Week 38 of Pregnancy

Your baby is now clinically mature and is ready to be born any time now. You are probably starting to worry about the labor process which is only natural. Remember women have babies all the time all over the world and many have more than one. So it can't be all that bad if women go through the process time and time again. There are plenty of options with regards to pain killer, so ask you health care provide to advice you.

Changes in your body at Week 38 of Pregnancy

Changes you may experience during the 38th week of pregnancy include:

• Electrical buzzes down your legs and inside your vagina - aused from the baby hitting nerves as he settles into your pelvis.
• Braxton hicks
• Weight gain has decreased or ceased
• Increased urination due to baby being engaged in your pelvis

Baby's Development at Week 38 of Pregnancy - Baby size: 49.8cm

An average size baby will weigh about 6.8 pounds and will be around 19.6 inches in length. The circumference of your baby's head and abdomen are about the same size. All baby's body systems have developed. Your placenta starts to age now as its role comes to an end.

Some typical developments which occur during the 38th week of pregnancy are:

• Baby hiccups due to amniotic fluid getting into the baby's windpipe due to breathing excercises
• Intestines are accumulating lots of meconium
• Full head of hair pressant
• Weight gain of one ounce per day
• Lungs are continuing to mature
• Fat is still accumulating, although growth is slower now
• Cells shed from the intestines and dead skin cells
• With girls the labia have now completely developed