Pregnancy Facts - Week 38
What's happening in week 38 of pregnancy
Obviously, there's no way to predict when you'll actually go into labor. An increase in the frequency and intensity of Braxton Hicks contractions is one sign that the big day is near - "near" being a nebulous and unhelpful term. A more obvious sign is being 38 weeks pregnant and the shape of a human avocado.
Contractions
Unlike real contractions, Braxton Hicks contractions (or false labor contractions) can be unpredictable, at irregular intervals and vary in duration. Real contractions on the other hand are predictable, come at regular intervals and last about the same duration each time.
Braxton Hicks contractions feel like they start in the lower part of the abdomen, while real contractions will typically start in the lower back and then move to the front of the abdomen.
Here is an unnecessary table formatting the above info:
| Braxton Hicks Contractions | Real Contractions |
|---|---|
| Unpredictable | Predictable |
| Irregular intervals | Regular intervals |
| Duration varies | Duration about the same |
| Felt in the abdomen | Felt in lower back, moves to abdomen |
Sometimes it's possible to stop a Braxton Hicks contraction just by moving around or getting into a different position. Real ones will continue regardless of body position.
Not all moms-to-be will experience Braxton Hicks contractions though. For those that don't, it doesn't mean the body is any less prepared for birth. It's just the way some pregnancies are.
How big is your baby in week 38 of pregnancy
This week, your baby measures 13.4 inches (34.1 centimeters) from crown to rump and weighs 6.8 pounds (3.1 kilograms).
Your baby's development in week 38 of pregnancy
The two vital organs that typically are the last two to finish development are the lungs and liver. As mentioned in week 35, while all major organs are developed, the lungs and the liver benefit from extra time in the womb more than any of the other organs. The lungs use this time to get stronger in preparation to inflate with air for the first time after birth. The liver continues to process spent blood, getting rid of the bilirubin that causes jaundice. Think of this time as the finishing touches before the big reveal.
