GUIDE
Full term begins — your baby's organ systems are ready for life outside the womb.
At 38 weeks your baby is the size of a leek (length-wise), weighing about 6.8 pounds. All major organ systems are functional. Meconium has accumulated in the intestines, and the brain and lungs are making their final refinements. Your baby could arrive today or in two weeks — both are perfectly normal.
Be prepared from day one
Your baby is now the size of a leek (length-wise) — roughly 19.6 inches long and weighing about 6.8 pounds. At 38 weeks, full term is here. All organ systems are operational and ready for independent life.
The lungs are mature and producing ample surfactant, though they'll continue making fine adjustments right up until birth. The alveoli (tiny air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange) are fully formed and ready for that first breath. The moment your baby is born and takes in air, the lungs will inflate and begin the gas exchange process that will sustain them for a lifetime.
The brain, while functional, is still actively developing. In fact, the brain at 38 weeks weighs about 30% less than it will at 40 weeks — those final weeks add significant neural development. This is why ACOG recommends against elective delivery before 39 weeks unless medically indicated. The neural connections being refined right now affect everything from feeding coordination to temperature regulation.
Meconium — your baby's first bowel movement in waiting — has been accumulating in the intestines throughout pregnancy. This dark, tarry substance is made of swallowed amniotic fluid, bile, mucus, lanugo, and shed intestinal cells. Most babies will pass meconium within the first 24-48 hours after birth. In some cases, babies pass meconium before or during delivery. If your water breaks and the fluid is green or dark-tinged, that may indicate meconium in the amniotic fluid — let your provider know immediately.
Your baby's toenails and fingernails are fully grown. Their hair (if they have any) is at its birth length. The vernix coating is starting to thin, and your baby's skin has developed enough fat underneath to maintain a healthy pink color.
At 38 weeks, every twinge makes you wonder: "Is this it?" Your body is sending mixed signals — some that labor is approaching and some that suggest it could still be weeks away. This ambiguity is frustrating but completely normal.
Braxton Hicks contractions may be strong and frequent enough to confuse you. Some people have periods of regular-seeming contractions that fizzle out after an hour or two — this is called prodromal labor or "false labor," and while it's not the real thing, it's not pointless either. Your uterus is genuinely warming up.
You may lose your mucus plug this week — or you may have lost it already without noticing. It can come out as a single glob or gradually over several days. If it's tinged with blood (bloody show), that's a sign your cervix is dilating or effacing. But mucus plug loss alone doesn't mean labor is imminent — it can happen days or weeks before delivery.
Real labor signs to watch for: contractions that follow the 5-1-1 pattern (5 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour), your water breaking, heavy bloody show, or persistent lower back pain that comes in waves. If any of these happen, review our guide on when to go to the hospital and call your provider.
Swelling may be significant. Your feet may not fit into any of your shoes. This is caused by increased blood volume, fluid retention, and pressure from the uterus on blood vessels. Keep your feet elevated when possible, and remember that this will resolve quickly after delivery.
Emotionally, you're likely riding a rollercoaster. Excitement, fear, impatience, and moments of calm may alternate throughout the day. If anxiety is overwhelming, talk to your provider — there's support available, and your feelings are valid. If your provider has mentioned the possibility of labor induction, understanding the process ahead of time can ease some of that anxiety.
If you want to prepare mentally for all scenarios, reviewing what happens during a C-section can help you feel ready regardless of how delivery unfolds. Understanding the stages of labor is also valuable for managing expectations.
Every pregnancy is different. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms.
Two weeks to your due date — though your baby hasn't read the calendar. They'll come when they're ready. Your job now is to be prepared and patient.
Confirm everything is in place: hospital bag packed, car seat installed, route planned, childcare arranged for older children (with a backup), work notified. Have your provider's after-hours number saved in your phone. Know which entrance to use at your hospital or birth center, especially at night.
Whether you're planning an epidural, going unmedicated, or keeping your options open, knowing comfort techniques can help in early labor at home. Practice breathing patterns, try different positions (hands and knees, swaying, leaning on a ball), and know what your hospital offers (tubs, showers, birth balls, nitrous oxide).
Your birth partner plays a crucial role during labor. Discuss what kind of support you want: physical (massage, counter-pressure), emotional (encouragement, presence), or practical (timing contractions, communicating with staff). Make sure they know your preferences from your birth plan and feel empowered to advocate for you.
This might sound impossible when you're uncomfortable and anxious, but try to appreciate some aspects of these last pregnant days. Take a belly photo, go on a date with your partner, sleep in, or do something that brings you joy. Life is about to change in the most wonderful way, and these quiet moments before baby are worth savoring.
When in doubt, call your provider. It's always better to check and be reassured than to wait and worry.
Next week at 39 weeks is considered the ideal delivery week by ACOG. Your baby will be fully developed, and the immune system will be receiving its final round of antibodies from you. This is the week most providers are comfortable with elective delivery if medically indicated.
Looking back, week 37 was when early term status began and your baby perfected those essential sucking and breathing skills. If you haven't reviewed signs of labor or the stages of labor, now is the time.
Two weeks. Or less. Or a bit more. However your baby arrives and whenever they choose to make their entrance — you're ready.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy.
