Yow! If you feel a sort of lightening bolt running up and down your legs (and in your crotch), don’t freak out. At 38 weeks, baby’s probably sitting pretty low in your pelvis, which means he’s bumping into all kinds of nerves down there — including some pretty sensitive ones you might not know you had. Be on the lookout for signs of labor, including contractions that come on stronger, at more regular intervals, and the “bloody show.” It could happen any day now — or it might not be for a few weeks. Until then, try to relax.
Your baby’s the size of a pumpkin!
Baby is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. Her head is now about the same circumference as her abdomen.
Your baby at 38 weeks
- She may have about an inch or so of hair already.
- She’s slowly shedding that white goo on her skin (called vernix caseosa) but you might see some of it at birth.
Pregnancy symptoms at 38 weeks
- “Lightning crotch.” As baby bumps against nerves in your pelvis, you might feel shooting sensations down your legs and even inside your vagina.
- You’re probably still having Braxton Hicks contractions, difficulty sleeping, vaginal discharge, an itchy belly and swollen feet and ankles.
- You might have had a slightly bloody, mucus discharge, known as bloody show. This is a sign labor is coming.
- You might also have some diarrhea, which could also mean baby is coming soon.
Your must-do’s
- Schedule your weekly prenatal visit to the OB.
Your nice-to-do’s
- Do something to destress. Read a book, listen to soft music or have a pedicure.
- Stock your fridge and freezer for the first few weeks with baby.
