At 38 weeks pregnant, you’re deep in the final chapter of this extraordinary journey. Your baby is considered full term, and while many people wait until week 40 or beyond to go into labor, baby could arrive at any moment—today, tomorrow, next week. This is a time of transition, both bodily and emotionally, as your body continues to prepare for labor and your baby finishes the last stages of development.
Let’s explore what you may be feeling, what’s new with your baby, and the thoughtful to-dos that can help you feel grounded and prepared.
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How You’re Feeling at 38 Weeks Pregnant
At 38 weeks, your body can feel both incredibly capable and astonishingly uncomfortable. Many of the sensations you’ve had over the past few weeks continue, but they may feel sharper, heavier, more present, and that’s because your body is in the final stages of preparing for birth.
Pressure and heaviness
Your baby has likely dropped deeper into your pelvis, also called “lightening," which can bring a strong sense of pressure low in your body. You may feel weighty in your lower abdomen, hips, and perineum. Walking, standing, or rolling over in bed can take extra effort as your body adapts. If your baby hasn’t dropped yet, tightness around your ribs and upper abdomen might still be noticeable.
Braxton-Hicks and practice contractions
You might experience more frequent Braxton-Hicks contractions—irregular tightenings that feel like your uterus is rehearsing for labor. These shouldn’t be rhythmic or intensify consistently; if they become regular and strong, that may be a sign of true labor. Trust your instincts and call your provider if you’re unsure.
Sleep challenges
Sleeping deeply at this point can be elusive. Between pelvic pressure, frequent urination, heartburn, and sheer anticipation, many people find rest interrupted. Intentional rest—even if not full sleep—is still valuable.
Heartburn and digestion
Heartburn, bloating, nausea, or loose stools can occur as hormones shift and your body continues responding to the physical pressure of pregnancy. Some people even experience flu-like or gastrointestinal symptoms shortly before labor begins, these can be normal as long as there’s no fever, intense pain, or dehydration.
Emotional complexity
Emotionally, week 38 can feel like being poised between two worlds: the familiar rhythm of pregnancy and the unknown of birth and newborn life. It’s common to feel excited, anxious, reflective, impatient, and tender all at the same time. These emotions are a normal part of transition.
What’s New With Your Baby
By week 38, your baby is remarkably complete, and mostly just getting ready to meet you.
Baby’s size and physical development
Your baby is likely about 17–20 inches long and roughly 6¼ to 7½ pounds, though there’s a wide range of normal. Most babies’ heads are large relative to their bodies, and their limbs are curled up due to limited space.
Full term and organ readiness
At this stage, your baby’s major organs—including the heart, brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs—are developed and functional. The lungs in particular are nearly fully mature, preparing for that first breath outside the womb. Fine tuning of the nervous system continues, and your baby will keep building fat stores that help regulate temperature after birth.
Lanugo mostly gone
The soft fine hair (lanugo) that once covered your baby’s body has nearly disappeared, and their skin is smoother as fat accumulates underneath.
Position for birth
By 38 weeks, the majority of babies are positioned head-down, which is optimal for birth. If your healthcare provider has identified a breech or transverse position, they may discuss monitoring and options such as external cephalic version (or ECV) to encourage turning.
Steady movement
Although movements may feel less dramatic due to limited space, you should continue to feel your baby move regularly. A noticeable decrease in movement warrants a prompt call to your care team.
Your Week 38 To-Do List
At 38 weeks, your “to-do” list is less about big projects and more about preparation, support, and calm readiness.
1. Finalize your birth preferences and logistics
Review your birth preferences with your partner or support person. Discuss how you want them to support you, when to call your healthcare provider, and when to head to your birth place if labor begins. Clear communication reduces stress if things start quickly.
2. Keep your bag ready
Your hospital or birth center bag should be fully packed and within reach. Include essentials for labor, postpartum recovery, and the first days with baby — insurance cards, comfortable clothes, toiletries, snacks, phone chargers, and items that bring you comfort or calm.
3. Prepare your support team
Check in with the people who will support you postpartum. Whether a partner, friend, doula, or family member, confirm plans for help with meals, household tasks, and emotional support during the early postpartum days.
4. Create a calming environment
Set up your home so that when you return after birth, nourishing routines are easy. A quiet feeding space, clean linens, stocked pantry, and simple organizational touches can help you rest and recover.
5. Practice self-care and rest
Prioritize sleep, gentle stretching, warm baths, hydration, and nutrient-dense foods. This isn’t the week to push productivity; it’s the week to reserve your energy for what comes next.
6. Notice labor signs with clarity
Understand early signs of labor—consistent contractions, water breaking, mucus plug discharge, increasing pelvic pressure, and regular rhythmic tightenings that grow stronger and closer together. If your water breaks or you’re unsure about contractions, reach out to your provider.
7. Honor emotional transition
This is not just a physical transition, but an emotional one. You may benefit from journaling, gentle conversation, breathwork, or simply acknowledging the complexity of feelings you’re experiencing.
The Takeaway
At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby is truly ready, and your body is actively preparing for birth, even though the exact timing of labor remains uncertain. This is a time of anticipation, tenderness, discomfort, and hope. Some people go into labor this week; others wait until week 40 or beyond. Whatever your experience, it’s a moment to pay attention to your body and your needs, to lean on your support system, and to allow yourself both preparation and peace.
Every sensation you’re feeling, from pelvic pressure to emotional intensity, reflects the remarkable work your body is doing in this final phase. And when labor begins, you’ll enter the next chapter with grace, strength and support.
References:
1. Mayo Clinic. 3rd trimester pregnancy: what to expect.
2. What to Expect. 38 Weeks Pregnant.
3. Babylist. 38 Weeks.
4. The Bump. 38 Weeks.
5. Flo. 38 Weeks.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.
