The discomfort, bodily changes, anxiety, and other pregnancy symptoms will be replaced with preparations for releasing the baby safely. During this time, every system in the mother's body and brain works together for safe and efficient childbirth. Mothers should focus on adequate rest, optimal hydration, balanced meals, and listening to the body’s cues.
What is an Early Term
Pregnancy is generally divided into 4 terms. When the baby is born before 37 weeks, it's pre-term. A baby born in week 37, week 38 and 6 days is considered early term. Delivery happens in week 39, and week 40 is considered full term; anything after that is called post-term. Many doctors prefer a full-term delivery because the baby is still adding the final touches and the lungs are still maturing. However, an early term is also generally considered healthy. While early babies don't need medical observation, full-term delivery has its own benefits. Full term allows babies to strengthen their reflexes, produce more surfactant for easy breathing, and increase brain volume.
Maternal Changes at Week 38
By week 38, your body is actively preparing for smooth delivery. This preparation may cause some changes and discomfort depending on your body. - The uterus is fully grown to its capacity and creates stress on the surrounding organs, resulting in frequent urination.
- Colostrum (early milk) production increases, resulting in leaking thick, yellowish liquid- a natural way to prepare for breastfeeding.
- The growing belly results in stretch marks and itching around the area.
- Cervix effacement leads to vaginal discharge, which prevents the uterus during pregnancy.
- Braxton Hicks contractions create stress and tighten the abdomen to prepare for the true labour.
- First-time mothers may experience baby dropping, where the baby descends and settles deep into the mother's pelvis.
- If not pregnancy lightning, the bulging uterus causes breathlessness.
Baby Development at Week 38
At week 38, the baby is about the size of a watermelon, weighing about 3 kg and measuring roughly 50 centimetres. Major organs, including, digestive system, liver, and kidneys, are fully developed, while lungs are still maturing and produce surfactant to protect the air sacs from collapsing.The baby's body continues to accumulate fat layers to maintain the temperature after birth. The outside environment may be colder than the warmth of the uterus. So a baby needs subcutaneous fat to thrive outside.
The baby is positioned at head-down facing the mother’s back for delivery. The uterus has no space left for the baby to move or kick. However, the baby continues to roll, stretch, and wiggle.
How to Get Ready for Labour
While the body keeps preparing your internal organs for the delivery, mothers should mentally and logistically prepare themselves. Below are a few practical ways to get ready for labour:- Pay attention to the body’s cues: Intense and regular contractions, back pain spreading through the abdomen, a gush or trickle of amniotic fluid (water breaking), pelvic pressure, and increased vaginal discharge are some of the signs of early labour.
- Attend Prenatal classes: Birthing, breastfeeding, and newborn caregiving lessons help tackle the confusion and bring clarity.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Pregnancy discomfort and the stress to prepare everything for the hospital and baby can cause mental exhaustion. Practising relaxation techniques, controlling breathing, and being mindful are crucial during these times.
- Birth Plan: See if you have any changes or doubts about the hospital, pain relief options, or delivery position. Discuss it in detail with your doctor.
- Prepare Hospital Bag: Pack essentials for you, your partner, and the baby. Include clothes, towels, sheets, toiletries, important documents, and a charger ready.
- Create your emergency contact: Ask someone to be with you 24/7. In case you are alone, write some emergency contact information and keep it with you all the time.
Nutrition You Need This Week
During the last trimester, especially before labour, try to eat healthy, nutritious, and energy-boosting foods. Because these nutrients are needed for breastmilk production, the baby’s first food outside. During and after delivery, mothers need stamina to cope with the pain.Instead of eating a lot at a single serving, try to eat frequent, short meals at regular intervals. Instead of relying on takeouts or unhealthy foods, try meal prep and store it in the refrigerator. Because what you eat is what the baby eats.
Drink plenty of fluids, calcium-rich foods for an adequate milk supply. Include natural foods rich in iron, vitamins, protein, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and fibre. Each nutrient has a unique purpose and supports healthy baby growth. Avoid fried and sodium-rich foods as they may lead to indigestion, constipation, and heartburn.
Checklist for Week 38
- Pack nightwear, comfortable slippers, and maternity bras
- Save your emergency contact
- Wash, fold, and pack baby’s clothes, sheets, and towels
- Meal prep simple and nutritious meals
- Arrange transportation
- Install a car seat for the baby
- Go for a hospital visit, it is needed
Week 38 and the coming few days can be hectic as you transition into parenthood. Naturally, you will feel more connected with the baby. This may trigger a burst of energy and nudge you to clean and tidy up everything for the baby’s arrival. While this is completely natural, do not exhaust yourself.
Take time to rest, eat, sleep, and watch some good shows. The increased levels of hormones play with emotions and increase anxiety. Try to control yourself, and indulge in occasional distractions like watching movies, reading books, or doing something creative to unload the stress.
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FAQs on Counting Down The Days: Baby Could Arrive Anytime Now
- Can I give birth at 38 weeks?
Yes. In some cases, one might deliver at 38 weeks, which is considered early term. Usually, babies born at 38 weeks don't have major complications, as most of their organs are fully developed. With a little medical intervention, babies born at 38 weeks can go home after 2 weeks. - How many days are left for my delivery?
Know your first day of your last menstrual cycle. Add 280 days from the first day of your last period to calculate the due date.