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38 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby Is Essentially Ready

Medically reviewed by

Verena Brehm, Midwife Jul 29, 2026

Line illustration of a daikon radish: at 38 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a daikon

Line drawing of a 38-week foetus curled head-down and settled low, one hand curled near the mouth

Line drawing of a woman's torso at 38 weeks pregnant, turned slightly to one side, showing the uterus inside a full-term bump

Your baby is the size of a

Daikon

~2,900 g

~34 cm / ~13.4 in

Key Takeaways

At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby is close to fully grown and, according to Mayo Clinic, might weigh about 2,900 grams — though size varies quite a bit. The toenails have reached the tips of the toes, and most of the lanugo is gone.

This is the week to know the signs of labour. SOGC says that once contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less, it is usually an indication that labour is beginning, and offers a guide: at least 10 contractions in an hour.

Movement still matters, right to the end. SOGC advises that if you don't feel 6 movements in 2 hours you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible, and that mothers should always trust their intuition.

Your Baby at 38 Weeks: Development & Growth

At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby is close to fully grown. According to Mayo Clinic, "the measurement around your baby's head and around the belly are about the same," the toenails "have reached the tips of the toes," and "most of the lanugo is gone." By now your baby "might weigh about 6 1/2 pounds (2,900 grams)," though size varies quite a bit.

Your baby is filling out and finishing up. Mayo Clinic notes that at week 38 "the measurement around your baby's head and around the belly are about the same" — the proportions of a baby ready to be born.

The fine details are complete. Mayo Clinic explains that your baby's "toenails have reached the tips of the toes," and that the soft downy hair called lanugo, which has covered the skin for months, is nearly gone: "At this point, most of the lanugo is gone."

Weight is the headline number this week — and it is a wide range. Mayo Clinic puts it plainly: "By now, your baby might weigh about 6 1/2 pounds (2,900 grams). But size varies quite a bit. Some babies may weigh nearly 9 pounds (4,000 grams) or more by this point in pregnancy." Mayo Clinic gives a weight at week 38, not a length.

Your baby's grip is already strong. Mayo Clinic notes that by week 37 "your baby can grasp things firmly" — a skill your baby carries into this week and out into the world, where it will curl around your finger.

Your Body at 38 Weeks: Symptoms & Changes

At 38 weeks pregnant, many of the common discomforts of late pregnancy are still with you. SOGC lists backaches, headaches, constipation, leg cramps, tender breasts and frequent urination among them. Your baby may drop lower into your pelvis this week, which can ease your breathing but increase the pressure below. Every pregnancy is different.

The discomforts of these final weeks are real, and mostly ordinary. SOGC lists backaches and headaches, constipation, gas or bloating, tender or swollen breasts, frequent urination and leg cramps among the common symptoms of pregnancy — any of which can still be part of your week.

Headaches get a paragraph of their own for a reason. Most have plain explanations — broken sleep, a tense neck, a day of not drinking enough. But SOGC names "headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, or shortness of breath" among the symptoms to watch for with preeclampsia, a complication it describes as "marked by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine." Being days away from birth does not take that off the table. A headache that is severe, will not clear, or comes with vision changes or sudden swelling means calling, not waiting.

Your baby may sit lower now. SOGC explains that as labour approaches, the baby "will 'drop'" — "the baby's head will descend into your pelvis," so that "your belly looks lower, your breathing is a bit easier, but your need to urinate increases." For some mothers, SOGC notes, "this doesn't happen until just before labour."

Your discharge may change, too. SOGC notes that "in the last several days" before delivery, "your vaginal discharge may change as the mucus plug that has sealed your cervix releases" — and that "this will look like a brownish or bloody discharge." It is a sign that things are moving, not a cause for alarm.

None of this follows a script. As SOGC puts it, "every pregnant woman is different" — some sail through these last weeks, others feel every one of them. Both are normal.

What to Do at 38 Weeks Pregnant

NUTRITION AT 38 WEEKS PREGNANT

Keep the third-trimester calories quality-first. SOGC states, "In the third trimester, you need about 450 extra calories," and notes this "generally equates to 2 or 3 additionally servings from any of Canada’s Food Guide’s food groups" — for example, "1 piece of toast and a cup of milk" or "1 apple and ¾ cup yogurt." Take it in small helpings through the day rather than a couple of large meals: there is very little room left, digestion is slower, and hunger comes back sooner than it used to.
Stay on top of iron. SOGC advises increasing "your daily iron intake to 27mg daily during the final six+ months of pregnancy to support an increase in red blood cells and fetal tissues," and adds that "like most women, you may need a good supplement to meet this need."
Mind your choline. SOGC notes that "choline intake above 450mg a day is linked to improved fetal stress responses and a reduced risk of neural tube defects," and that "this vitamin may not be found in your prenatal daily vitamin" — so it is worth checking your label.

WHAT SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE AT 38 WEEKS PREGNANT

Keep taking 400mcg of folic acid daily. The Public Health Agency of Canada states that "a daily multivitamin with 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid is recommended for anyone who could become pregnant," and advises: "Continue taking folic acid throughout your pregnancy and while breastfeeding."
Don’t raise your folic acid dose on your own. The Public Health Agency of Canada advises: "You should not increase your dose of folic acid beyond 1 mg per day without talking to your health care provider."
Consider vitamin D. SOGC notes that "taking a vitamin D supplement of 2000IU in the last six months of pregnancy will enhance the vitamin D content of your breast milk towards meeting the daily needs of your breastfeeding infant." Check what your prenatal already contains.

LIFESTYLE TIPS AT 38 WEEKS PREGNANT

Pack your hospital bag now. SOGC’s checklist for labour includes "your ID," "glasses (you probably won’t want to wear contacts)," "a comfortable pillow in a distinctive pillowcase," and "your favourite clear drink." For your hospital stay it suggests "1-2 nightgowns," "a nursing bra," "a package of large pads for postpartum flow," and "your cell phone and charger." Call your hospital or birth centre before you finish — units differ on what they supply and what they want you to bring.
Don’t forget what your baby needs to leave. SOGC’s newborn list is short and non-negotiable: "car seat," "clothing – undershirts, sleepers, hats," "receiving blankets," and "diapers and wipes." The car seat is the one you cannot go home without.
Know that labour starts slowly. SOGC calls the first part the latent phase and describes it as "the longest stage of labour" — "irregular, increasingly frequent contractions" that "make your cervix thin (efface) and start to open so that your baby can pass through," carrying you from closed to about 4 cm. In a healthy term pregnancy, SOGC notes, "you will typically be at home through this phase." It can run for hours. That is not a sign anything has stalled; it is what the beginning looks like. Eat, rest, move about, sleep if you can. Admission usually comes at the next stage, "once your cervix has dilated to 4 cm."
Keep track of your baby’s movement pattern. SOGC notes that "baby’s movement patterns vary, but tend to be consistent for any one baby, in any one pregnancy," and suggests that if you count, "try to do it at the same time each day" — often in the evening, lying down, when babies tend to be more active. Count everything, not only kicks: SOGC counts "kicks, flutters, or rolling movements."
Keep caffeine to 300mg a day. Health Canada recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of "300 mg" for people who are pregnant. For reference, Health Canada puts one "8 oz" cup ("237 ml") of brewed coffee at "135 mg" — so roughly two cups is the ceiling, and that total includes tea, cola and chocolate.

When to Contact Your Doctor or Midwife

Most of week 38 is watchful waiting, not alarm. But some signals mean it is time to act. Contact your doctor, midwife or other health care provider — or head to the hospital or birthing centre — if you experience:

Regular contractions that are close together. SOGC explains that "once your contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less, it is usually an indication that labour is beginning," and offers a practical guide: "wait until there have been at least 10 contractions in an hour." SOGC notes that in a healthy, term pregnancy you will usually be admitted "once your cervix has dilated to 4 cm." If you are unsure whether this is labour, call your provider or hospital and ask.
Your water breaking. SOGC notes that "your water may break (although for most this happens during labour)." SOGC adds that "if your water breaks and you are at term, your health care provider may offer or recommend induction of labour." Contact your provider to let them know, even if contractions haven't started. If you are not sure whether your water has broken, keep the pad or underwear you were wearing and bring it with you — your provider can test the fluid and confirm.
Signs of preeclampsia. SOGC names "headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, or shortness of breath" among the symptoms to watch for, in a complication it describes as "marked by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine." Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet belongs on that list. Call the same day — this close to birth is not a reason to wait.
A change in your baby's movements, or fewer movements than usual. SOGC advises being "aware if any changes in your baby's usual activity level, especially in the third trimester." To check, SOGC says to "count the baby's movements for 2 hours" — and "if you don't feel 6 movements (such as kicks, flutters, or rolling movements) in 2 hours, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible." SOGC adds that mothers "should always trust their intuition." A busy, nearly-born baby should still move.
Vaginal bleeding that is more than the mucus plug. SOGC explains that the releasing mucus plug "will look like a brownish or bloody discharge" — a normal sign labour is near. Heavier or bright-red bleeding is different: contact your health care provider, and if bleeding is heavy or you feel very unwell, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Persistent low mood or disruptive mood swings. SOGC advises that "depression or disruptive mood swings are not normal and it is important to seek help for these more serious concerns."

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is my baby at 38 weeks pregnant?

At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby is close to fully grown. According to Mayo Clinic, "your baby might weigh about 6 1/2 pounds (2,900 grams). But size varies quite a bit. Some babies may weigh nearly 9 pounds (4,000 grams) or more by this point in pregnancy." Mayo Clinic gives a weight at week 38, not a crown-to-rump length. Mayo Clinic also notes that the toenails "have reached the tips of the toes" and "most of the lanugo is gone."

What are the early signs of labour?

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) lists several. Your baby may "drop" lower into your pelvis. Your mucus plug may release as "a brownish or bloody discharge." You "may have diarrhea," your "water may break," and you may feel "irregular, periodic contractions." SOGC notes that "once your contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less, it is usually an indication that labour is beginning."

What is the latent phase of labour?

It is the long, slow beginning — and knowing about it saves a lot of second-guessing. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) describes the latent phase as "the longest stage of labour," made up of "irregular, increasingly frequent contractions" that "make your cervix thin (efface) and start to open so that your baby can pass through." It takes you from a closed cervix to about 4 cm. SOGC notes that "in a healthy term pregnancy you will typically be at home through this phase," and that admission usually comes at the start of the next one, "once your cervix has dilated to 4 cm." It can last many hours, particularly with a first baby — SOGC puts a first labour at "around 12-14 hours, once regular contractions are established." A long latent phase is normal, not a sign that something is wrong.

When should I go to the hospital in labour?

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) offers a practical guide: "Once your contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less, it is usually an indication that labour is beginning. A convenient guide is to wait until there have been at least 10 contractions in an hour." SOGC notes that in a healthy, term pregnancy you will usually be admitted "once your cervix has dilated to 4 cm." If your water breaks, contact your provider — SOGC says that at term they "may offer or recommend induction of labour" — and if you are unsure whether it has broken, bring the pad you were wearing so the fluid can be tested. When in doubt, call and ask.

Should I still feel my baby move at 38 weeks pregnant?

Yes. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) advises being "aware if any changes in your baby’s usual activity level, especially in the third trimester," and says: "To do a kick count, count the baby’s movements for 2 hours. If you don’t feel 6 movements (such as kicks, flutters, or rolling movements) in 2 hours, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible." A baby running out of room still moves — SOGC notes movement is "one of the strongest indicators of your baby’s wellbeing."

How much caffeine is safe at 38 weeks pregnant?

Health Canada recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of "300 mg" for people who are pregnant. Health Canada puts one "8 oz" ("237 ml") cup of brewed coffee at "135 mg," so roughly two cups a day is the ceiling — and that total should include tea, cola and chocolate, which also contain caffeine.

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Sources & References

Public Health Agency of Canada — Folic acid, healthy pregnancy and neural tube defect prevention
Health Canada — Caffeine in Foods (recommended maximum daily intake)
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Labour 101
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Fetal movement and kick counts
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — What to pack
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Healthy eating
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Symptoms of pregnancy
Mayo Clinic — Fetal development: The 3rd trimester (Week 37, Week 38, Week 39, Week 40)

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