Pregnancy Week 38: What to Expect

Pregnancy Week 38: What to Expect This Week

You’ve made it to Pregnancy Week 38, and while your due date is technically still two weeks away, baby could arrive any time now. Or not. Because babies are known for doing exactly what they like, when they like. You, meanwhile, might be oscillating between “I’m so ready” and “Wait, I’ve changed my mind.”

Let’s break down what’s happening this week.

Baby at Pregnancy Week 38

Baby is around 49.5cm long and weighs roughly 3.1kg—about the size of a small pumpkin (if pumpkins could headbutt your bladder).

What’s going on in there:

Baby’s lungs and brain are still doing final bits of development

They’re busy building fat stores—which helps with temperature and blood sugar after birth

Vernix and lanugo are almost all gone (or being swallowed—delicious, we know)

If they’re head down, they may be sitting low in your pelvis and fully engaged

Their grip, suck reflex and startle reflex are all ready to go

They’re basically ready to meet you… they’re just not saying when.

Your Symptoms at Pregnancy Week 38

At this point, you’re either bouncing on a birth ball, speed-walking around the block, or lying down with snacks saying “they’ll come when they’re ready.” All are valid.

What you might be feeling:

Pelvic heaviness or pressure

Frequent Braxton Hicks, or even start-stop signs of early labour

Backache, especially in your lower back

Disrupted sleep, wild dreams or vivid nesting urges

Increased discharge, or possibly some “show” (a sign your cervix is doing something!)

A growing sense of impatience, mixed with “wait, I’m not ready”

Top tip: Give your body a break (and your brain a reset) with a bedtime massage using Thankful Ankle Oil or Pregnancy Massage Oil. It’s a lovely way to calm nerves, ease tension, and sneak in a moment of quiet before the big day.

Shop your go-to bump and birth oils

What to Do at Pregnancy Week 38

It’s time to feel ready, even if you don’t feel ready-ready:

Make sure your hospital bag is fully packed—yes, snacks included
Keep practising any birth techniques you’ve learned (visualisations, breathing, positions)
Check where your birth partner’s phone charger is—just trust us on this
Stay hydrated, rested, and gently active—baby needs you well-fuelled
If you haven’t yet, it’s not too late to start perineal massage—daily from now on is ideal

Grab your Perineal Massage Oil here

Honest Midwife Thoughts

At Pregnancy Week 38, the waiting game begins—and it’s not easy. You might be analysing every twinge, feeling pressure to go into labour “on time,” or even dealing with people asking “any signs yet?” on an hourly basis.

It’s okay to feel fed up. It’s okay to feel nervous. And it’s definitely okay to change your mind about things (again).

This is your gentle reminder: your body is doing it, even when it feels like nothing’s happening. Whether birth starts today or in two weeks, your body and baby are working together—and you’ve got options, support, and knowledge on your side.

Feeling Ready? Join Me for a Class

Still time to learn, top up, or calm last-minute nerves:

Instrumental & Assisted Birth Workshop – understand forceps, ventouse and your rights in the room
C-Section Preparation Class – whether it’s planned or possible, you’ll feel so much calmer when you know what to expect
Infant Feeding Class – because once baby’s here, this becomes your full-time job
Practical Parenting – for those early days: nappies, sleep, baby brain and beyond