What's happening with your baby at 38 weeks
At 38 weeks, your baby is around 49.8 cm long and weighs roughly 3.1 kg (about 6.8 lb), though this varies a lot between babies. Most of the lanugo (fine body hair) and vernix (the waxy coating) have shed by now, though some babies are born with a bit of both still on their skin.
Your baby is technically 'early term' at 38 weeks — full term doesn't start until 39 weeks, according to ACOG. The lungs and brain are still maturing this week, which is one reason providers avoid scheduling early deliveries without a medical reason.
Baby is likely head-down by now if they're going to be, and there's much less room to move. You'll feel rolls, stretches, and hiccups more than big kicks, but you should still feel regular movement every day.
Common symptoms at 38 weeks
Pelvic pressure is common and often more intense this week, sometimes described as 'lightning crotch' — sharp, brief jabs low in the pelvis as baby settles lower. Braxton Hicks contractions (irregular, painless tightening) usually pick up in frequency too.
Many people notice the mucus plug coming away around now, sometimes with a streak of pink or brown blood (often called 'bloody show'). This can happen days before labor starts, or right before it — it doesn't predict timing on its own.
Fatigue, trouble sleeping, swelling in the feet and ankles, and a sudden burst of energy known as nesting are all common at 38 weeks. Backache and general achiness are typical too, as ligaments loosen in preparation for birth.
How do I know if labor is starting?
The clearest signs of labor are contractions that come at regular, shortening intervals, your water breaking, or a bloody show followed by contractions. True labor contractions get closer together, last longer, and don't ease up with rest or position changes — Braxton Hicks usually do.
A common guideline is the '5-1-1 rule': contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. This isn't a strict rule for everyone, so your provider may give you different timing based on your history.
Your water breaking can feel like a sudden gush or a slow trickle, and it doesn't always come with obvious contractions right away. Either way, call your provider or head to where you plan to deliver — don't wait to see if labor starts on its own.
What to do this week
Finish packing your hospital bag if you haven't already, and keep it somewhere easy to grab. Double-check your car seat is installed correctly — many hospitals won't discharge you without one in place.
Rest when you can, even if sleep itself is difficult. Save your provider's after-hours number somewhere obvious, and review with your partner or support person how you'll get to the hospital or birth center if labor starts at night.
It's worth going over your birth preferences one more time with your provider at this week's appointment, since anything can still change. If you haven't discussed induction timing for going past your due date, this is a good week to ask.
When to call your provider
Decreased fetal movement is still one of the most important things to watch. If movement feels noticeably less than usual over a few hours, try a kick count and call your provider if it doesn't pick up.
Call right away for: your water breaking, vaginal bleeding (more than light spotting), contractions coming regularly and getting stronger, severe headache with vision changes, or sudden swelling in your face or hands. These can be signs of labor or, less often, of a complication that needs prompt attention.