38 Weeks of Pregnancy

Symptoms at 38 weeks of pregnancy

It is reaching the end of the pregnancy and the tendency is for the gestational symptoms to decrease. However, as mentioned earlier, it is still common for the mother to feel some discomfort, especially if they are related to contractions.

See below the main symptoms of the 38 gestational weeks:

Tiredness

During this period, the pregnant woman may have accumulated tiredness from all the emanes that she experienced so many gestational discomforts. Ideally, she should use the next few days to rest as much as she can to ensure she has plenty of energy after the baby arrives.

Take breaks throughout the day, preferably lie down with your legs elevated, prioritize a constant and regular night’s sleep… Finally, get into the habit of resting and, if possible, count on the help of family members during daily tasks so that it is not necessary make great efforts.

Swelling in the legs

At 38 weeks of gestation you may experience swelling in your legs and this is completely normal due to the weight your belly makes, reflecting on your legs. Resting throughout the day with your legs elevated will make the annoyances less intense, as will the use of comfortable clothes and shoes. So whenever possible do them.

Back pains

As well as the swelling, back pain is also justified due to the weight of the belly which at 38 weeks of pregnancy is already quite significant. To avoid and alleviate them, you can stretch daily (talk with the doctor so he can give you the guidelines about it).

Weight gain

Although the size of the belly at 38 weeks of pregnancy is already quite significant, you can still notice the weight gain during this period. So that it is not exaggerated and that it stays within the expected references, the ideal is that you have a balanced and healthy diet, only then you will have control of your weight gain and still ensure your baby’s health.

strong colic

The appearance of strong colic can come more often from 38 weeks of pregnancy and this is a result of contractions. To determine whether they are training or normal contractions, it is ideal that you note their frequency and whether they are getting closer and closer together.

When the contractions happen in a certain time pattern, every 30 or 40 minutes, and are of moderate to intense intensity, it is recommended that you contact the maternity hospital or directly with your obstetrician. After all, this is a big clue that the baby is about to be born.

However, if the woman has not yet felt any contractions (or only training contractions), there is still nothing to worry about. After all, the baby can wait until the 40th week for its birth without any problems.

frequent urination

And once again this symptom may remain and the result is the pressure that the uterus puts on the bladder. To avoid being so bothersome, make a habit of going to the bathroom periodically and avoid drinking large amounts of fluids just before bedtime.

Changes in pregnant women at 38 weeks of pregnancy

The biggest change regarding the pregnant woman’s body is related to her weight and the appearance of her belly, since she may notice an increase in her weight during the 38 weeks and still feel that her belly will get harder (this being one of the first signs of contractions).

In order for her to feel more comfortable, the ideal is that she wears comfortable clothes (preferably those specific for pregnant women) and that she rests throughout the day, avoiding great efforts.

In addition, it is important that the mother starts to repair any changes that occur in her body over the next few days so that, as soon as she notices any changes or symptoms, she can contact her doctor to find out if she is not having contractions and the your baby is not about to be born.

Development of the fetus at 38 weeks of pregnancy

The development of the fetus at 38 weeks of gestation is now complete. Therefore, if he is not yet born in this period, it is likely that he will only gain weight from now on.

See some events of the fetus at 38 weeks of pregnancy:

• Although he still has a greasy , white vernix all over his body, he already looks like a newborn;
• The baby has little room to move around inside the uterus because it has grown. Still mom should notice the baby’s moves throughout the day at least 10 times. If this does not happen, it is important that the doctor is notified.

What is the size of the fetus at 38 weeks pregnant?

The estimated size of a baby at 38 weeks of pregnancy is 49.8 centimeters, compared to the size of a jackfruit, and its average weight is 3 kilos.

Childbirth symptoms: how to know if the time is coming

Throughout the pregnancy, it is common for the mother to have several questions about how the time of birth of her baby will be, what it will feel like and how she will be sure that the symptoms of childbirth are approaching. The fact is that our body prepares itself for this during pregnancy, more precisely in the third trimester.

We’ve sorted out some symptoms that tell you that the birth is approaching so that you can be aware of your body’s signals to notify the emergency room as soon as you feel the appearance of any of them. See what they are:

• Mucus plug : The mucus plug has a jelly-like, transparent color that starts to come out of the body when the woman is about to start labor. Its function in pregnancy is to prevent the entry of bacteria and any other substance to the water bag that protects the fetus, so when the tampon starts to be expelled, it is one of the most obvious symptoms and it is essential that the mother stay alert as active labor can start at any time. But beware: although this is a very evident symptom that demonstrates that the birth is about to happen, it is important to remain calm and not despair as it can start to happen many days before the day of delivery, and it is necessary to monitor the other signs of body;
• Contractions: Contraction is the clearest sign of childbirth and its main symptoms are: strong cramps in the lower abdomen, back pain, hard stomach and rhythmic occurrences. When they happen at short intervals of time, it is a sign that you are already in active labor and ideally your doctor is notified;
• Baby moving less: we said before that during the end of pregnancy the baby will move less. However, when it is close to labor, the scrambles will become even rarer, although the exact reason for this is not known. Therefore, if you notice that your baby is quieter, be sure to notify your doctor and notice the presence of other symptoms along with this one;
• Burst breakage: perhaps this is the most awaited symptom of all pregnant women: it is the moment that announces that the time has come and that the baby is about to be born. But the fact is, it doesn’t happen every time. The rupture occurs when the membrane that surrounds the baby breaks and ends up leaking all the amniotic fluid that was inside the bag through the vagina and, when this happens, maternity should be sought as soon as possible so that the delivery can take place safely. .

So, did you manage to understand what are the main symptoms and events of the 38 weeks of pregnancy? We hope so! In case you have any doubts regarding this matter, don’t forget to comment here and we clarify.

Oh, and don’t forget that all the content described here is for information purposes and does not require medical attention, ok? We recommend that you have prenatal care rigorously to ensure that your health and your baby’s health will not be harmed.

In addition, we await you here in our next posts for more information about weeks 39 and 40. See you next time!