Our Baby Journey38 weeks pregnant
38 weeks pregnant is about 8½ months. It falls in the ninth month of pregnancy. You are in week 38 of 40, in the third trimester. Here is what is happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is about the size of a leek.
Length: about 49.8 cm (19.6 in) from crown to heel · Weight: about 3.1 kg (6.8 lb)
Your baby at 38 weeks
The organs are ready for life outside the womb. The baby continues to put on fat.
Your baby's organs are mature enough to work outside the womb, but development has not stopped. The brain is still growing quickly, and new connections forming now support sucking, breathing, and staying alert after birth. Your baby is also continuing to store iron in the liver, which supports healthy blood in the early months.
Most of the lanugo has shed, and some of the vernix is being washed off into the amniotic fluid, which your baby swallows. Your baby's eye color at birth may be dark gray or blue, and the final color can take months to settle.
The grip is strong now, and your baby has a range of reflexes ready for birth, including rooting, which helps babies turn toward the breast. Babies vary widely in size near term, and a healthy newborn can be smaller or larger than average.
Your body at 38 weeks
You may feel anxious or impatient. Swelling and discomfort are common.
The final weeks can feel long. Swelling in your feet and ankles is common, and sleep may be broken by discomfort, bathroom trips, and an active baby. You might feel impatient one day and nervous the next, and that is completely normal. Your body is continuing to prepare: the cervix may soften and open slightly, and some people get practice contractions in the evenings that fade by morning. If you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or low most of the time, tell your doctor or midwife, as support is available both now and after birth.
Your belly at week 38
In month 9 (weeks 36–40) your baby may drop lower into your pelvis, so your bump can look lower than before. This is more common in a first pregnancy. Breathing may get easier, but you will feel more pressure low in your belly and pelvis, and fundal height may stop increasing or dip slightly.
Belly size and shape vary a lot depending on your build, whether this is your first pregnancy, your baby's position and the amount of amniotic fluid. At checkups your doctor or midwife may measure your fundal height to track your baby's growth, and may arrange an ultrasound if the measurement is quite different from what they expect.
Symptoms at 38 weeks pregnant
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Tiredness and difficulty sleeping
- Contractions that come and go, often in the evening
- Feeling anxious, restless, or impatient
- Pressure and aches in the pelvis and lower back
Checkups around week 38
Weekly checkups usually continue, though timing varies by country. Your provider will check blood pressure, urine, your baby's heartbeat, and position. They may discuss what happens if you go past your due date, including options like a membrane sweep or induction, depending on local practice.
Tips for week 38
- Practice the breathing techniques you've learned.
- Sleep and rest whenever you can.
- Call your provider if your waters break or bleeding starts.
Common symptoms in the third trimester
The third trimester runs from week 28 until birth, usually around week 40. Your baby gains most of their weight, their lungs mature, and your body prepares for labor. Not everyone has every symptom, and it is normal for symptoms to come and go. Common ones include:
- Shortness of breath as your uterus presses up on your diaphragm
- Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions
- Swelling of the feet and ankles
- Trouble sleeping and getting comfortable
- Pelvic pressure and pain
- Needing to urinate more often again
- Heartburn and back ache
Read the full third trimester guide.
When to call your doctor or midwife
Contact your healthcare provider or maternity unit straight away, or get emergency care, if you have:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain or cramping
- A severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
- A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
- Fluid leaking from your vagina
- Severe vomiting where you cannot keep fluids down
- Your baby moving less than usual or a change in their pattern of movements (later in pregnancy)
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Feeling very low, anxious, or having thoughts of harming yourself
Have a question about week 38?
Ask our AI pregnancy assistant about symptoms, nutrition, scans or anything else on your mind this week.
Frequently asked questions
How big is my baby at 38 weeks pregnant?
At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a leek. That is about 49.8 cm (19.6 in) from crown to heel, weighing about 3.1 kg (6.8 lb).
How big is my belly at week 38 of pregnancy?
In month 9 (weeks 36–40) your baby may drop lower into your pelvis, so your bump can look lower than before. This is more common in a first pregnancy. Breathing may get easier, but you will feel more pressure low in your belly and pelvis, and fundal height may stop increasing or dip slightly. Bump size, shape and when you start to show vary a lot from person to person.
What are the early signs of labor at 38 weeks?
Common signs include contractions that become regular, longer, and stronger over time, a lower back ache that comes and goes, a show of mucus that may be blood-streaked, and your waters breaking with a trickle or gush of fluid. Ask your provider in advance when you should call or come in, and call sooner if anything worries you.
What does it mean if my waters break at 38 weeks?
Your waters breaking means the sac around your baby has opened, and labor often follows soon after. Call your maternity unit or provider, even if you are not having contractions. Note the time, color, and smell of the fluid. If it is green, brown, bloody, or bad-smelling, or if your baby is moving less, you will usually be asked to come in straight away.
Is it normal to feel anxious about labor at 38 weeks?
Yes, many people feel a mix of excitement and worry as birth gets close. Learning about the stages of labor, practicing breathing techniques, and talking through your options with your doctor or midwife can help you feel more prepared. If anxiety is constant, stops you from sleeping, or comes with low mood, let your provider know so they can offer support.
What trimester is 38 weeks pregnant?
Week 38 is in the third trimester, which covers weeks 28 to 40.
How many months is 38 weeks pregnant?
38 weeks pregnant is about 8½ months. It falls in the ninth month of pregnancy. The ninth month covers weeks 36 to 40. Pregnancy is about 40 weeks, or roughly 9 months, counted from the first day of your last period.
This page is general educational information and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife. Every pregnancy is different, and baby sizes are approximate averages. Last updated 2026-11-07. See our medical disclaimer.