What are the Changes in the Baby as of the 38th Week of Pregnancy?
In the 38th week of the pregnancy period, the growth phase slows down, while the fat storage process continues its continuity. Since male babies store more fat than female babies, they may be born heavier than female babies. Weight gain in the mother now slows down or stops completely.
In the 38th week of pregnancy, the baby’s cheeks and sucking power are now developed. Since the baby swallows amniotic fluid, waste materials are stored in the intestines. These waste materials are expelled with the baby’s first stool (meconium). If the baby is male and there is no undescended testis problem, the testes will have descended into the scrotum by now. If the baby is female, the vagina has become fully prominent.
In the 38th week of the pregnancy period, the baby’s abdominal circumference and head circumference are almost equal in size. The baby may continue to gain weight in the 38th week. Apart from weight gain, no remarkable changes are observed in the baby. Since the baby is fully developed, he or she cannot move easily in the mother’s womb.
What is the Baby’s Height and Weight at 38 Weeks of Pregnancy?
The baby weighs approximately 3100 grams and is 50 cm in height.
WHAT ARE THE CHANGES IN THE EXPECTANT MOTHER AT 38 WEEKS OF PREGNANCY?
As of the 38th week, labor pains gradually begin. Real labor pains continue at regular intervals. Real labor contractions can occur 3 times at 10-minute intervals. The contractions last about 1 minute. The intensity of these pains does not decrease with resting or lying down; on the contrary, the intensity of the pains gradually increases. If the contractions continue regularly at certain intervals, it means the time for birth has come. At this stage, the expectant mother goes to the toilet frequently. In this case, the baby has now settled into the pelvis. The expectant mother may feel more discharge during this period. Vaginal discharge may be slightly bloody. Abdominal itching increases significantly. Creams with Vitamin E are recommended to get rid of or minimize abdominal itching. Swelling in the feet and ankles may increase further as of this week.
