Week 38 of Pregnancy
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Third Trimester
1. Parts of the skeleton, particularly the long bones of the arms and legs, have hardened, a process known as ossification.
2. The hands may be curled into fists, grasping the umbilical cord, or free-floating with fingers outstretched. The grasp reflex is very strong.
3. The head may now be fully engaged. At this stage there are several normal variations in position and the direction in which the baby is facing.
4. At 38 weeks the average crown to heel length is 18.6 in (46.2 cm) and the average weight is 5.8 lb (2.6 kg).
5. The placenta has reached its full size and is spread out like a plate. It will continue to function for the full duration of the pregnancy.
The baby is nearly ready, you are more than ready, so when is the birth going to happen? Probably not yet-especially if this is your first pregnancy. For another week or so, the uterus is still the best place for your baby while the finishing touches to her development take place. If you have other children, you can tell them that their new brother or sister won't keep everyone waiting much longer.
You are 37 Weeks and 1 Day Pregnant
Your baby todayFull term has been reached and your baby's features are now very clearly formed. To a certain extent from now on your baby is simply growing and putting on weight-factors necessary to provide energy after birth and help with temperature control. read more
You are 37 Weeks and 2 Days Pregnant
Your baby todayA 3D close-up of the hand shows the skin folds. Just as fingerprints are unique, so are the deeper skin folds seen on the hands and feet. The grasp reflex is strong and your baby will start to grasp anything that touches the palm of her hand. read more
You are 37 Weeks and 3 Days Pregnant
Your baby todayWith each day that goes by delivery is becoming ever more likely. You may experience Braxton-Hicks' contractions, which help to soften the cervix and prepare for labor. The amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby ensures she'll hardly notice these mild tightenings. read more
You are 37 Weeks and 4 Days Pregnant
Your baby todayWhat exactly triggers the start of labor is still a mystery. Does the signal come from your own body or does the baby play a part in the decision? Every labor is different, and the timing of your first labor can be quite different from your second. read more
You are 37 Weeks and 5 Days Pregnant
Your baby todayThe size of your uterus may have reduced slightly as your baby's head becomes more deeply engaged within your pelvis, allowing her body to move down. This can take some of the pressure away from your ribs, which is a welcome relief at this stage. read more
You are 37 Weeks and 6 Days Pregnant
Your baby todayEstimating your baby's size by measuring from the top of the uterus to the front of your pelvic bone can give you an idea of size, but this is less accurate now. Your baby may not yet have moved down into the pelvis and the amount of fluid around your baby is variable. read more
