38 Weeks Pregnant

Baby’s Development

Baby may have about an inch of hair on it’s head now which can quite commonly be dark. It may also be starting to shed the vernix from it’s skin. You may see some at the birth, either on baby’s skin or in the membranes once they release.

What’s Happening For You

• You are on the home stretch now! Your belly is probably feeling big and stretched and could also be itchy.
• Vaginal discharge can increase in these last weeks – so much so that sometimes women think their membranes have released!
• You may be experiencing slightly looser bowels as your magical hormone Relaxin sets to work, relaxing your pelvis, baby’s body and soften the cervix and amniotic sac.
• Anxiety may creep in so stick with your HypnoBirthing practice and enquire with your educator about an extra Fear Release session if you need it.

Things To Consider

• Whilst 38 weeks is technically considered ‘term’, some babies may need to cook for another 2-4 weeks.
• Some care providers may start to talk about things like internal exams to see what the cervix is doing, doing a stretch and sweep to bring on labour, or extra growth scan to see if baby is getting ‘too big’. It is very important to research the reason for doing these and to make your own informed decision about whether you want to do these things or not.
• Occasionally scheduled collide and care providers want to schedule a birth for a more convenient time for them or the hospital. You shouldn’t feel pressured into doing anything unless there is a valid health concern.

Read more about what to expect next week.