When women reach the 38th week, they are said to have entered full term pregnancy. The fetus is ready to be born at any time between now and 42 weeks. This could be the most stressful time of pregnancy as women need to prepare physically and mentally to give birth. It is essential to watch out for signs of labour and stay prepared for it at all times.
What happens during week 38 of pregnancy?
By this week, the fetus is about 3.2kg in weight and measures close to 48cm in length. They could still have some of the fine body hair- lanugo that they had throughout the gestational period. The hair usually disappears completely by the time they are born. The body would be covered with the protective vernix that shields the skin from the amniotic fluid. The fetus, at this point, is fully developed and can survive being born. In some instances, the meconium, which forms the first excrement of the fetus, can be released early, causing the amniotic fluid to turn green. Since it is a sign of distress, the baby will be monitored soon after birth in such an event. The pregnancy 38 week baby movement is sporadic as there is almost no room for them to move around.
Women can go into labour at any time from this point on until 42 weeks. It is important to learn the early signs of labour such as pressure in the pelvis, mucus ‘show’, strong and regular contractions that get closer together in frequency, the water breaking- either as a trickle or a gush. Women often experience a sudden burst of energy in the last few weeks of pregnancy and feel the need to prepare their home for the baby.
What happens during week 39 of pregnancy?
As pregnancy progresses to week 39, the fetus slows down the weight gain. They would be about 3.3kg and measure a little over 48cm in length. Males will have fully descended testicles, and all fetuses will have a reserve of fat under the skin.
As the due date comes very close, most women don’t need any more pregnancy scans. However, those who have had complications during pregnancy such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes or multiple babies need a final check by the doctor to ensure everything is good for the delivery. The week 39 position of the baby will be checked to see if they are still in the breech position.
It is important that women have a plan in place to act if the labour starts unexpectedly. It should include informing the hospital when the labour starts and getting to the hospital by themselves when the time comes in the event that no one is around to help.
Wrapping up
Weeks 38 and 39 are when pregnancy enters full term, and the fetus is ready for birth. Their growth rate has slowed down, and most fetuses would have gone to an engaged position. It is essential that women start planning for their labour and be ready for it if it occurs unexpectedly.
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