Reaching week 38 of pregnancy is a significant moment. You are now considered full term, which means your baby is fully developed and ready to meet you at any point over the coming weeks. If you have arrived here from week 37, you will know that these final weeks are as much about patience and rest as they are about preparation. Your baby could arrive this week, or you may still have a little while to wait as you move towards week 39.
This week is a time to slow down, listen to your body, and keep those final practical arrangements in place. Below we explain what is happening for your baby and for you at 38 weeks, along with the appointments and scans that may be relevant now.
Your baby at week 38
By 38 weeks, your baby is essentially fully formed and spends much of the time preparing for life outside the womb. At this stage a baby typically measures around 49 to 50 centimetres from head to heel and weighs approximately 3 kilograms, though there is a very wide and completely normal range. Every baby grows at its own pace, so try not to worry if estimates suggest yours is a little smaller or larger.
Your baby's organs are ready to function independently. The lungs continue to mature and produce surfactant, a substance that helps them expand with that first breath. Fine downy hair known as lanugo has mostly disappeared, and the vernix that has protected your baby's skin is thinning. Your baby is also shedding cells and other substances that will form their first bowel movement, called meconium.
Most babies have settled into a head-down position by now, ready for birth. If your baby is lying bottom-down or sideways, your midwife or obstetrician will discuss this with you.
Your body at week 38
The final weeks of pregnancy can bring a range of sensations as your body prepares for labour. Many of these are entirely normal, though it always helps to know what to look out for. Common experiences at 38 weeks include:
- Braxton Hicks contractions that may feel stronger or more frequent as your body practises for labour.
- Pelvic pressure and discomfort as your baby's head moves lower into the pelvis, sometimes called engagement or lightening.
- Backache and difficulty finding a comfortable position, particularly when sleeping.
- Swelling in the feet, ankles and hands, which is common but should be mentioned to your midwife if it comes on suddenly or is severe.
- Increased tiredness alongside broken sleep and frequent trips to the loo.
You may also notice a "show", when the mucus plug that has sealed the cervix comes away. This can happen days before labour begins and is generally nothing to worry about. If you are ever unsure whether something is normal, your maternity team would always rather you asked.
What to keep in mind this week
This is a good week to make sure everything is ready and to give yourself permission to rest. A few practical points, in line with NHS guidance:
- Know the signs of labour. These typically include regular, painful contractions, a show, or your waters breaking. Your maternity notes will explain when to contact your unit.
- Keep your hospital bag and notes to hand. Having your maternity notes with you at all times means your care can continue smoothly wherever you are.
- Monitor your baby's movements. Your baby should continue to move right up to and during labour. If you notice any reduction or change in movements, contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away, at any time of day or night. Do not wait.
- Look out for warning signs. Severe headaches, vision changes, sudden swelling or severe tummy pain should be reported promptly, as should any bleeding.
Group B Strep is sometimes discussed in the later stages of pregnancy, and your midwife can talk you through what it means for you if it is relevant to your care.
Scans, tests and appointments
Most routine NHS screening happens earlier in pregnancy. The 20-week anomaly scan takes place between 18 and 21 weeks, the glucose tolerance test for gestational diabetes is usually offered between 24 and 28 weeks, the whooping cough vaccine is offered from around 16 to 32 weeks, and RSV vaccination is offered from 28 weeks. By week 38, your appointments are more likely to focus on monitoring your wellbeing and your baby's, including blood pressure, urine checks and feeling your bump to assess your baby's position and growth.
Some parents choose additional private scans in these final weeks for extra reassurance. A presentation scan can confirm whether your baby is head-down, breech or in another position, which can be helpful information as you approach labour. A reassurance scan can check your baby's wellbeing, heartbeat and movements if you would simply like peace of mind between routine appointments. These scans do not replace your NHS antenatal care, but can complement it.
To see how this week fits into the bigger picture, our pregnancy journey planner maps your appointments and milestones across all three trimesters.
Looking ahead
Week 38 is a week of readiness. Your baby is full term, your body is preparing, and the finish line is close. Rest as much as you can, stay in tune with your baby's movements, and keep your maternity team's contact details close by. Next comes week 39, another step nearer to meeting your baby.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak to your midwife, GP or obstetrician about your own pregnancy.
