The waiting feels more real 💛

The waiting can feel long now, and that's completely understandable. Week 38 is about patience, rest and trusting that your little one will arrive when ready.

📌 Week 38 at a glance

• Trimester: Third
• Baby's size: about the length of a stick of rhubarb (around 49.8 cm head to heel)
• Still to come: roughly 2 weeks (a typical pregnancy lasts around 40 weeks)

🌱 Your little one this week

At 38 weeks, your baby weighs around 3.1 kg and measures about 49.8 cm from head to heel, roughly the length of a stick of rhubarb. The organs are ready for life outside, and the brain and lungs keep maturing. The soft, downy hair that covered your baby in the second trimester is mostly gone now, though some babies are born with a few patches. A little of the creamy vernix coating may remain too.

Your baby is storing up some sticky, dark green meconium in the bowels, made of everything swallowed in the womb, such as bits of amniotic fluid and hair. It usually comes out after the birth as the very first poo. Your baby keeps moving, although with less room, movements feel like wriggles and rolls.

🌷 And how about you, Mum?

You may feel more pelvic pressure, tiredness, and impatience. One new symptom this week could be frustration or even boredom, and that's completely normal. It really won't be long now. Some mums notice a thicker vaginal discharge, sometimes with a little mucus, which can be a sign the body is getting ready. If you're unsure about anything, your midwife or doctor is happy to help.

Please contact your midwife, doctor or hospital if you notice regular, stronger tightenings, your waters breaking, any bleeding, or a change in your baby's movements.

🍽️ Food for thought: soups and porridge

Warm, easy foods can feel comforting now, and they're simple to prepare in advance. Soups and porridge (bubur) offer fluids, energy and gentle nutrition, and they're easy on the tummy.

Ideas to try include:

• Chicken or fish porridge with ginger and spring onion
• Clear vegetable soups with tofu or egg
• Lentil or bean soups
• Oat porridge with fruit

Some mums like to cook and freeze a few meals now, so there's something ready after the birth. If you'd like personal advice about food, your doctor, midwife or dietitian can help.

✨ Little things that may feel nice

• Many mums enjoy a slow, quiet routine with plenty of rest
• A pregnancy pillow can help with sleeping
• A gentle walk can feel good if you're up to it, just take your notes with you in case
• Cooking a few simple meals ahead can ease the first days at home

🩺 Coming up

Antenatal visits are likely to be weekly. At your visit, your doctor or midwife will measure your bump, check your blood pressure and look for protein in your urine, which helps them look out for pre-eclampsia. If you're having a planned caesarean, it's usually booked for when you're at least 39 weeks, to give your baby's lungs the best chance of being fully developed.

If you reach your due date and your baby hasn't arrived yet, your doctor or midwife will talk with you about the options and what to expect. If you go beyond about 41 weeks, they may offer to bring labour on, which is called induction. Around 1 in 5 labours are started this way. Many babies arrive a little before or a little after the due date.

👨‍👩‍👧 Partner's corner

Waiting can be stressful for both of you. Taking short walks together, watching something light, or sharing a quiet meal can help pass the time. And keep your phone on, with the bag ready.

❓ Quick questions

How will I know it's real labour?
Real labour contractions tend to become regular, stronger and closer together, and don't ease with rest or a change of position. Your doctor or midwife will tell you when to come in. If you're unsure, call your hospital or clinic.

What if my baby is late?
Due dates are only estimates. If your pregnancy continues past your due date, your doctor or midwife will talk with you about the options.

💛 A little moment for the two of you

Thirty-eight weeks. You've waited so patiently, and so has everyone who loves you.

We're ready when you are, little one. 🦕

Sources & further reading

NHS — 38 weeks pregnant
NHS Week 38 pregnancy guide

Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) — Antenatal care
KKM maternal health and antenatal care

FirstDino shares general pregnancy information for education and comfort. It is not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Please speak with your doctor or midwife about your own health and care.