WeMoms
9 Apr 2024

Your body at 38 weeks of pregnancy

Pregnancy
Pregnancy week by week
Your Body at 38 Weeks
You're in the home stretch and eagerly awaiting the arrival of your baby.

This week brings with it a mix of emotions and physical changes, but don't worry, we're here to guide you through what you can expect as you near the end of your pregnancy. 
Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
Symptoms of the week
Back pain

Lost of mucus plug

Pre-labor symptoms

Leakage Uncertainty: Wondering about unexpected leaks? It could be a sign of amniotic fluid leakage, signaling impending labor for some.

Cervical Changes: As your cervix softens, shortens, and opens, it's akin to a bouncer ushering your baby into the party of childbirth.

Nesting Instincts: The sudden surge of energy and nesting tendencies, while not universal, signify your instinctual preparation for your baby's arrival.

Preeclampsia Awareness: Recognize the signs of preeclampsia, affecting only 5% of pregnancies, to ensure prompt medical attention if warranted.
Your baby is full-term. Be ready for labor's onset.
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Is it normal?
Amniotic Fluid Leaks: While leaking amniotic fluid can herald labor, not all women experience this symptom, emphasizing the diverse nature of childbirth experiences.

Cervical Progression: Softening and dilation of the cervix are integral preludes to labor, affirming your body's readiness for the impending journey of childbirth.

Nesting Phenomenon: Embrace the nesting instinct as a natural manifestation of your maternal instincts, reflecting your innate preparedness for your baby's arrival.

Preeclampsia Insights: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of preeclampsia, ensuring proactive monitoring and prompt medical intervention if necessary.
Top Asked Questions
Top 5 questions answered
What is postpartum depression, and how can I prevent it?

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can occur after childbirth. To prevent it, you can have a support system in place, get plenty of rest, eat well, and seek professional help if necessary.

What is the recovery process like after a vaginal birth?

The recovery process after a vaginal birth can include pain and discomfort, bleeding and discharge, and emotional adjustment. It's important to rest, take care of yourself, and seek help if necessary.

What is the recovery process like after a C-section?

The recovery process after a C-section can include pain and discomfort, limited mobility, and longer hospital stay. It's important to rest, take care of yourself, and follow your healthcare provider's instructions.

What is postpartum bleeding, and how long does it last?

Postpartum bleeding is vaginal bleeding that occurs after childbirth. It can last for several weeks and gradually decrease in amount and frequency.

What is the best way to care for my newborn in the first few weeks of life?

The best way to care for your newborn is to feed them frequently, keep them clean and dry, provide a safe sleeping environment, and seek help if you have concerns.

Taking care of yourself
Labor Resilience: Practice relaxation techniques and enlist support persons to navigate labor with resilience and determination.

Physical Activity: Incorporate movement and position changes during labor to manage pain and enhance comfort, transforming the childbirth experience into a dance of empowerment.

Pain Management Options: Explore various pain relief methods, from breathing exercises to medical interventions, tailored to your preferences and comfort level.

Support System: Surround yourself with a supportive network of individuals, fostering a sense of empowerment and reassurance throughout the childbirth journey.

Belief in Self: Trust in your body's innate capabilities and celebrate your journey as a testament to your strength and resilience.
Stay informed about potential warning signs and complications
Prepare for potential postpartum recovery and self-care
Invest in comfortable and supportive nursing clothing
Discuss potential pain relief options with your healthcare provider
Teaser for next week
Prepare for potential labor fears, Braxton Hicks contractions, and cervical changes in the forthcoming week, fortified with insights and strategies to navigate the final stretch of pregnancy.
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All I need to know
When will my body return to normal?
3 min read
Preparing for Labor
1 min read
Medical Interventions during Labor & Birth
1 min read
M
Melody
1 Jan 2024

2 more days to my induction I can't wait to meet this little princess been a long time coming 38w plus 5 days

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
2 comments
M
Miosotis
Let me know about your experience being induced 😭 I think I’ll be getting induced around 38-39 weeks and I’m kind of nervous. Good luck mamma!
27 Mar 2024

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M
Melody
I did it once before and for the first few hrs pain was good but then it was rapid pain and then boom here comes baby.
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ashlee
21 Oct 2023

38w tomorrow. Been given the ok to start encouraging her out. Recommendations? Done the pressure point between thumb and forefinger, pumping, fun time, walking. What else you got out there?

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
1 comments
S
Sierra
8 May 2023

Well my sweet boy Made his arrival this morning ! He was 10lbs 3oz ! I was 38w 2days

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
7 comments
J
Jelyn
Wow...that's huge congrats mama
27 Mar 2024

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E
Emily
6 May 2023

Hello! I'm new here! My name is Emily, I'm 17 years old and I'm currently 38w+1d with a baby girl! Any advice or new mom friends around my age and have similar due dates would be amazing!

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
4 comments
S
Shanda
I first got pregnant when I was 18, had him at 19. He was 8 pounds 10 ounces. You will do just fine. If you have any questions we are here to help you.
27 Mar 2024

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L
London💕
I’m 18 but i due in June
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lilly 💕😻
24 Dec 2022

ughh I just want my baby.. I’m so tired of waiting 😢😢😢😢😩 I’m 38w&6D

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
10 comments
M
Melissa
Girl u are at the finish line❤️😊😍 that's so exciting🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lilly 💕😻
Yess she needs to come on😂😩
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tammy
27 Oct 2022

For the moms who’ve had a membrane sweep, when did you go into labor? I’m a FTM so I’m trying to gauge when it could possibly happen. I just had one done yesterday and I’m 38w and 5d today.

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
8 comments
T
Tammy
I haven’t done curb walking but I do squats damn near everyday at work lol
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brittney
17 Oct 2022

Got my membrane sweep about 3 hours ago. Currently 38w 6d, 3cm dilated and fully effaced. So let's hope this mom to be goes into labor soon! 🤞

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
1 comments
M
Malaysia🫶🏽
9 Sep 2022

Moms! I need help 😫. TMI but I’m 39 weeks tomorrow and my VAGINA HURTS SOOOO BAD! I can barely move 😫😫 and at my 38w appointment, doctor said I was 2cm dilated. What do I do y’all. Advice please

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
34 comments
A
Amber
You need to go to OBGYN, there gunna keep you
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kaylen
I was in this exact situation and my doc said it was normal and it’s just our bodies preparing. Unfortunately lol. It was horrible and moving was a constant battle but it eased immediately after birth.
27 Mar 2024

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D
Doniaaaa
15 Aug 2022

Can you ask the doctor to get induced or are you only allowed to get induced when it’s medically necessary? I wanna ask my doctor at my next appointment, I’ll be 38w 5d. I’m not dialed at all yet and I was wondering if I can schedule to get induced.

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
7 comments
K
Katie🌸
I asked to be induced & it wasn’t medically necessary & so I got induced 2 days after that. But I’ve heard both sides, some do let you & some prefer if you wait longer.
27 Mar 2024

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D
Doniaaaa
Thank you!
27 Mar 2024

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V
Valerie
9 Aug 2022

38w+1 day, and I had my 38w appointment today. I was not dilated at all, but I was 50% softened. It was quite the painful experience.. if I thought this was painful, I’m not sure how I’m gonna do childbirth. Lol this is what has me questioning what did I get myself into😭🥲

Pregnancy Pregnancy week by week
1 comments
U
Umut Alí
calm down the body is wise God first everything will come to its time🙏
27 Mar 2024

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