38 Weeks Pregnant - Preparing Your Body and Mind for the Big Day

Many parents begin “nesting” around this time in anticipation of their little one joining the family—after all, you could meet your baby any day now! If you haven’t already, you’ll want to pack your hospital bag. See our hospital bag checklist(PDF, 0.43 MB) for what to take with you. 

Contrary to the old wives’ tale, there is no scientific proof that spicy food induces labor. If you’ve eaten spicy foods throughout your pregnancy, there’s no reason to stop now. However, spicy foods introduced at this point might induce nothing more than heartburn and indigestion. It also might disrupt your sleep, which you need plenty of leading up to labor. So, if you love spicy food, go for it, but stick to breakfast or lunch, instead of dinner or evening snacks.

The Uncomfortable Signs of Labor at Week 38

Unfortunately, the signs of labor aren’t all pleasant. So, while it may be uncomfortable, it may also be a sign that your big day is just around the corner. Many women experience nausea, indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea or flu-like symptoms without fever. If you experience these symptoms, be sure to let your doctor know. Excessive symptoms could lead to dehydration, which isn’t ideal leading up to labor.

Believe It or Not, Baby Is Still Developing at Week 38

It may feel like your little one should be all done baking by now, but during week 38, your baby is making final preparations for birth, as their systems and functions continue to develop:

• Your baby is working out some of the final stages of organ function.
• Your baby’s nervous system functions increase.
• Your baby’s brain helps them refine breathing, improve digestion, regulate their heart rate, and prepare for eating.
• Your baby has reached what will likely be their birth length.
• Your baby might pass solid waste, called meconium, prior to delivery. If your water breaks or leaks and it is greenish-brown in color, this might indicate meconium spotting in your amniotic fluid. Call your doctor right away if this happens.

As your skin stretches to make room for baby, it can cause dry or irritated skin. It’s common during pregnancy to have an itchy stomach, backside, and chest. Don’t worry, you can easily treat it by using a light, gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Vitamin E oil may also work wonders for dry skin. It might be hard, but try to avoid scratching—it will only make the irritation worse. 

REFERENCES:

Labor and delivery, postpartum care. Mayo Clinic website. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/water-breaking/art-20044142

Itchy Skin. What to Expect website. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/abdominal-itchiness.aspx