38 weeks pregnant
Third trimester about 8 months
At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a small pumpkin.
Baby this week
About 49cm. The baby is shedding lanugo and vernix. The brain and lungs are making final preparations. The baby's head may be engaged in the pelvis.
Did you know? The baby's brain at birth is only 25% of its adult size — the majority of brain development happens in the first three years after birth, which is why early experience matters so much.
What she may be feeling
- Intense pelvic pressure
- Frequent Braxton Hicks or early labor
- Loss of mucus plug (if not already)
- Backache
- Nesting urge
- Difficulty sleeping
- Emotional intensity
- Swelling
Tips for her this week
- Labor could begin any day — you know the signs.
- Rest and try not to obsess over every symptom as a sign of labor.
- Eat well and stay hydrated — your body needs energy for what's ahead.
- Have your provider's after-hours number saved and know when to call vs. when to go in.
For partners
- Don't leave her alone for long stretches. Labor can start quickly and without much warning.
- Make sure you've had the 'if labor starts in the middle of the night' conversation with a plan.
- Be incredibly patient — she may be anxious, uncomfortable, and emotionally raw.
- Tell her specifically what you admire about how she's handled this pregnancy.
Partner to-do list
- Don't leave her alone for extended periods
- Have a plan for middle-of-the-night labor
- Tell her specifically what you admire about her strength
- Keep car fueled and hospital bag by the door
This week together
- Have the 'middle of the night labor' conversation with a plan
- Confirm child/pet care arrangements for labor
- Rest — conserve energy for labor
- Have a quiet evening together — it may be the last for a while
When to call your doctor or midwife
Contact your care provider right away, or call emergency services, if she has:
- Regular contractions 5 minutes apart for 1 hour — call provider
- Water breaking — call provider or go in
- Decreased fetal movement
- Heavy bleeding — go immediately
- Severe headache or vision changes
Trusted guidance: NHS: Pregnancy · NHS: Pregnancy complications · ACOG: Pregnancy · Pregnancy Info: Your pregnancy
Common questions
How big is the baby at 38 weeks?
At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a small pumpkin. About 49cm.
How many months is 38 weeks pregnant?
38 weeks pregnant is about 8 months, in the third trimester.
What can partners do at 38 weeks?
Don't leave her alone for long stretches. Labor can start quickly and without much warning. Make sure you've had the 'if labor starts in the middle of the night' conversation with a plan.