Week 38
Third TrimesterFull Term
You've reached full term. Baby is ready. Your body is ready. The moment you've been moving toward for nine months is very close.
Full term
This week's tip
💡 Rest deeply and eat nourishing food — your body is at its hardest-working point and it deserves every bit of care you can give it right now.
Baby this week
🎃
About the size of
a small pumpkin
Length
49.8 cm
Weight
3.10 kg
Development
- Baby is fully developed and ready for birth.
- Meconium (first stool) is accumulating in the intestines.
- The lungs are fully mature.
- Baby's grip is strong — newborns can hold a finger tightly.
- Brain connections for hearing, seeing, and movement are complete.
How you might feel
- Cervix is continuing to soften and may be dilating.
- You may have a bloody show — a sign of cervical change.
- Contractions may come and go without becoming regular.
- Discomfort is at its peak — you're carrying a full-term baby.
Things to do this week
- Attend your weekly prenatal appointment
- Ask your provider about cervical progress if you're curious
- Rest as deeply as possible
- Confirm your postpartum support plan: help at home, meals, rest
When to contact your care team
This is general guidance, not medical advice.
- Contact your care team immediately if your water breaks, contractions become regular, or you notice decreased fetal movement.
Partner tip
Be kind, calm, and present. Your partner is physically and emotionally at their limit. Steady presence is the most powerful support you can give.