Pregnancy calendar - Week 38

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week 4
week 5
week 6
week 7
week 8
week 9
week 10
week 11
week 12
week 13
week 14
week 15
week 16
week 17
week 18
week 19
week 20
week 21
week 22
week 23
week 24
week 25
week 26
week 27
week 28
week 29
week 30
week 31
week 32
week 33
week 34
week 35
week 36
week 37
week 38
week 39
week 40

Your baby’s development

At 38 weeks pregnant your baby is now fully developed and is using these last couple of weeks to lay down fat. At about 49 or 50cm long, they weigh near to 6lb 6oz. Your baby can hear your voice, so make sure to talk and even sing to them – it’ll familiarise them with who you are and remind them that you’re important!

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You & your body

You might be finding it increasingly difficult to get proper sleep during late pregnancy, especially at night, so getting the maximum amount of rest during the day time, with your feet up, can compensate a little.

Although your weight gain has almost come to an end, you may be feeling worried or scared in other ways as you feel increasingly apprehensive about labour. Go over your birth plan to make sure it’s clear in your head and talk to your birth partner about it too.

As this can be a confusing time for any other young children in your family, involve them in the excitement to help manage their natural feelings of jealousy.

Did you know?

A common sign that your pregnancy is nearing its end is a ‘show’ - this is when the mucus plug that seals the womb comes away (you may notice it when you go to the loo). This doesn’t necessarily mean that labour is about to start, but usually means it will happen soon.