Pregnancy week 38
This week your baby is about the size of a leek — around 49.8 cm and 3083 g.
Your baby this week
About as long as a leek, your baby is largely ready for life outside the womb, with mature organs and a firm grip. Eye color at birth may be light and can change over the first months with exposure to light. Your baby keeps adding a little fat, while most of the lanugo and the waxy coating (vernix) that protected the skin sheds away. The digestive system is gathering the first stool, called meconium, which usually passes after birth.
Your body this week
You may notice more practice contractions and a growing sense of pressure in your pelvis and thighs. Sleep can be broken, and feeling impatient and full of anticipation is completely normal. Keep an eye on your baby's daily movements, and if you notice a clear decrease or anything that worries you, call your doctor without hesitation.
Tips for this week
Set up the home with postpartum essentials, from baby clothes to a safe sleep space. Ask for help with household chores and save your energy for the days ahead. Try to enjoy some quiet moments with yourself or your partner before your little one arrives, as these are precious memories.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the baby at week 38?+
At week 38, your baby is about the size of a leek — roughly 49.8 cm and 3083 g, though every baby grows at its own pace.
Which trimester is week 38?+
Week 38 falls in the Third trimester.
How many weeks are left at week 38?+
At week 38, you have about 2 weeks to go until the typical 40-week due date.
Is week 38 normal?+
Every pregnancy is different. If you feel well and your check-ups are on track, week 38 is usually a normal part of the journey — but always reach out to your doctor or midwife with any concern.
This guide is for general information and reassurance — it isn't medical advice. Always follow your doctor or midwife for your own pregnancy.