38 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development, and What to Expect

At 38 weeks pregnant, the baby is considered full term and continues important final development while the body prepares for labor. Many pregnant people notice more pressure, stronger practice contractions, and changes in vaginal discharge, but the exact experience varies from person to person.

Overview

At 38 weeks pregnant, labor may start soon, but it is also normal for pregnancy to continue for another couple of weeks. The baby is now full term, and most of the remaining time is spent on final growth, practicing breathing movements, and settling into a position for birth.

This week often brings a mix of anticipation and physical discomfort. Some people feel clear signs that labor is approaching, while others notice only subtle changes. Both experiences can be normal, and routine prenatal follow-up remains important.

Although many late-pregnancy symptoms are expected, it helps to know which changes are part of the body’s preparation for labor and which require medical advice. Understanding what is typical at 38 weeks pregnant can make this stage feel more manageable and less uncertain.

Symptoms This Week

Common symptoms at 38 weeks pregnant include pelvic pressure, lower back discomfort, trouble sleeping, fatigue, and swelling in the feet or ankles. As the baby sits lower in the pelvis, there may also be a frequent urge to urinate and a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen.

Braxton Hicks contractions often become more noticeable. These practice contractions are usually irregular and tend to ease with rest, hydration, or a change in position. True labor contractions, by contrast, become more regular, stronger, and closer together over time.

Changes in vaginal discharge are also common this week. Some people notice a thicker mucus discharge or the loss of part of the mucus plug. This can happen days before labor or not until labor begins. A small amount of pink or brown-tinged mucus may occur after a cervical exam or as the cervix starts to soften, but heavy bleeding is not considered normal.

• Pelvic pressure or a feeling that the baby has “dropped”
• Irregular tightening of the uterus
• Backache and hip discomfort
• Fatigue and interrupted sleep
• Increased vaginal discharge
• More frequent urination

Baby Development at 38 Weeks

At 38 weeks pregnant, the baby is usually about the size of a leek or a small pumpkin, though size can vary widely. Many babies measure around 49 to 50 centimeters in length and continue to gain small amounts of fat that help with temperature control after birth.

Most major organs are mature by this stage. The lungs are developed enough for life outside the womb, and the brain continues to grow and organize rapidly. The baby is also practicing sucking, swallowing, blinking, and breathing movements, all of which support the transition after delivery.

The baby may have moved into a head-down position, which is the most common position for birth. In some pregnancies, the baby remains in a different position, such as breech. If there are concerns about fetal position, growth, or well-being, the maternity team may use ultrasound and fetal monitoring as part of assessment. Related pregnancy concerns may be evaluated alongside conditions such as high-risk pregnancy.

Body Changes at 38 Weeks Pregnant

The body undergoes several late-pregnancy changes as labor approaches. The cervix may begin to soften, thin out, and open slightly, although these changes do not always predict exactly when labor will start. Some people feel more pressure in the pelvis or notice a change in walking due to the baby’s lower position.

Breathing may feel easier if the baby has moved downward, but pelvic discomfort can become more pronounced. There may also be bursts of energy, sometimes called nesting, or the opposite: a greater need for rest. Emotional changes are common too, including impatience, excitement, or worry about labor and delivery.

Swelling in the legs and feet can continue, especially at the end of the day. Mild swelling can be a normal part of late pregnancy, but sudden swelling of the face or hands, severe headache, visual symptoms, or upper abdominal pain need urgent medical review because they may be associated with complications such as preeclampsia.

Checklist: What to Do This Week

This stage is less about starting something new and more about staying prepared, attentive, and comfortable. Regular prenatal care remains important, even if everything seems stable. Appointments near the due date often include blood pressure checks, review of fetal movement, and discussion of labor signs.

A helpful checklist for 38 weeks pregnant includes practical preparation and self-care. It can also help reduce anxiety by giving structure to the final days of pregnancy.

• Keep track of the baby’s usual movement pattern and report any noticeable decrease
• Review how to time contractions and when to go to the hospital
• Pack or recheck a hospital bag and any important documents
• Arrange transport and childcare plans if needed
• Stay hydrated, eat regular light meals, and rest when possible
• Attend all scheduled prenatal visits and ask about any new symptoms

If there are discussions about induction, a planned birth, or a possible cesarean, the care team may explain options in more detail, including labor and delivery care or cesarean section. Decisions are based on the health of the pregnant person and baby, gestational age, and individual pregnancy history.

How Labor May Begin

Labor can begin in different ways. For some people, it starts with regular contractions that become progressively stronger and closer together. For others, the first sign is the breaking of waters, with a gush or a steady trickle of fluid from the vagina. Some notice lower back pain, cramping, diarrhea, or pressure before contractions become obvious.

It is not always easy to tell the difference between early labor and normal late-pregnancy discomfort. A useful clue is pattern. True labor contractions tend to come at regular intervals, last longer, and become harder to talk through as time passes. They usually do not stop with rest or drinking water.

Medical teams may also discuss pain relief, monitoring, or interventions if labor is prolonged or if there are concerns about the baby’s heartbeat. In some settings, fetal assessment or birth planning may involve specialists experienced in pregnancy follow-up and delivery.

When to Seek Medical Care

At 38 weeks pregnant, it is important to contact a doctor, midwife, or maternity unit if there are regular painful contractions, leaking of amniotic fluid, vaginal bleeding heavier than light spotting, or a noticeable decrease in fetal movement. These symptoms do not always mean there is an emergency, but they should be assessed promptly.

Urgent medical advice is also needed for severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden swelling, fever, or intense upper abdominal pain. These symptoms can signal complications that need timely evaluation. Any fall, abdominal injury, or concern that the baby is not moving normally also deserves prompt attention.

If labor has not started but there are concerns about the pregnancy progressing safely, the care team may recommend monitoring or additional testing. Acibadem International’s multidisciplinary specialists in JCI-accredited hospitals diagnose and treat pregnancy-related conditions for international patients, including assessment when labor signs or late-pregnancy symptoms need closer review.

Frequently asked questions

Is 38 weeks pregnant considered full term?

Yes. At 38 weeks, the pregnancy is considered full term. This means the baby is generally ready for life outside the womb, although a little more growth and development may still continue until birth.

What symptoms are normal at 38 weeks pregnant?

Common symptoms include pelvic pressure, tiredness, back pain, swelling in the feet, more frequent urination, and irregular Braxton Hicks contractions. Changes in discharge can also happen as the cervix begins to prepare for labor. If symptoms feel severe or unusual, it is best to contact a healthcare professional.

How can someone tell if labor is starting at 38 weeks?

Labor often begins with contractions that become regular, stronger, and closer together over time. It may also start with the breaking of waters or increasing lower back pain and pressure. If there is uncertainty, calling the maternity team for guidance is appropriate.

How big is the baby at 38 weeks?

Many babies at 38 weeks are about the size of a leek or a small pumpkin. Exact weight and length vary, and healthy babies can be smaller or larger than average. Ultrasound estimates can help if growth needs to be checked.

Is it normal not to have any signs of labor at 38 weeks?

Yes. Many people have no clear signs of labor at 38 weeks and still go on to have a normal birth later. The absence of contractions, cervical changes, or loss of the mucus plug does not mean anything is wrong.

When should a doctor be called at 38 weeks pregnant?

A doctor or maternity unit should be called for regular painful contractions, leaking fluid, heavy bleeding, or reduced fetal movement. Urgent help is also needed for severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, fever, or severe abdominal pain. When in doubt, it is safer to ask for medical advice.

References

• World Health Organization
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor about your individual situation.