38 weeks pregnant • Pregnancy calendar •

Dates and numbers:
There are 8 days until your due date on January 15, 2009.
You are 272 days pregnant.
You are 8.9 months pregnant.
You are in your 9th month of pregnancy.
Your 1st trimester: April 10, 2008 to July 09, 2008. (0 - 12 weeks)
Your 2nd trimester: July 10, 2008 to October 22, 2008. (13 - 27 weeks)
Your 3rd trimester: October 23, 2008 to January 15, 2009. (28 - 40 weeks)

Your baby continues to grow this week and weighs about 6.8 pounds. His crown-to-rump length is still about 14 inches and total length is around 21 inches. Most women do not grow any larger during the last few weeks of their pregnancy. From the top of your uterus to your bellybutton is about 6.5 to 7 inches. You may be very uncomfortable now-you are almost there!

Just before real labor contractions start, you might notice false labor contractions. These should not be confused with Braxton-Hicks contractions. False labor contractions can be as strong as real labor contractions, but do not get closer and may go away if you get up to walk around. Contractions help dilate the cervix and encourage your water to break. Your baby could be born any day now, but only 5% of mothers deliver on their actual due date!

Over the last few weeks of pregnancy, your baby has been building up waste materials in the intestines. This waste material is known as meconium and is greenish-black in color. Meconium is made up of cells that your baby has shed, lanugo and other substances. Meconium is the first waste that your baby will pass after birth. However, sometimes babies pass meconium before delivery and are delivered with greenish-black waste covering their body. Special care must be taken when a baby passes meconium in the womb.

If your baby is a boy, his testes should have descended into his scrotum by this time. When your baby boy is born, both of his testes should be in place. Approximately 1% of babies are born with undescended testes. Because an undescended testis can cause infertility issues and increase the risks of testicular cancer, your baby's doctor will examine both testes after birth.

The baby's skull is not fully solid as the five bony plates, known as fontanels (little fountains), are still separate and can be pushed together. Birth may mold and elongate the fetal head, a safety precaution to reduce the skull's diameter for an easier birth, without damaging the fetal brain. After delivery, the baby's head returns to a rounded shape. Eyes have no tear ducts yet, they appear a few weeks after birth.

Would you like to announce the birth of your new baby? Do so by clicking this link: I gave birth!

Almost there! Did you know that we also have a month by month calendar for babies? You can find it in the menu under `Babies`: Month by month

Comments on week 38

Comments 1-49 of about 4756 from week 38
34 messages have been added in the last 24 hours.
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teddygirrl - 2 minutes ago
8 days left

on-number-2 - 9 minutes ago
duskpoo-I think most of us will be at week 39 at our induction date. I will be.

teddygirrl - 48 minutes ago
girls who lost their plug. how thin is your cervix from last exam?

SazaUK - 1.3 hours ago
I've been getting hardly any sleep recently too. In fact its 5am now and I am still awake had to get up for a little while after laying their for 4 hours listening to my partner sleep I had to get up as I started to feel like I wanted to beat him up just because he was sleeping and I wasn't. Hopefully the lack of sleep and the extra pressure I've been feeling down below means that my little man is well on his way outta their. Hope so anyway, doc said yesterday that she won't arrange an induction date for me until I am 41 weeks pregnant - yuk. I hope I am not pregnant at that point, really don't want to wait until 42 weeks for my baby.

JessikaG - 1.9 hours ago
brie - I am living week to week too! I usually go in Mondays but was unable to get in until Wednesday because of holidays...grrr! Well, good luck tomorrow!

brie - 2.4 hours ago
I have my 39 week appointment tomorrow and I hope I have made some type of progress. I haven't dropped so I doubt I will get any great news. I feel like I'm living week to week for each one of my appointments looking for some type of hope.

Erin A - 2.8 hours ago
bigmama ... it definitely sounds like your show but it could still be a couple days before actual labor kicks in but good news is it should be within the next week :)

babymamma - 3 hours ago
i've been slightly crampy, with tons of pressure on my bum, and some light tightening in my belly, but not any more then i've had for the past week or so. im hopping something more will happen

teddygirrl - 3.1 hours ago
argh so early signs of plug could mean thick yellow tinted stuff? snotty looking. I duno my plug was different the first two times and I dont want my hopes too high?

teddygirrl - 3.1 hours ago
on-number-2 - I would rather not be induced esp if your showing the progress you are. you could always keep your appointment and see where you are just prior to the induction. babymamma - sex and an exam cancause you to lose the plug. so it sounds like the exam might have done it. are you contracting at all? I was contracting through the night but slept through each one. when i saw (what you described) I knew it was my show and I didnt sleep after that! i just kept contracting until i gave birth.

babymamma - 3.7 hours ago
i have a question for you lady's, hopefully someone here will answer it cuz no one in my week(37) did. well, today I had an internal, and I had one last week and i know a lot of the time they make u spot, sort of like at the end of ur period, the mucus itself is kind of brownish redish, well it was like that last week, and I spotted for a few hours, well today, instead of spotting, I had clear mucus with blood streaked through it like ur bloody show is supposed to be, and that was it, one wipe after I went pee and it was gone, no more blood at all today, is it possible that the internal made me have my show or is this also normal with an internal? I'm so hopping it was my show, but I'm not sure????

JessikaG - 3.8 hours ago
Oh yeah...38 weeks feels pretty good, but I am so ready to be done with this!!!! I am having painful contractions every 7 minutes, but not too painful...yet! Let's hope they progress!

JessikaG - 3.8 hours ago
firsttimemom26 - you can still breast feed. The bacteria just lives in your genital area and has no affect on you. It is only when passing through the area that baby can be harmed, but antibiotics should protect baby. Pain in your crotch could be thinning, dilation or baby's head putting pressure on the area if it is completely engaged...hope this helps ;)

firsttimemom26 - 4.2 hours ago
i have a question: i tested positive for strep b. because the doctors are now going to be treating me with penicillin via IV when I go in for my c-section, can i still breastfeed?? also, i'm experiencing an electrocuting pain in my crotch...what the heck is that? it's very piercing and painful.

preggaliciouslydelicious - 4.3 hours ago
Hello 38 weeks. WOW so many people getting induced. I was examined today... NO DILATION! how lame... and as if thats not heartbreaking enough to hear the Doctor politely mentions my daughter has a big head. YAYY!!! B/c now i know its only getting BIGGER the longer she stays in. Wow, my vagina is gonna love this! :]

crazyforkids - 4.8 hours ago
RandRMommy - I havent been examined either and i had my 39 week check up today LOL im a little depressed however the doctor said if i dont go into labour by my next appointment which is the 14th ( my due date as well ) that he would 'stretch' my cervix and try to help things along... its hard hearing how everyone is going into labour or at least have contractions or being dialated however im happy for everyone who does have them because i know my time will come ... however just letting you know your not the only one lol

duskpoo - 4.9 hours ago
Why are so many of you getting induced at only 38 weeks?

finallyaboy - 5.4 hours ago
update from my doctor appt today i'm getting induced friday at midnight i'm so excited

meggermomma - 6.4 hours ago
well the doc said today that if I don't go into labor by Monday naturally...he is going to induce me on Tuesday...I pray that naturally he will come...but either way i'm glad to know this pregnancy will be done by Tuesday!whoo-hoo!!!

mandalyn21 - 6.7 hours ago
Julie- that's what I thought too but I've been seeing a high risk doctor in boston and he said that it should be fine but of course if anything happens with her heartrate they will do a csection! And don't even worry, you weren't being rude!! I actually get that question a lot! My bf has been emotional all day because he's so excited- Hehehe

stardusted - 6.8 hours ago
Does anyone else feel like they will be pregnant forever?

AquaPeach - 7 hours ago
RandRMommy - My dr hasn't examined me either. I'm going to ask at my 39-week echeckup if she will. It would be nice to know if I'm at least a little efaced or something.

on-number-2 - 7.5 hours ago
WEll...I went to the dr. today and he gave me the option to induce, I said yes right away! So I am scheduled for Wednesday morning at 6:00 am. After getting home I am having second thoughts. What are your ladies opinions on induction? I am almost 3 cm and 75% effaced

teddygirrl - 8.2 hours ago
mother2beNya - I am so sorry I know how awful that made me feel when I heard no progress. I hopefully will hear some progress come wednesday but theres no promise. :( RandRMommy Have you asked for an exam? that might be helpful. I had my first at 25 weeks then regular basis come 37weeks I think it was. Might not be that bad since we all get so disappointed theres no progress!

Julie(boo No5) - 8.9 hours ago
mandalyn21~ Are you sure it's safe to induce if she has a heart defect? I'm not meaning to scare you or anything, but being induce can come with some problems, If it doesn't all go well & doesn't progress properly i've herd that the baby can get distressed, wouldn't that be bad for her with her having a bad heart as there heart rates can drop with induction? Please don't think i'm being rude or anything as i'm really not like that, i'd just be scared if it was me. Anyway, congrats that you'l be meeting your baby soon. Really hope it isn't anything to serious with her heart.x

mandalyn21 - 9 hours ago
Went to see my doctor today and he gave me the option to induce me this wednesday night so of course we said yes! I'm so excited and nervous too because of her heart defect and we still don't know when she will need surgery but I'm just happy that she will be here soon!

RandRMommy - 9.8 hours ago
Hey everyone, I have a question my doctor still has not examined me, anyone else in the same position? With my other kids the doctor started the exams at 36 weeks, and here I am in 38 and still no exam. I have asked but he continus to put it off. ERRR I just wish I knew if there is any progress, even no progress would be ok if I knew.

on-number-2 - 11.8 hours ago
teddygirrl- just seen your message. with my first one i went at the same time as this one but they kept me because things were moving along she must of just changed her mind :) to be honest I was really ready to go home my favorite doctor wasnt on call and I was dead tired...now I wish I would have stayed..lol..I go to the doctor today in a few hours I hope there is more progress.

Erin A - 13.4 hours ago
mother2be... sorry to hear there is no progress. if it makes you feel any better i went to my 38 week apt today and im MAYBE a fingertip dialated ... thats it. and ive tried sex, 2000 mg of evening primrose oil pills for the last 3 days and castor oil yesterday. My doctor told me i will not be going before 41 weeks (when he can finally induce me) more than likely which was kinda depressing to here especially when ive been telling myself 2 more weeks and now its looking like 3 :(

mother2beNya - 14.8 hours ago
Ok, i just came fro the Doctor and am very dissapointed. My cervix is still closed. No sign of opening or softening up at all. I've been walking, and am still working, but none of that's helping me. They are going to try to schedule a c-section because the baby's measuring a bit big for me too. But its just frustrating that other people already have their babies and here i am stuck in the same spot!!! To make things worse, ny husband does not want to have sex because he thinks it will harm me or the baby and yet i'm the one that wants it. urhhh!!!

sunflowerc - 15.5 hours ago
hey iv just put some new pics up ov my belly today an im 39 weeks 2mz. will ya let me know what ya thinl if i have dropped at all? xxx

AquaPeach - 17.7 hours ago
Maybe insomnia is a sign? I went from being so exhausted I could sleep 24-7 to only being able to take very short naps and barely sleeping at all during the night.

daniella - 18.6 hours ago
brie - im up too..how funny..now I dont feel so bad!!!

brie - 19.2 hours ago
Another night of horrible sleep, it is 3:00 am and no sleep in sight. I can’t wait for my baby to come. At least I will have something to do in the middle of the night besides staring at the ceiling.

teddygirrl - 1 days ago
babyruh3 - you crack me up. take the cum and hold onto it as long as ya can. your in labor long enough for it to come out and I believ you'll be usin the potty enough to make sure it's all gone before your on the delivery table

teddygirrl - 1 days ago
on-number-2 - fist pregnancy I went when I couldn't handle the contractions anymore.they sent me home because i was only 3cm dilated. second pregnancy I went when I couldn't handle it anymore. I was at seven!! sweeeet. I only went because my ma and sis were telling me I should go. it's always safe then sorry I guess. but sure sucks going home. :(

teddygirrl - 1 days ago
KAYKAYXOX - hah isn't it? It actually went really well. great turn out (he invited ppl 2 days ago!) and got lots of adorable stuff! so weird seeing BLUE (first 2 were girls) but gosh its gotten me excited!

first babyboy - 1 days ago
oh ladies i forgot, one thing that i am now getting used to after nine months is sleeping on my belly, it feels so good and nice, and comforting

babygirlstella - 1 days ago
heya ladies. just reading everyone's comments and as for sexual positions, maybe try spooning. i find it super comfortable because i get to lie on my side, and and actually get to enjoy it. i feel like a beached whale so i keep a blanket over my belly so i dont feel self conscious which also lets me enjoy the sex because im not laying there wondering if my fiancee is looking at how huge i am (which i know hes not! lol) and just enjoying how good it feels (sry tmi?) !!!

mama2coop - 1 days ago
Hey everyone... My doctor says I am 90% effaced but only 1 cm dilated as of Friday... been having false labor contractions like crazy, but they just aren't doing anything for my cervix... Had to have an ultrasound and a non-stress test because the baby hasn't moved much, but besides the slow down of movement everything else looks great, the ultrasound said there was plenty of fluid, no cord wrapped around the neck, heartrate was good and so was his breathing... the doctor said sometimes they just get calm before you go into labor... hopefully, cause I am so ready for him to come out of my body!!!!

first babyboy - 1 days ago
it worked for me becuase i did it like 2 tmes a day, so that might be it as well thought and thanks and if you havent seen my little light skinned baby look at my profile

jennywren - 1 days ago
AquaPeach - The sex isn't working for us...maybe it takes a few hours? Congrats to all of you who've had your babies! I'm still waiting for Willa Fey!

AquaPeach - 1 days ago
Damn all of you who can have sex. lol I think I will grab some random guy off the street and have my way with him until I go into labour. haha I haven't been drinking any rasberry leaf tea...my maternity benefits haven't started yet and I have just enough money to cover my rent for this month and that's it so I can't afford anything, not even a ball to bounce on! To make matters worse, I fell down some stairs today--luckily on my butt--and I think I've done something to my ankle. I can move it and put weight on it but it hurts so it might be a little sprained.

first babyboy - 1 days ago
yes on the 13th of dec i was 25% effaced and 1 centieter, and on the 24th i was 60% effaced and 2 centimeters, and do said i will go into labor buy the end of the week, and dec 25th i was in labor t like 530-630 went in and 100% effaced and 6 centimeters so it worked yes it was tiring but all is well

babyruh3 - 1 days ago
it seems like you could get deeper penetration from all fours and not from the top. i've tried both and neither have worked for me :) on top hurt so much though...i'm just too big to do it that way...and it was so exhausting. it's easier when he has to do the work! maybe i should try top again...anything to get htings moving!

first babyboy - 1 days ago
babyuh-hey, i if you are on top it will be easier to go into labor becuase the sperm shoots up there, you know and they it will come down, lol but good luck,

babyruh3 - 1 days ago
i am way too scared to check my own cervix...and way too much of an idiot :)

babymilla - 1 days ago
cervix check-unsuccessful... I have no idea what any of that was in there. Internet said a small donut with a dimple or hole in the middle, I felt nothing like that. First of all, it HURT second it was just a bunch of soft skin... Oh well, back to my leaf tea. Lol

bigmuma - 1 days ago
Oh one more thing. cos i wont have internet access in hospital (stupid hospital) ive sorted it out with my 13yr old to let you know when it happens. So if you understand the language of 13yr old girl you will all be up to date. Those who dont have that language up their sleeve may want to find an interpreter lol.

babyruh3 - 1 days ago
well, still no baby for me. I ahd steady contractions 2-4 min apart lasting 45-70 sec all night last night (until 3:30am when I felt the last one before dozing off). I fell asleep around midnight, but kept waking to contractions. I didn't go to the hospital b/ cthey just weren't getting any worse. oh well. looks like i just have to let nature take its course...and i will now. my back is killing me, too...holy cow! i want to try the 'all fours' method again (it was definetly the least painful for me) but I then I worry i will have cum (sorry so TMI) in me and go into labor. I don't wnat the doctors, my mom, my new baby...seeing any of that! i could shower afterwards, but then i worry i will waste the cum :) haha. i'm laughing at the conversations i have one here!

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Members in week 38:

1stimerMum - 14 Jan 2009
azprego - 14 Jan 2009
Brie - 14 Jan 2009
crazyforkids - 14 Jan 2009
dore - 14 Jan 2009
Emily82 - 14 Jan 2009
EthansMommy09 - 14 Jan 2009
Heather Annie - 14 Jan 2009
Landons Mommy!! - 14 Jan 2009
LilMommy89 - 14 Jan 2009
lskill - 14 Jan 2009
Melissa - Its a Gi... - 14 Jan 2009
mother2beNya - 14 Jan 2009
mummypig - 14 Jan 2009
mybaby4 - 14 Jan 2009
soon2b556 - 14 Jan 2009
teddygirrl - 14 Jan 2009
ada23 - 15 Jan 2009
Adait - 15 Jan 2009
amber24 - 15 Jan 2009
babygirlstella - 15 Jan 2009
babyjayden011509 - 15 Jan 2009
babyruh3 - 15 Jan 2009
bigmuma - 15 Jan 2009
Dani28379 - 15 Jan 2009
danicasmommy09 - 15 Jan 2009
DANIELLA - 15 Jan 2009
Dubvblondi - 15 Jan 2009
FirstTimeMom26 - 15 Jan 2009
heatherNryan - 15 Jan 2009
jammingirl - 15 Jan 2009
Jenbaby09 - 15 Jan 2009
jennywren - 15 Jan 2009
mama2coop - 15 Jan 2009
mommyof2girlz - 15 Jan 2009
mragsdale05 - 15 Jan 2009
omo - 15 Jan 2009
phatlarryberry - 15 Jan 2009
savannahdanne - 15 Jan 2009
SherB - 15 Jan 2009
soon2bamami - 15 Jan 2009
Spike - 15 Jan 2009
stef128 - 15 Jan 2009
1stimebundle - 16 Jan 2009
amyleighrn2002 - 16 Jan 2009
annmariebabyno5 - 16 Jan 2009
AquaPeach - 16 Jan 2009
Boopsta - 16 Jan 2009
brittNjuliana - 16 Jan 2009
cfaith58 - 16 Jan 2009
courtney-jade - 16 Jan 2009
ezziemelda - 16 Jan 2009
future mommy - 16 Jan 2009
Jellybean1 - 16 Jan 2009
jillyandjacksmommy - 16 Jan 2009
jodii - 16 Jan 2009
Julie(boo No5) - 16 Jan 2009
Kristinpreggers20 - 16 Jan 2009
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3boys n mayb a gir... - 19 Jan 2009
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I LUV MY LIFE AS A... - 20 Jan 2009
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PreggaliciouslyDel... - 20 Jan 2009
seniorbaby08 - 20 Jan 2009
shanelle - 20 Jan 2009
shenna - 20 Jan 2009
superpowers22 - 20 Jan 2009
susanachap - 20 Jan 2009
Sw33tPixie - 20 Jan 2009

The due date from members in week 38 is from Wednesday 14 January 2009 up to & including Tuesday 20 January 2009. See the full timeline here

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