At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a leek and pregnancy has entered the final stretch. Your baby continues gaining weight and strengthening vital systems while your body prepares for labor.
If you are searching for 38 weeks pregnant baby size, symptoms, or early signs of labor, this week is when many parents begin paying closer attention to the signals their body may be sending.
Birth may be just days or weeks away.
At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby measures about 49 to 50 cm from head to heel and weighs around 3.1 to 3.3 kilograms (about 6.8 to 7.3 pounds).
Here is what is happening:
• the lungs are mature enough for breathing after birth in most babies
• the brain continues growing and developing
• body fat continues increasing to help regulate body temperature after birth
• the baby practices breathing movements inside the uterus
• reflexes such as sucking and grasping are strong
• the digestive system is ready to process milk after birth
• most babies remain positioned head down
Your baby is continuing final preparations for life outside the womb.
Your body is now very close to the onset of labor.
You may notice:
• increased pelvic pressure as the baby settles lower
• frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder
• stronger Braxton Hicks contractions
• back discomfort
• swelling in the feet or ankles
• sleep discomfort
Some women may also notice cervical changes, such as softening or beginning dilation.
During the final weeks of pregnancy, your body may begin showing early signs that labor is approaching.
Possible signs include:
• contractions that become more regular and stronger
• increased pelvic pressure as the baby moves lower
• lower back discomfort that comes and goes
• loss of the mucus plug
• increased vaginal discharge
• a sudden burst of energy sometimes called nesting
These changes do not always mean labor will start immediately, but they may indicate your body is preparing for birth.
As birth approaches, emotions may shift toward readiness and anticipation.
You may experience:
• excitement about meeting your baby
• impatience as the final days of pregnancy pass
• heightened awareness of body sensations
Maintaining calm and steady breathing can support your nervous system during this stage.
Pay attention to body signals
• notice patterns in contractions or pressure
Protect rest and energy
• conserve energy as labor may begin soon
Continue birth preparation
• breathing and relaxation techniques can support calm during labor.
Sit comfortably and place both hands on your belly.
Take a slow inhale through your nose and allow your belly to rise.
Exhale slowly and imagine your body softening with each breath.
Feel the steady presence of your breath and the quiet strength within you.
Stay here for several calm breaths and allow your body to relax.
During the final weeks of pregnancy, many parents focus on techniques that help maintain calm during labor.
Methods such as hypnobirthing emphasize breathing, relaxation, and working with the body’s natural rhythms during birth.
The MamaZen app includes guided hypnobirthing sessions designed to help support calm, focus, and confidence during labor.
Listen to this week’s episode of the Pregnancy Week by Week Podcast for a deeper explanation of 38 weeks pregnant development and a guided moment of calm as you prepare for birth.
Coming soon.
At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby reaches full term and continues preparing for birth while your body moves closer to labor.
As the final days of pregnancy unfold, maintaining emotional steadiness can help support both your body and your baby.
MamaZen offers guided sessions designed to support:
• relaxation before labor
• emotional balance
• sleep during late pregnancy
• hypnobirthing preparation
Support during pregnancy is not only physical. It begins with calming your internal state.
38 Weeks Pregnant: Baby Size, Symptoms and Signs of Labor
At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby measures about 49 to 50 cm from head to heel and weighs around 3.1 to 3.3 kilograms.
Common symptoms include pelvic pressure, frequent urination, Braxton Hicks contractions, swelling, and sleep discomfort.
Signs may include regular contractions, lower back pressure, increased pelvic pressure, and cervical changes.
Yes. Babies born at 38 weeks are considered early term and are usually healthy and ready for life outside the womb.
At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby is completing the final preparations for birth.
Your body is also preparing for the process of labor.
Move forward with calm awareness as the moment of meeting your baby grows closer.
Founder of MamaZen
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your pregnancy.
Get expert tips to raise confident kids.
Enter email for access!