38 Weeks Pregnant - Being The Parent

Sneak Peek into Week 38

e ready to deliver your baby anytime, dear mother. Your baby is fully grown by this week. All organs would be functioning pretty well. Fetal heart rate ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute which wouldn’t have changed from the previous week. Amniotic fluid will be swallowed more than before. Reduced fluttering is felt because of more weight in less womb space. Check the following checklist you have to do this week.

Store the recommended healthy food.
Prepare for delivery - Avoid working.
Get flexible clothes.
Keep your hospital bag handy.

Know Your Body

our baby would be fully descended towards the pelvic area. Head would be properly fixed. You witness similar symptoms of week 36 and week 37 such as abdominal pain, sciatic nerve compression, vaginal gush, fake labor pain, insomnia, spotting and heartburns. You might see colostrum leaking lightly from breasts. Read through to know what to expect at Week 38:

Vaginal Gush: ‘Mucus plug’, a thick mucus will be discharged through vagina which is natural. Dilation of cervix causes this discharge.
Frequent Urination: As the baby is descending and consuming more space, urinary bladder is pressured, resulting in frequent urination. Residual urine can be leaking frequently. You are advised to consume fluids in a balanced manner.
Insomnia: Lack of sleep is certain now because of increased frequency of urine, anxiousness and cramped sleeping positions.
Skin Irritation: An itching skin over the stomach area is felt because of the stretched belly. Use of light moisturizer is recommended.
Acidity/ Heartburn: Baby’s weight gain further compresses your digestive system causing acidity. Do not consume spicy food and citrus fruits.
Braxton Hicks’ Contractions: This is a fake labor pain. Contraction of uterus causes this pain and mother – you may feel this quite often. If the pain is uncontrollable, then visit your doctor. Do not panic.

Know Your Baby's Development

our baby is now the size of an Ash Gourd. Your baby is now around 21 inches(53.3 cm) in length and weighs about 3.1kgs. Your baby continues to sleep, move slowly and catch umbilical cord more tightly. Following are the development of your 'Viable' this week.

Development of the brain and nervous system will be completed fully.
Baby is ready to sense anything and everything once it comes out of the womb.
Toenails would be at the top of the toe by now.
Peeling of vernix and lanugo will continue and gets mixed with the amniotic fluid. Baby will certainly swallow it, and these gets accumulated in little one’s intestine. You can see these waste products in baby’s first poop.

Tips for Mom's this Week

An ultrasound scanning to evaluate the baby’s position for delivery.
Braxton hicks’ contraction - Do not hesitate to visit the doctor if the pain is high.
Reduced fluid intake and less physical activity which can help you keep hydrated.
Follow the checklist while packing your hospital bag for yourself and the newborn.

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Week 38 of Your Pregnancy

Sneak Peek into Week 38

Know Your Body

Know Your Baby's Development

Tips for Mom's this Week

Article of Relevence

5 Different Phases Of Fetal Lung Development

8 Indian Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Baby Shopping Essentials

Newborn Baby Hospital Bag Checklist

Shopping For A Baby’s Crib

Can Castor Oil Induce Labor?

Sciatic Pain Pregnancy

Vaginal Dryness During Pregnancy – Causes & Treatment

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