38 Weeks Pregnant
At 38 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a leek. You are in the third trimester, and this week brings its own small changes — for your baby and for you.
- Size of
- a leek
- Length
- 49.8 cm
- Weight
- 3.08 kg
- Trimester
- 3
Your baby this week
- The last layers of fat go on, helping temperature control after birth.
- The grip is firm enough to hold your finger after birth.
- The lungs are nearly ready to breathe air.
Your body this week
- The cervix softens and begins to thin in preparation for labour.
- The weight in front puts steady pressure on your lower back.
Common symptoms
- Heavy pressure low in the pelvis
- Swollen feet and ankles by the end of the day
- Broken sleep and difficulty getting comfortable
What to expect
The last stretch asks a lot of your body. Sleep gets harder, movement slows down, and your appointments become more frequent. With 2 weeks to go, focus on rest, on knowing the signs of labour, and on having your bag ready.
Tips for this week
- Take short naps if nights are broken; tiredness builds up quickly now.
- Get to know your baby’s daily pattern and call your midwife if it changes.
- Read about feeding options so the first days feel less unfamiliar.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is 38 weeks pregnant?
38 weeks is about 8.5 months. Pregnancy months do not divide evenly into weeks, so counting in weeks is more precise.
How big is my baby at 38 weeks?
At 38 weeks your baby is around a leek — roughly 49.8 cm long and about 3.08 kg. Healthy babies vary a lot around these averages.
What symptoms are normal at 38 weeks pregnant?
The most common ones this week are listed above. Contact your doctor or midwife about heavy bleeding, severe pain, a fever, or any change in your baby’s movements.
Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period, so week 1 begins before conception.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy.