38 weeks pregnant: baby, body and what to expect

Trimester 3 of 3About 8.5 months2 weeks to go

Week 38 of pregnancy: baby is about the size of a small pumpkin

Week 38 at a glance

At 38 weeks, your baby may move differently, often less forcefully, because there is little room left. A clear drop from your baby's usual pattern, or bleeding, fluid leaking, or strong pain, means you should contact your provider right away.

38 weeks pregnant is about 8.5 months. You are in month 9 of pregnancy and the third trimester.

Your baby at 38 weeks

Why Your Baby May Move Less

38 weeks: why your baby may feel quieter

At 38 weeks, your baby is full term and fills most of the space in your uterus. Big flips and kicks are less likely, so movement may feel calmer. Movements may be less frequent, but they usually remain easy to feel.

A calmer pattern often isn't a problem. Many babies are simply adjusting to the tight space before birth. What matters most is whether movement is a clear change from your baby's own normal pattern.

What is typical at 38 weeks

There is very little room left for large movements.
Movements may be less frequent but still feel distinct.
Sleep and wake patterns may become easier to notice.
Your baby is still gaining weight and building fat stores for after birth.
Your body may be preparing for labor.

When to call your provider

Contact your provider right away if you notice bleeding, fluid leaking from the vagina, strong or constant pain, regular contractions, or a clear drop in your baby's movements. Many providers recommend counting movements each day and calling if you feel fewer than usual or can't reach your usual count.

Learning your baby's usual movement pattern now can help you notice changes early. Ask your OB-GYN or midwife what movement counts they recommend and when you should call or come in.

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Your body at 38 weeks

What to Expect

What is the mucus plug?

During pregnancy, the cervix makes thick mucus that forms a protective barrier. It helps keep bacteria and infections away from the baby.

What does it look like?

You may lose it all at once or in small amounts over time. Some people don't notice it at all. It is usually described as:

Color: clear, yellowish, pinkish, or brown-tinged, sometimes with a little blood.
Texture: thick, sticky, and jelly-like.

When will labor start?

Losing the plug means the cervix may be softening and opening, but the timing varies a lot. Labor may begin:

Within a few hours
Within a few days
In a couple of weeks

Losing the mucus plug alone usually doesn't mean you need to go to the hospital right away. Call your provider if you have regular contractions, your water breaks, or you notice any of the warning signs below.

Red flags: when to contact a healthcare provider

Contact your provider right away if you notice heavy bleeding (more than a period), a large gush or steady trickle of fluid (this could mean your water broke), severe or constant pain, fever, or less movement from your baby.

Common symptoms at 38 weeks

Mucus plug loss

You may notice thick, clear, pink, or slightly bloody discharge. Wear a pad instead of tampons, and call your provider if the bleeding is heavy like a period.

Pelvic pressure

As the baby settles lower, you may feel heaviness or pressure in your pelvis and walk with a waddle. Changing positions and taking breaks can help.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Tightening that comes and goes without a regular pattern is common this late in pregnancy. Resting, drinking water, or changing position often eases it.

Loose stools or an upset stomach

Your body may have diarrhea or nausea as it prepares for labor. Small, bland meals and plenty of fluids can make you more comfortable.

Back and hip aches

The extra weight and shifting pelvis can cause ache in your lower back or hips. A warm bath, gentle stretching, or a pillow under your belly may bring relief.

Tiredness and poor sleep

Being uncomfortable at night is very common now. Side-lying with pillows between your knees and short daytime naps can help you rest.

Your week 38 checklist

Pack your hospital or birth center bag, including ID, insurance card, and comfortable clothes. Confirm your car seat is installed correctly and ready to use. Write down the phone number for your provider, your birth location, and a support person. Learn your baby's usual movement pattern, and know who to call if it changes. Plan a ride to the hospital or birth center in case labor starts. Keep simple snacks and a water bottle nearby for early labor.

Tests and appointments

Weekly prenatal visit. Your provider will usually check your blood pressure, weight, urine, and the baby's position and heartbeat.
Nonstress test or fetal monitoring. If your pregnancy is going past your due date, your provider may check your baby's heart rate and movement with a short monitoring test.

For your partner: You can help by learning the warning signs, such as bleeding, fluid leaking, strong pain, or a clear drop in baby's movement, so you can act quickly. Offer practical support like driving, managing the hospital bag, and keeping track of contraction timing if labor starts.

Questions about week 38

How many months is 38 weeks pregnant?

38 weeks pregnant is about 8.5 months. You are in month 9 of pregnancy and the third trimester.

What trimester is 38 weeks?

Week 38 is in the third trimester. The first trimester runs through week 13, the second from week 14 to 27 and the third from week 28 until birth.

What is happening with the baby at 38 weeks?

At 38 weeks, your baby may move differently, often less forcefully, because there is little room left. A clear drop from your baby's usual pattern, or bleeding, fluid leaking, or strong pain, means you should contact your provider right away.

Does losing the mucus plug mean labor is about to start?

Not always. Losing the mucus plug is a sign your body is getting ready, but labor can begin within hours, days, or a couple of weeks. Call your provider if you have regular contractions, bleeding, or your water breaks.

What is the difference between Braxton Hicks and real labor contractions?

Braxton Hicks tend to be irregular and fade with rest or movement. Real labor contractions usually get closer together, longer, and stronger over time. If you are unsure, call your provider or birth center.

How often should I count my baby's movements at 38 weeks?

Many providers suggest noticing movement every day and paying attention to any clear change from your baby's normal pattern. If you notice fewer movements or feel worried, contact your provider right away.

Safe or not?

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Coming up next weekWeek 39: How the placenta changes and when to call your providerRead week 39 →

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Learn more

NIH: Pregnancy (NICHD)
CDC: Pregnancy

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General information only; it does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife.