Advice for soon-to-be parents
My pregnancy
38th Pregnancy Week
Your Pregnancy Week by Week
3rd Trimester: Pregnancy Week 38
Welcome to the world of parenting!
An exciting journey is about to start and Mothercare, through this journal, is going to be by your side and advise you throughout your pregnancy weeks.
Get informed about everything that parents need to know such as pregnancy, baby growth, body and psychology changes, doctor examinations and appointments and of course parturition, breastfeeding and baby care.
Our midwife and lactation consultant IBCLC Ms Georgia Leze every week is going to show you a special path to a healthy and happy baby.
Pregnancy Week 38
You could be meeting your long-awaited little one any time now! Everyone experiences this later stage of pregnancy differently – some mums-to-be are content to relax and enjoy nurturing themselves and their bumps, while others feel they just can’t wait any longer. Either way, it’s an amazing time of your life. This week 12% of moms-to-be will give birth to their baby.
At your 38 week antenatal appointment you may still have plenty of questions to ask your doctor or midwife:
- how will I know when labour starts?
- what are the best ways to manage early labour?
- when do I go to hospital or phone the doctor or midwife?
Υou at Pregnancy Week 38
If you’ve been practicing (Braxton Hicks) contractions, at 38 weeks pregnant you can expect these to be getting stronger. Take advantage of the hours that occur constructively and help your baby get a better position. They don’t really hurt, but are intense enough to make you stop what you’re doing for a moment – and to give you an idea of what to expect later. Don’t worry if you don’t get practice contractions, as not everyone actually feels them. If you’re getting impatient or feeling restless, make the most of this time with your partner (you won’t be just a couple for much longer!), or spend precious time with friends.
Υour baby at Pregnancy Week 38
Your baby now weighs between 3kg and 3.2kg, and is continuing to build up fat stores – essential blubber to help your baby regulate their temperature when they’re out in the world. Everything about your baby is now fully developed and ready to go except the lungs, which aren’t fully developed until your baby starts breathing outside the womb. Just like you, your baby is taking it easy, keeping comfy, moving regularly and getting ready to meet their new family.
Τhings to do in Pregnancy Week 38
Visit your doctor or midwife this week and ask whatever you need to answer your questions. Take care of yourself daily and take advantage of every opportunity to rest.
There’s a good chance that you’re 'nesting', the phase most mums-to-be go through as they get their homes ready for their new arrival. Nesting is one of the typical pregnancy symptoms at week 38. You'll want to get everything safe and comfortable for your little one – a sure sign that the big day is near. Nesting cleaning is often more thorough and intense than usual housework – you may find yourself wanting to clean chair legs, or completely empty and rearrange cupboards! Avoid the urge to dust curtain rails of any other cleaning activity that involves climbing, and channel that sudden energy into gentle jobs like washing and sorting baby clothes.