La week 38 of pregnancy This marks the final stretch before birth. The mother's and baby's bodies are practically ready for the big moment. It's common to feel a mixture of delusion, true anxiety and a lot impatienceUnderstanding what is happening in your body and how your baby is developing will help you experience this stage with more calm and confidence.
Changes in your body in week 38 of pregnancy
The uterus now weighs more than a kilo and contains about five liters of amniotic fluidThis volume, along with the baby's weight, explains the feeling of pelvic heaviness and general fatigue. In addition, pregnancy hormones, especially the relaxinThey're going to relax the pelvic joints that connect the bones to each other, which can result painful or cause sharp pains in the pubic area, lower back, or hips.
You may notice that the belly descendsThis indicates that the baby has engaged in the pelvis. Many women then feel they breathe better because the pressure on the diaphragm decreases, but in return, they experience increased breathing difficulties. urgency to urinatebecause the bladder becomes more compressed.
You will feel continuously tiredwith fatigue that is often associated with nights with little sleep due to discomfort, the baby's movements, or the need to get up several times to go to the bathroom. It is also possible that nausea will return.Although they tend to be less intense than in the first trimester, many pregnant women still experience a strong urge to... Tidy up the houseCleaning, preparing the basket, or getting everything ready: this is known as “nesting instinct”.
During these days other discomforts may also intensify: period-like pain in the lower abdomen, sharp pains in the pubic area, leg spasms, feeling of heaviness, acidity or reflux due to pressure from the uterus on the stomach and difficulty to sleepThe contractions of Braxton Hicks They tend to become more frequent: they are irregular, of variable intensity, and are usually relieved by changing position or taking a warm bath.
La Fatigue It becomes noticeable again more frequently. Whenever possible, try to catch up on sleep during the day, rest with your legs slightly elevated, and try to maintain a posture that reduces tension in the lower back. gentle stretches Breathing exercises can help relieve discomfort and improve circulation.
Loss of the mucus plug, amniotic fluid, and contractions
You could soon lose the mucous plugPreparation for childbirth includes its dissolution, which is evidenced as a thick secretion, sometimes with some blood, or as an increase in cervical mucusDue to increased blood flow in the vagina and cervix, it is normal to have more discharge, even if the plug is not yet fully in place.
If you perceive a sudden release of clear liquid and continuous, it may be the rupture of the amniotic sacIf your water breaks, you should go to the hospital immediately, because the baby is no longer protected in its sterile environment and could be affected by an infection. The medical team will assess the situation. color of amniotic fluidIdeally, it should be transparent; if it is greenish or brown, it may indicate the presence of meconium and require prompt attention.
When you have painful and regular contractions (every 5-10 minutes) for at least an hour and notice your belly is very hardIt's very likely that labor has begun. These contractions are becoming increasingly intense. intenseFrequent and do not disappear when changing position. On the other hand, if they are irregular, not very painful, and disappear with rest or a warm bath, they are usually a false alarm or practice contractions.
From now on you can also pay attention to others signs of labor like a unexpected diarrheawhich in some women precedes the onset of labor, or a severe back pain which appears at regular intervals. If these episodes recur at increasingly shorter intervals, it's advisable to warn your partner that birth may be near.
If you don't feel the baby's movements or perceive that it It moves much less Instead of the usual procedure, you will need to go to the hospital so that your well-being can be assessed through a cardiotocographic monitor or ultrasound. Monitoring contractions and fetal heartbeat is a key tool at this stage.
Routine explorations, maneuvers and controls
If you are not experiencing labor symptoms, your healthcare provider may suggest a procedure this week. examination of the cervix to check its condition. At the beginning of labor, the cervix dilate and shortened (effacement) to allow the baby to descend into the birth canal. For a vaginal delivery to occur, dilation must reach approximately 10 centimeters and the erasure will be close to 100%.
From week 38 onwards, some centers may offer the so-called Hamilton maneuver (or “membrane stripping”). It consists of inserting one or two fingers through the already somewhat dilated cervix to gently separate the membranes of the amniotic sac of the uterine wall. This maneuver can facilitate the release of prostaglandins and stimulate the onset of contractions, although it is not routinely performed everywhere and should always be explained and done with your informed consent.
In some cases, a amnioscopy If cervical dilation is present. This technique, less commonly used today, allows visualization of the color of amniotic fluid This involves inserting a tube with a cold light through the vagina and into the cervix. It is not performed in all hospitals or systematically.
If you feel contractions, you can have an ultrasound at the emergency room or during postpartum checkups. cardiotocographic record external or “monitor”. This device simultaneously measures the baby's heart rate and the intensity of the uterine contractionshelping to assess whether labor is underway and whether the baby is tolerating it well.
During these days the vaginal discharge and the need to urinate, due to the pressure exerted by the baby. It is very important that you take extra care. intimate hygiene To prevent infections that could complicate childbirth or postpartum, avoid harsh products and prioritize cotton underwear.
How is your baby at 38 weeks of pregnancy?
Your baby is fully formed and their reflexes are coordinated. At this stage, they continue to gain some strength. weight and accumulating subcutaneous fatwhich will help regulate her body temperature once she is born. Her skin becomes more soft and firm, and the space inside the uterus is smaller, so the movements feel more like Stretching and shoves that felt like sudden kicks.
A substance almost black in color, the meconiumIt has accumulated in your intestines due to the activity of your digestive system. It is made up of dead cells, remains of fluff (fine hair that covered its body) and swallowed amniotic fluid. After birth, this substance will be eliminated in the form of its first stools.
Her liver no longer produces red and white blood cells; now it will be the bone marrow the one who will primarily be responsible for that task. Her respiratory system is prepared to function outside the womb and her brain It continues to mature rapidly. Although it can already regulate basic functions, this organ will continue to develop throughout much of childhood and into adolescence.
Because, at this point, it's ready for life outside the wombIt probably weighs a bit more than three kilos and measure around 50 centimetersIf it's a boy, the testicles They have usually descended into the scrotum. In the case of girls, the vaginal lips They are now fully formed and visible.
Baby's weight and height
Weight: 3 kg approximately.
Talla: 50cm approximately.
Your baby weighs around 2.900-3.200 grams And, although you may still accumulate a little more fat, you're doing so at a slower rate than in previous weeks. You may notice that your weight gain It has stabilized or even decreased slightly, which is usually normal at this stage.
Remember that the information we give you in the weeks of pregnancy is treated in a general way, but each pregnancy and each baby develops at a different rate and you may find some small differences.
What you might feel and what we recommend
In this last part of pregnancy it is normal to experience difficulty to sleep, sensation of discomfort while walking, swelling in hands, feet and ankles, back pains and hips, and even episodes of constipation or diarrhea. Mild swelling is related to fluid retention, but if you notice significant swelling sudden Pain in the face or hands, or severe headache and blurred vision, consult a doctor immediately, as these could be signs of preeclampsia.
Braxton Hicks contractions They can be noticed more frequently and are not always painful. Their function is to help the uterus prepare for childbirth. You may also observe the loss of mucous plugwhich, although it is an indicator of changes in the cervix, does not mark an exact time for the start of labor.
At this stage we recommend get enough rest and avoid very strenuous activities. kegel exercises They are excellent for strengthening the pelvic floor and help you both during childbirth and in your recovery afterward. Stay well. hydratedChoose a light, high-fiber diet, and listen to your body: if you need to stop, do so without feeling guilty.
Planned cesarean section, breastfeeding and immediate postpartum
scheduled caesarean sections They are usually planned around week 38-39, when the probability of spontaneous labor not yet having begun is high and the baby's development is considered adequate. Although it is a major surgeryToday it is a very common procedure and, in most cases, is performed with regional anesthesia (like an epidural), which allows you to be awake and conscious during birth.
In many hospitals that support the Breastfeeding And with skin-to-skin contact, the baby can be placed on the mother's chest even while the procedure is being completed, provided both their condition allows it. early contact It fosters the bond and helps to stimulate milk productionAfter a cesarean section, milk production may take a little longer to stabilize, so the support of midwives and lactation consultants is especially valuable.
If you are going to breastfeed, you might find it helpful to learn about breastfeeding positions comfortable after a cesarean section, about wound care and how to recognize a good one grip techniqueIf you choose formula feeding, ask your healthcare team what type of formula It fits best with your baby's situation and how to prepare for it safely.
Practical preparations and emotional support
Week 38 of pregnancy: it's time to have the prepared basket, the hospital bag Ready and the car seat installed. Having documents, baby clothes, hygiene items, and your personal belongings organized will give you an extra sense of security. security, when the time comes to leave for the hospital.
Think about who you want to be with you accompany during childbirth This is also important. It could be your partner, a family member, a friend, or a doula. This person can help you time contractions, give you massages, and remind you of the... breathing techniques learned and offer you constant emotional support. It has been shown that the ongoing support It reduces the need for painkillers and can shorten the duration of labor.
Dedicate time to your emotional well These days, it can make all the difference. Practicing exercises of MindfulnessWrite down your fears and expectations, or talk openly with your healthcare team about concerns such as labor induction, pain relief, or what to do if the baby is in labor. buttocks It will help you feel more prepared.
Week 38 of pregnancy is an intense and emotionally charged period in which your body finishes adjusting and your baby gets ready to be born; knowing the expected symptoms, warning signs and delivery options will allow you to experience these final days with more calm, confidence and ability to make decisions together with your medical team.
More information - Labor contractions When to go to the hospital?
Source - Famille actuelle
Photo - baby center