Your Baby at 38 Weeks of Pregnancy

Welcome to the 38th week of your pregnancy! Birth is now very close, and your baby is making the final preparations to enter the world. This week, your baby’s organs are almost fully developed and ready for delivery.

Size and Weight:
At 38 weeks, your baby is about 49–50 cm long and weighs around 3000 grams.

Organ Development:
Your baby’s organs are matured. The lungs are fully developed with sufficient surfactant production. The heart beats strongly, and the circulatory system is functioning well. The brain continues to grow rapidly, and the nervous system is still developing. The bone marrow is producing red blood cells. The immune system is strengthening, and antibodies passed from the mother provide protection against some infections. The liver and kidneys are mature. Fingernails have grown, hair has thickened, and the skin is smoother. The white, creamy substance called vernix caseosa is decreasing. The intestines are filled with meconium (the first stool).

Sensory Development:
Your baby’s senses are developed. The eyes can open and close, and the pupils react to light by dilating and contracting. The eyes are starting to focus and can see nearby objects. Your baby can hear and distinguish different sounds, responding to voices, music, and especially the mother’s and father’s voices. Taste buds are developed, allowing the baby to sense the flavor of the amniotic fluid. The sense of touch is advanced, enabling the baby to feel the uterine wall, the umbilical cord, and its own body.

Movements:
At 38 weeks, since the uterus has less space, your baby’s movements may feel less frequent compared to previous weeks. However, the type and intensity of movements may vary. Your baby may still kick, turn, and hiccup. It is important to monitor these movements and contact your doctor if you notice any changes.

Position:
By this week, most babies are in the head-down position, which is ideal for birth. If your baby has not yet turned, your doctor may suggest exercises or techniques to help reposition the baby. One of these techniques is “external cephalic version,” in which the baby is turned manually from the outside.

Changes in the Mother at 38 Weeks of Pregnancy

At 38 weeks of pregnancy, your body also undergoes many changes.

Physical Changes:

Growing belly: Your abdomen continues to expand, and your skin stretches. Your navel may protrude outward.
Weight gain: By this week, gaining an average of 13–18 kg is normal.
Breast enlargement: Your breasts continue to grow, and colostrum production increases.
Skin changes: You may notice spots, stretch marks, or visible veins on your skin.
Changes in hair and nails: Your hair may become thicker and shinier, and your nails may grow faster.
Other changes: You may experience varicose veins, edema (swelling), back pain, constipation, indigestion, heartburn, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, numbness in hands and feet, sleep problems, snoring, leg cramps, carpal tunnel syndrome, hot flashes, sweating, fatigue, forgetfulness, hemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, reflux, insomnia, palpitations, anemia, pelvic pressure, sleep apnea, groin pain, hand and foot swelling, restless leg syndrome, and other similar complaints.

Emotional Changes:

Emotional fluctuations: Hormonal changes can cause mood swings.
Anxiety and worry: You may feel anxious and concerned about your baby’s health, childbirth, and parenting.
Nesting instinct: The nesting instinct may increase, intensifying your desire to prepare your home for the baby.
Maternal instinct: Your maternal instinct continues to develop, and your desire to bond with your baby grows. Feeling your baby’s movements helps strengthen this bond.
Excitement and impatience: As the birth approaches, you may feel excitement and impatience.

Nutrition at 38 Weeks of Pregnancy

Eating a healthy and balanced diet throughout pregnancy is very important for both your health and your baby’s health.

Important Nutrients:

Protein: Adequate protein intake is important for your baby’s rapid growth. Meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts are protein sources.
Calcium: Calcium intake is important for your baby’s bone development. Milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods are sources of calcium.
Iron: Your iron needs increase as your blood volume rises. Red meat, dried legumes, green leafy vegetables, and dried fruits are iron sources.
Folic acid: Folic acid intake is important to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, grains, and folic acid supplements are sources of folic acid.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your baby’s brain development. Foods such as salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.Fiber: Consuming fiber-rich foods is import
ant to prevent constipation. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are fiber sources.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C increases iron absorption and strengthens the immune system. Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and tomatoes are sources of vitamin C.

Foods to Avoid:

Fish containing mercury: Avoid fish such as swordfish, shark, and mackerel that contain mercury.
Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: Raw or undercooked meat and eggs can increase the risk of food poisoning.
Unpasteurized milk and cheese: Unpasteurized milk and cheese may contain harmful bacteria.
Alcohol: Alcohol can harm your baby’s development.
Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications.
Excessive caffeine: Excessive caffeine intake may cause miscarriages.
Processed foods: Processed foods are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats and are unhealthy.

At 38 weeks of pregnancy, it is important to take certain precautions to protect your health and your baby’s development.

Signs of Labor:
Some signs that labor is approaching include:

Bloody show: When your cervix begins to soften and thin, the cervical mucus plug is expelled. This may appear as a bloody or pink discharge.
Water breaking: The amniotic sac may rupture, releasing fluid. This can be a sudden gush or a slow trickle.
Contractions: Labor contractions are regular, increasingly intense, and frequent.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your doctor immediately.

Full-Term Birth:
Babies born from this week are considered "full-term" and generally do not experience health problems.

Braxton Hicks Contractions:
Braxton Hicks contractions are preparatory contractions of the uterine muscles. They are usually irregular, painless, and short in duration. They are not a sign of early labor, but if they become regular and painful, consult your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes:
If diagnosed with gestational diabetes, diet, exercise, and medication (if necessary) are used to control blood sugar levels.

Preeclampsia:
Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. It is a serious condition for both mother and baby and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms include headache, visual disturbances, swelling of the face and hands, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Other Recommendations:

Avoid lying on your back: A growing uterus can compress major blood vessels, causing dizziness or fainting. Lying on your left side is recommended.
Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing can restrict blood circulation and cause discomfort.
Choose appropriate footwear: Prefer comfortable, flat shoes instead of high heels or pointed shoes.
Moisturize your skin: Skin dryness and itching are common during pregnancy. Regular moisturizing is important.
Maintain dental hygiene: Pregnancy hormones can make gums sensitive. Brush your teeth regularly and use dental floss.
Continue sexual activity: Unless your doctor advises otherwise, sexual activity is safe during pregnancy.
Monitor your baby’s movements: Once you feel your baby’s movements, track them. If you notice a decrease or change, contact your doctor immediately.
Participate in pregnancy exercises: Pregnancy exercises help prepare for labor and maintain fitness during pregnancy.
Attend childbirth education: Childbirth education provides information about labor and helps you prepare.
Start preparing baby items: Buying baby items contributes to preparation and excitement.
Prepare the nursery: Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your baby is important.
Make a birth plan: A birth plan helps outline your preferences and communicate them with your medical team.
Spend time with your partner: Spending time together helps prepare for the baby and provides mutual support.
Take time for yourself: Relaxing and taking care of yourself during pregnancy is important. Read, listen to music, take a warm bath, or meditate.
Prepare your hospital bag: Include items you may need at the hospital (comfortable clothes, slippers, sanitary pads, nursing bra, baby blanket, etc.).
Plan for the postpartum period: Consider getting help at home, researching breastfeeding support, and looking for a caregiver for your baby.
Consult your doctor if you experience shortness of breath: The growing uterus may press on your diaphragm. Your doctor can suggest ways to alleviate this.
Pay attention to sleep position: Lying on your left side increases blood flow to the baby and improves kidney function.
Accept changes in your body: Pregnancy causes many bodily changes. Accepting and loving your body is important.
Learn about signs of labor: As labor approaches, your body gives signs. Recognizing them (bloody show, water breaking, contractions) is important.
Read books on childbirth and parenting: These books help you gain knowledge and prepare for this new stage.
Join postpartum support groups: These groups allow communication with other mothers and sharing experiences.
Discuss labor concerns with your doctor: If you have concerns or questions about labor, speak with your doctor.
Prepare your hospital bag: Include items you may need during and after delivery.