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By 38 weeks pregnant, you are probably feeling exhausted, heavy, and bloated. You are most likely impatient for your baby to come. Although you are already full-term, your baby may not be ready to come out for another week or two. So you'll be playing the waiting game for the next two weeks.
More Intense False Labor Pains at 38 Weeks Pregnant
You will feel more frequent bouts of Braxton Hicks contractions during pregnancy week 38. Unlike earlier in the third trimester, these false labor pains are more intense and might even be painful. They may occur closer together, which can confuse you into thinking you're in early labor.
However, if your contractions go away when you rest or change positions, then they are Braxton Hicks contractions. True labor pains will continue to plague you despite changes in position, and they will become more painful and more intense as time passes.
The Purpose of Braxton Hicks Contractions
In the final weeks of your pregnancy week by week, Braxton Hicks contractions work to prepare your body for labor and delivery. They soften, thin, and even open your cervix a little bit.
Second Time Moms - Your Cervix May Dilate
For second-time moms, your cervix will probably dilate a centimeter or two before labor actually begins. (Remember that you are not in active labor, or the "pushing" phase of labor that ends with your baby's delivery, until you are at least 4 centimeters dilated.)
Bloody Show
During pregnancy week 38, you may notice that you have vaginal discharge that is tinged with blood. This is called the "bloody show," and it's often a sign that you're on your way towards labor and delivery. However, it may be hours, days, or even weeks before you'll go into labor.
Changes in Your Cervix at 38 Weeks Pregnant
At your prenatal visits at 38 weeks pregnant, your doctor or healthcare provider will probably do an exam to see if there are any changes in your cervix. Your doctor may use the following terms:
- Effacement: The thinning of your cervix. This is calculated in percentages, such as 50 percent effaced or 100 percent effaced (completely effaced). A thin cervix dilates more easily.
First time mothers start effacing in the last month of pregnancy with the help of Braxton Hicks contractions. You will efface before you start to dilate.
- Dilation: Your cervix starts to open to prepare for childbirth. When you are "fully dilated," your cervix has opened 10 centimeters and you're ready to push and give birth.
- Station: This term refers to the location of your baby's head as he or she moves through your pelvis (a process called "descent"). The station of your baby gives your doctor an idea of how the baby's head is descended into the pelvis.
Learning what these terms mean will help you understand how close you may be to labor and delivery.
Pregnancy Weight Gain - Week 38
Can you believe that your pregnancy weight gain at 38 weeks pregnant may be anywhere between 25 and 30 pounds? It's no wonder that you are anxious to get your baby out! You are now bigger than you've ever been.
Should You Shave Your Pubic Area
With your baby's delivery upcoming in the next few weeks, you will want to start thinking about labor. At 38 weeks pregnant, many moms-to-be start wondering whether they should shave or trim their pubic hair. This is definitely a personal decision that only you can decide.
Some moms like to leave their private areas alone. On the other hand, some women like to shave, wax, or at least trim their pubic hair.
The choice is yours, but at pregnancy week 38, it is definitely something you will want to think about. If you are having a planned cesarean section, you will need to shave the top inch of your pubic hair beforehand. If you don't, the nurses will do this for you prior to the operation.
Remember to get some rest in the final weeks of your pregnancy week by week! It won't be too long now. Your due date will be here before you know it.
At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby may weigh anywhere between 6 and 7 pounds. Some babies may be smaller or larger, depending on many factors. For example, if your due date was miscalculated, your baby may be further along, or slightly less developed, than you realized. (For this reason, most doctors will not induce labor until at least 39 weeks pregnant.)
The amount of amniotic fluid surrounding your baby continues to steadily decrease as your pregnancy week by week continues. However, during pregnancy week 38, your baby still has plenty of amniotic fluid to protect him or her.
Though space is becoming very limited in your womb at 38 weeks pregnant, your baby may still be trying to move and stay active. (Always call your doctor if you notice a change in your baby's movements.)
By pregnancy week 38, the long bones in your baby's arms and legs have hardened. This process is called ossification and it has been occurring throughout your pregnancy week by week. (That's why it's so important for pregnant women to consume dairy products and calcium rich foods.)
Your baby's grasp reflex is very strong at 38 weeks pregnant. He or she is often grasping the umbilical cord or curling his or her hands into little balls. The grasp reflex remains strong until your baby is about six months, when he or she has more of a choice in whether he or she grabs something.
At 38 weeks pregnant, you probably can't wait until you go into labor. All that weight that you are carrying around is definitely taking a toll on your back, and you are simply ready to meet the newest member of your family.
You may be anxiously awaiting for any signs of labor, such as the loss of your mucous plug, your water breaking, and contractions that come at regular intervals and get more intense with time.
Self Induction Methods
Towards the end of their pregnancy week by week, some women entertain the idea of inducing labor on their own. No self-induction methods have been proven safe or effective, so you should only try these methods with the permission of your doctor or healthcare provider.
Some natural labor induction methods that you may have heard about include:
- Nipple stimulation: This method releases the hormone oxytocin, which can cause contractions and start labor.
- Sex: This may be the last thing on your mind, since you are probably having some vaginal pressure or discomfort at 38 weeks pregnant, but having sexual intercourse may actually help promote labor.
Semen contains prostaglandins, which help ripen your cervix, and having an orgasm may stimulate contractions.
- Walking: This encourages your baby to move down into your pelvis to stimulate labor. Even if labor doesn't start, at least you will get some exercise before your baby is born.
- Spicy Food: Eating spicy foods may help stimulate your bowels, which in turn irritates your uterus and causes it to tighten, or contract. Unfortunately, spicy foods can also lead to heartburn. So you may want to think twice before eating that Mexican take-out!
- Castor Oil: This is an old-fashioned tradition to induce labor. (However, it's definitely not recommended). Castor oil will stimulate your bowels, similar to spicy foods, and lead to contractions.
However, when you drink castor oil, you have a really good chance of sitting on the toilet for hours afterwards!
Before You Act, Talk to Your Doctor
It's important to talk to your doctor before trying any of these natural labor induction methods at pregnancy week 38. They can sometimes cause your uterus to become too stimulated, which can stress out your baby and lead to fetal distress.
Be Patient!
The best thing that you can do for your baby at 38 weeks pregnant is to be patient. Labor and delivery come much faster than you may think. Though childbirth differs from woman to woman, you should just discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider before doing anything drastic.
Read About Your Pregnancy Week by Week - 39 Weeks Pregnant
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