Week 38: Watching for Signs
Baby is about the size of Leek (498mm head-to-heel)
Your baby is considered full-term at the end of this week. The lungs are mature and ready to breathe air. The brain and nervous system continue to refine connections, but all major development is complete. The baby is shedding most of their lanugo and vernix. Meconium (first stool) has accumulated in the intestines. Weight is approximately 3.1kg (6.8 lbs).
You may experience more frequent and stronger Braxton Hicks, sometimes called 'prodromal labor.' The cervix continues to soften and may begin dilating. You might lose your mucus plug entirely. Nesting instincts may peak. Emotionally, you may swing between 'get this baby out' and 'I'm not ready.'
What is important now
Be vigilant for signs of labor. Know when to call your provider: contractions 5-1-1 (every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour), water breaking (note the time, color, and smell), or heavy bleeding. Rest as much as possible — you're about to run a marathon.
Common symptoms
- green or brown amniotic fluid — emergency services
- decreased fetal movement — contact provider immediately
- severe headache vision changes — emergency evaluation
Wellness this week.
Nutrition
Labor energy and hydration
- Continue dates (6 daily) for cervical ripening
- Complex carbs for glycogen stores
- Easily digestible meals — labor could start after any meal
- Raspberry leaf tea if tolerated
Exercise
Movement
Gentle walking can encourage labor; otherwise, rest and conserve energy
Sleep
As much as possible
Position: Whatever works; this is survival mode
· Sleep is the best thing you can do right now
· Bank sleep before labor begins
· A warm bath before bed can help with both relaxation and prodromal labor
Mental wellness
Mindfulness
Both wanting to be done and feeling not ready are completely normal. You don't have to feel one way. Hold both feelings gently.
“Your baby is ready. You are ready. When the time comes, your body will know.”
Your timeline.
Week 6
32 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — Mutterpass may be issued upon heartbeat confirmation
Week 19
19 weeks ago- routineWeeks 19–22
Checkpoint 2 — Screening Ultrasound
Choice between a basic biometric scan or detailed organ scan. Measures head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, and checks placental position.
GoalAssess fetal anatomy and growth, check for structural abnormalities, and verify placental location.
Week 28
10 weeks ago- routine
Checkpoint 1 — GDM screening
- routine
Checkpoint 2 — Rhogam if Rh-negative
Week 29
9 weeks ago- routineWeeks 29–32
Checkpoint 3 — Screening Ultrasound
Third and final routine ultrasound. Assesses fetal growth, position (cephalic/breech), amniotic fluid volume, and placental function.
GoalConfirm appropriate growth trajectory and baby's position for delivery planning.
Week 35
3 weeks ago- self pay igelWeeks 35–37
Checkpoint 1 — GBS Testing — Self-pay/IGeL
Rectovaginal swab to screen for Group B Streptococcus colonization. If positive, IV antibiotics are given during labor to prevent neonatal infection.
GoalIdentify GBS carriers to enable prophylactic treatment during delivery.
Safety: Green or brown-tinged amniotic fluid indicates meconium and requires immediate medical attention. Decreased fetal movement at this stage needs urgent evaluation. Severe headaches with vision changes may indicate late-onset preeclampsia.
Your journey, your rhythm.
Track your pregnancy week by week with gentle, personalized guidance.