnant woman’s body produces a large amount of the hormone relaxin, which promotes the softening of bone articulations and cartilage tissues. Pain in late pregnancy is associated with the preparation of the body for the future birth. Such sensations can occur just before labor or a couple of weeks before the due date.
