38th week of Pregnancy: Baby is the size of Rhubarb

38th week of Pregnancy: Baby is the size of Rhubarb

Pregnant lady

After the 38th week of Pregnancy, it is just 2 weeks to go when you will have your baby in your cuddles. You may be very anxious to meet your baby as a person. Yes, it’s very obvious but have patience. You should wait for 2 more weeks. Although by this time all the major organs of the body have developed but still the baby is not fully mature. Babies born this week suffer from Jaundice due to the immature liver.

How big is the baby after the 38th week of Pregnancy?

Baby is now about the size of Rhubarb. He/She weighs about 3.2kg and measures about 19.2 inches from head to heel. Baby has entered the full term pregnancy, which means the baby is almost ready to be born.

https://www.thebump.com/pregnancy-week-by-week/38-weeks-pregnant

The following are the changes that occur in baby in the 34th week of Pregnancy?

  1. Baby’s skin has become completely smooth. Fat deposited beneath the skin makes the body plumpier.
  2. Vernix Coating has shed off into the amniotic fluid.
  3. Lanugo has also shed off and has left only over the shoulder and upper body parts.
  4. Eyes have become functional and darker in colour.
  5. Finger and toe nails have grown till the tips.
  6. Head hair have become thicker and coarser.
  7. Lungs usually get matured by this time.
  8. Meconium is present in the intestine. Meconium is greenish black matter consisting of amniotic fluid, dead cells and waste products from the pancreas, gall bladder and liver.

https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/week-by-week/week-38.aspx

Symptoms you might experience during 38th week of Pregnancy:-

This week, you will notice that you do not experience any new symptom. Although your existing symptoms may get intensified. You may also be feeling very uneasy by this time. At 38th week you would be experiencing-

  1. Trouble sleeping
  2. Indigestion
  3. Heartburn
  4. Headache
  5. Dizziness
  6. Backaches, especially in the lower and upper back.
  7. Frequent bloating
  8. Constipation
  9. Overheated body
  10. Increased Vaginal discharge called Mucus plug

You must be experiencing frequent Braxton Hicks Contractions. These would be irregular, scattered and usually painless. Through these contractions your body is preparing for real labor. If these contractions become consistent and also with intense pain and bleeding then you should contact your doctor immediately. At this time you have to be very conscious and alert. The baby is just ready to come out and may be coming anytime. If anything unusual is observed then you should contact the doctor immediately.

https://www.verywellfamily.com/38-weeks-pregnant-4159251

Body changes observed during this week

  • Cervix will dilate and efface that is getting thin.
  • Swelling in your hands and feet
  • Stretch marks on belly, hips, thighs and arms
  • More enlarged belly
  • Enlarged breast due to Pregnancy hormones in body

Nesting

If you experience a strong urge to clean and prepare the home for the baby’s arrival then you should go for some easy tasks and avoid lifting and other heavy work.  This impulse is called Nesting. It is experienced by some women, not all women.

https://www.pampers.com/en-us/pregnancy/pregnancy-calendar/38-weeks-pregnant

Things to do in 38th week

Pregnant woman having food

1. Pack the bag if not done yet

As it is just 2 weeks now for the big day. Also it is seen that only 5 percent of babies are born on their actual due date and rest are delivered somewhat earlier. So you should pack a bag that you will have with you in the hospital. Keep some essential things in the bag like a nightgown or night shirt, slippers, a nursing bra, going home outfits for yourself and the baby, sanitary pads, diapers for the baby. Keep this bag in an easily approachable place and make it known to the one who will escort you to the hospital at the time of labor.

2. Keep yourself hydrated

Proper hydration of the body will help to make you feel good. Hydration decreases the swelling in body parts and pain due to uterine contractions.

3. Start Perineal Massage if not started yet

It is very beneficial to massage your Perineum area for the easy birth of your baby. Perineum is the area between vagina and anus. Massage of this area reduces the chances of tearing during the delivery.

4. Yoga and exercises

Yoga is a good exercise to make this pregnancy time easy. It is good for body muscle and also helps to relieve too much strain on the joints. Additionally you can do breathing practices. Slow, rhythmic and deep breathing practice will help you to be more relaxed and will also help you out in labor. This practice will also check for insomnia problems if you are going through it.

5. Have Holistic diet

You should have a proper diet which is full of all nutrients, vitamins and minerals. You can go for prenatal vitamins for completing the vitamin needs of the body.

https://flo.health/pregnancy/week-by-week/38-weeks-pregnant

The Bottom Line

At this 38th week of Pregnancy your baby is about the size of Rhubarb. This time you should be very conscious and alert for labor signs as it could start at any time. Pack a bag to take to the hospital. Keep yourself properly hydrated and have a holistic diet for healthy delivery and also for the health of the baby.

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