Pregnancy Week 38 vs Week 39
Complete comparison of baby development, mom's symptoms, and changes between these weeks
📊
Time Difference
1 week apart
🔄
Trimester
Both in 3rd trimester
Baby Size Comparison
Growth Progress
Week 38Leek
Week 39Mini watermelon
Your baby is approximately 96% through pregnancy
Week 38
📏
Length
19.6 inches
⚖️
Weight
6.8 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Leek
Week 39
📏
Length
19.9 inches
⚖️
Weight
7.3 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Mini watermelon
What Changes Between Week 38 and 39?
👶New Baby Developments
- ✓Baby is continuing to gain weight and add final fat layers
- ✓Lungs are producing abundant surfactant for breathing
- ✓Baby's brain is still developing and will continue after birth
- ✓Antibodies from your placenta are supporting baby's immune system
- ✓Baby is fully ready to be born
🤰New or Changing Symptoms
- ✓Lightning crotch pains - sharp shooting pains in pelvis and vagina
- ✓Increased contractions that may be irregular or regular
- ✓Possible water breaking (spontaneous rupture of membranes)
- ✓Intense anticipation, anxiety, and impatience
- ✓Extreme physical discomfort
📈Key Changes Summary
Baby Growth: Your baby continues to grow rapidly, with organs developing and maturing each day.
Your Body: Your body adapts to support your growing baby with various physical and hormonal changes.
Baby Development Milestones
Week 38 Development
- •Baby continues gaining weight at about 1 ounce per day
- •All organs are fully developed and ready to function outside the womb
- •Baby might have a full head of hair or very little - both are normal
- •Meconium (first bowel movement) is building up in intestines
- •Baby is completely ready for life outside and could be born any day
- •Reflexes are strong including rooting, sucking, and grasping
Week 39 Development
- •Baby is continuing to gain weight and add final fat layers
- •Lungs are producing abundant surfactant for breathing
- •Baby's brain is still developing and will continue after birth
- •Antibodies from your placenta are supporting baby's immune system
- •Baby is fully ready to be born
- •Skin is smooth and pink
Common Symptoms
Week 38 Symptoms
- •Cervix may be dilating and effacing (thinning) in preparation
- •Possible bloody show (mucus plug discharge with blood)
- •Contractions may increase in frequency and intensity
- •Water may break at any time (happens before labor in about 10% of women)
- •Extreme discomfort and difficulty moving
- •Possible diarrhea as body prepares for labor
Week 39 Symptoms
- •Lightning crotch pains - sharp shooting pains in pelvis and vagina
- •Increased contractions that may be irregular or regular
- •Possible water breaking (spontaneous rupture of membranes)
- •Intense anticipation, anxiety, and impatience
- •Extreme physical discomfort
- •Possible burst of energy (nesting)
Nutrition Tips
Week 38 Nutrition
- •Eat light, easily digestible, nutritious meals
- •Stay very well hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks
- •Avoid heavy, greasy meals that could cause discomfort during labor
- •Stock up on easy, quick postpartum foods and snacks
- •Eat small frequent meals
- •Include foods rich in energy like complex carbohydrates
Week 39 Nutrition
- •Eat light, easily digestible meals
- •Stay hydrated with water and avoid dehydration
- •Avoid large, heavy meals that could cause nausea during labor
- •Keep high-energy snacks like granola bars, bananas, and honey readily available
- •Eat smaller portions more frequently
- •Include protein for sustained energy
⚕️When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
During weeks 38 to 39, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- •Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- •Heavy bleeding or passing clots
- •Severe headache with vision changes
- •Persistent fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- •Sudden swelling of hands, face, or feet
- •Decreased fetal movement