38 weeks pregnant • Pregnancy calendar •

Dates and numbers:
There are 9 days until your due date on January 16, 2009.
You are 271 days pregnant.
You are 8.9 months pregnant.
You are in your 9th month of pregnancy.
Your 1st trimester: April 11, 2008 to July 10, 2008. (0 - 12 weeks)
Your 2nd trimester: July 11, 2008 to October 23, 2008. (13 - 27 weeks)
Your 3rd trimester: October 24, 2008 to January 16, 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 4777 from week 38
48 messages have been added in the last 24 hours.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next
Show latest comments from all weeks

firsttimemom26 - 39 minutes ago
I am reading everyone's posts and see that it's everyone's husband that really doesn't want to have sex. i feel bad for my husband. it's been like a month and a half...since thanksgiving...that I have not wanted to have sex. I feel so gross and uncomfortable and i'm so swollen down there it freaking hurts. I feel terrible because my husband will have to go 8 weeks after my c-section before we have sex again...i miss us having sex really bad and there are times I'd LOVE to do it but for all those reasons we don't. Also, because I'm tired of having pregnancy sex (slow and gentle)...i'm ready for the good stuff again...hahaha! And the baby's head is so low they couldn't even get the full image on the ultrasound the last time I went so it's ME who is freaked out he'll feel his head!

EthansMommy09 - 2.7 hours ago
Haha ok thanks. I was just curious about that.

teddygirrl - 2.8 hours ago
EthansMommy09 - ha sounds like we're in the same boat. we finally had sex this morning. ive got 8 days left too :) no you cant feel yourself dilate. not that im aware of?? You know when your having a contraction though...and thats moving things along. so who really knows. Many of us dilated with out having any contractions at all so Im guna say no to you cant feel it.

dani28379 - 2.8 hours ago
Hey girls i hope you are all hanging in there, I had my baby last week on the 29th. They induced me with her because one I am on heart meds and it was getting to the point where it was no longer working for me. And 2 they came in and did a ultrasound and said the baby was around 9 10 pounds. well she was not 9 10 pounds she was 7 pounds. so i dont believe ultrasounds anymore when they say the weight. anyways on another note, i feel your guys pain. when i was pregnant i said man i just want her out of me. and now i have her and i LOVE that she is here and i hold and kiss her all the time heheheh but sometimes i miss feeling her inside me. I hate to say this but i do miss being pregnant. but like i said I am head over heels in love with her and sooooooooo happy she is in my arms. I dont want her to grow up hahahah.. I wish you all the best of luck :)

on-number-2 - 2.9 hours ago
ethansmommy09, I think I can feel when I dialate...maybe all in my head I am not sure.

Englandgirl - 3 hours ago
I haven't been on here for a few days so I have just caught up on all your posts and would like to add to the sex positions. Somehow my hubby and I managed to have sex him being on top!! How we managed I have no dea but it didn't hurt. I then found being ontop very exhaustng on the legs but it really didn't hurt for anyone thinkng of trying. Also my friend whose mam is a midwife said that cum releases hormones or something whch triggers labour - and there was my poor hubby thinking I was after hid body alone!! Anyway I went to see my midwife today and she said that she could only feel 2/5ths of the head, mainly just the shoulders so I guess I am well engaged - maybe it will come early or is that just wishful thnking!! 11 days and counting girls

EthansMommy09 - 3 hours ago
So ladies I have a question. Can you feel yourself dilating? Sorry for the silly question lol.

EthansMommy09 - 3.2 hours ago
So me and my husband finally had sex lastnight! It had been 3 weeks! He was like this is the last time for a while lol. I had to beg for it lol.

stardusted - 3.4 hours ago
So i had a really crap appt. today. im stil dilated to a 2...same as last week. And my blood pressure has been creeping up. Today it was 130/94. So i have to go back thursday. My dr said if it was still high she would probably induce me. AHH! i really wanted to go into labor on my own! Blah! im totally bummed now. =(

EthansMommy09 - 3.5 hours ago
8 more days!!! I have my 39 weeks appointment today. I hope I have dilated more and my cervix has softened!

JessikaG - 4.1 hours ago
cfaith - congratulations! That is great news :)

cfaith58 - 4.3 hours ago
The doctor said I'm 3 cm and 100% effaced. He said he highly doubts that I will make it until Thursday, but if I do, I will be induced at 4:00 a.m. I can't wait. I'm so anxious for this little guy to get here!

JessikaG - 4.6 hours ago
I am not sure if that post made sense...these contractions are making my brain fuzzy...hard to concentrate on anything other than 'Am I in labor...or is this just some more false labor to tease me?' LOL!

JessikaG - 4.6 hours ago
I was induced the first time around because my water was leaking (on its own) for 24 hours and labor would not start. I am hoping to progress on my own and am already showing more signs of impending labor, but I guess I am just open to whatever needs to happen. experiencing it naturally would be wonderful, but this cramping and contracting has lasted for 2 weeks...and its is really very different from being induced: hysically, mentally, emotionally... I guess every pregnancy and situation si so different that it is nice to have options as to what the mother wants, but we have to be careful not to let a doctor interfere with your wishes.

duskpoo - 4.9 hours ago
Knowing that human gestation takes between 38 and 42 weeks, it's just odd to me that so many people are getting induced before given a chance to go into labor on their own. Induction comes with risks far greater than waiting till 42 weeks (unless of course there is some sort of serious medical reason - but those should be rare). And being told you have a 9 lb baby isn't a medical reason....that's just a guess. A friend of mine was told her baby was over 9 lbs and they had to induce and she was so upset over it because she was looking forward to a natural labor....well, they induced, labor kicked in, then stalled, then was labeled as failure to progress and she was taken in for a section....and after all that, the baby was actually under 7lbs....I'm sure I don't have to explain how pissed she was. Anyway, everyone has a right to do what they want, just seems so many are excited about being induced for some reason....I want to avoid it at all costs.

emily82 - 5.3 hours ago
Julie, I feel the same way..due in 8 days and don't want to have baby a day early! Still preparing for her. I guess there could always be something to do, but we are still fixing up her room. Pretty close to finishing now, but not ready yet!!!! Ohhhhh I hope she doesn't come early :P

preggaliciouslydelicious - 6.6 hours ago
I think i started to lose my plug. i saw orange mucous like stuff last night when i went to the bathroom. I just got checked yesterday so it may have been spotting from just that but the consistency was strange. It was such a small amount though. Hmm.

Julie(boo No5) - 9 hours ago
Hi ladies, well, still having pains but nothing in a pattern. So sick of being in pain now. Been having this for a week now. Regarding induction... To me, that takes away the whole experience of a `natural birth' as your going against nature. I have no problems whatsoever with anyone who wants to be induced, but to me, i'd rather have the excitement of it all just happening than it being forced to happen. If it's a medical reason, then thats a different story, but I want to be out or wake up to contractions starting or my waters breaking. Far more exciting to me. Remember, we all want to meet our babies, I have 10 days to go & can't wait to hold our daughter, but I want her to pick her own birth date. Thats just my opinion though so please don't take any offence ladies. I don't have anything against anyone who wants to be induced. I just want it all to happen naturally with all the excitement & surprises. Good luck to you all who are having there babies this week. I'm praying I don't go till next friday, which is my due date. Seems to be dragging so much now.

jk28 - 11.5 hours ago
I am wide awake, watching soapnet. I'm that desperate! I have my final appt. today w/ doc and last nst all wrapped together. My csection is ALLEGEDLY wed in the morning. I'm freaked out, I've had a c/s b4 but it was an emergency & didn't have so much time to think about it like I am now. Too bad the stores are closed, I'd go compulsive shopping to ease the stress. Ugh! (P.S. I am watching Y&R, and what I wouldn't give for a few minutes with Cane right now!)

tlo4life - 13.2 hours ago
Well I go in for my u/s appt. 2morrow so lets hope I am indeed scheduled for my induction next week. My baby boy already wghs 9lbs 8oz. So he can't stay till 40wks or dr thinks I won't be able to deliver him. Keep ur fingers crossed for me ladies. Labor dust to all xoxoxox

on-number-2 - 13.7 hours ago
teddygirl- I think your right, I am progressing ok. My husband and family really want me to induce. I wansnt expecting the dr to ask and now I am just sitting here like what do I do? I am probably making this more stressful then it needs to be....

teddygirrl - 14 hours ago
8 days left

on-number-2 - 14.1 hours ago
duskpoo-I think most of us will be at week 39 at our induction date. I will be.

teddygirrl - 14.8 hours ago
girls who lost their plug. how thin is your cervix from last exam?

SazaUK - 15.3 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 - 15.9 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 - 16.3 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 - 16.8 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 - 17 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 - 17 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 - 17.1 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 - 17.6 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 - 17.7 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 - 17.8 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 - 18.2 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 - 18.3 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 - 18.7 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 - 18.8 hours ago
Why are so many of you getting induced at only 38 weeks?

finallyaboy - 19.4 hours ago
update from my doctor appt today i'm getting induced friday at midnight i'm so excited

meggermomma - 20.3 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 - 20.7 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 - 20.7 hours ago
Does anyone else feel like they will be pregnant forever?

AquaPeach - 20.9 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 - 21.5 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 - 22.2 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) - 22.8 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 - 22.9 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 - 23.8 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 - 1 days 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 - 1 days 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 :(

More weeks:
1-3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39
40 41 42
Born & Birth stories

More comments:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next

Recent comments:
Recent comments from all weeks

Leave a comment

Abbreviations used

Only members cam leave comments.
Sign up free

In which week/month am I?
Calculate your due date, how many weeks you are along and see how big your baby has grown!

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
MaMMaZ2BE - 16 Jan 2009
Mariane - 16 Jan 2009
MissMeliss - 16 Jan 2009
mommy2be012109 - 16 Jan 2009
mommyElizabeth - 16 Jan 2009
MrsLily - 16 Jan 2009
Mz-Monique - 16 Jan 2009
Nikki Marie Hull - 16 Jan 2009
SazaUK - 16 Jan 2009
suezfit2 - 16 Jan 2009
AshleyNicole83@gma... - 17 Jan 2009
babymomma67 - 17 Jan 2009
cantwait4u2come - 17 Jan 2009
comergirl81 - 17 Jan 2009
Englandgirl - 17 Jan 2009
JBTplusone - 17 Jan 2009
marie1j - 17 Jan 2009
precious23 - 17 Jan 2009
Stardusted - 17 Jan 2009
twotoofast - 17 Jan 2009
1stbaby18 - 18 Jan 2009
Danijela - 18 Jan 2009
DawnMc - 18 Jan 2009
finallyaboy - 18 Jan 2009
Isla77 - 18 Jan 2009
kirtandnic - 18 Jan 2009
Laz - 18 Jan 2009
lh1229 - 18 Jan 2009
LISA26 - 18 Jan 2009
mommytobeof2 - 18 Jan 2009
tlo4life - 18 Jan 2009
trixa25 - 18 Jan 2009
38yrmumtobee - 19 Jan 2009
3boys n mayb a gir... - 19 Jan 2009
Bumpylicious - 19 Jan 2009
ceejaylpn - 19 Jan 2009
collegeteenmommy - 19 Jan 2009
Diane80 - 19 Jan 2009
duskpoo - 19 Jan 2009
heather82 - 19 Jan 2009
jamesmommy - 19 Jan 2009
ksorrentino - 19 Jan 2009
lmillsap - 19 Jan 2009
mango97 - 19 Jan 2009
PaSmama2be - 19 Jan 2009
Pregodiva - 19 Jan 2009
PricelessJojo - 19 Jan 2009
vic1 - 19 Jan 2009
watermelonsunday - 19 Jan 2009
ablondemonster - 20 Jan 2009
AmberInIowa - 20 Jan 2009
Ataveida - 20 Jan 2009
babyno.6 - 20 Jan 2009
bmwmom18 - 20 Jan 2009
Chimpz26 - 20 Jan 2009
Erin A - 20 Jan 2009
ErinShay - 20 Jan 2009
Evanbaby - 20 Jan 2009
fearn7 - 20 Jan 2009
Gila - 20 Jan 2009
hbobeather - 20 Jan 2009
I LUV MY LIFE AS A... - 20 Jan 2009
iampregnant - 20 Jan 2009
JessikaG - 20 Jan 2009
Jodiva71 - 20 Jan 2009
Jodono - 20 Jan 2009
Juniper Willow - 20 Jan 2009
kosmo - 20 Jan 2009
leila-n-tim-meier - 20 Jan 2009
littlemuffin1 - 20 Jan 2009
malish - 20 Jan 2009
mommyagain@30 - 20 Jan 2009
myfirstlittlebabyr... - 20 Jan 2009
Neeno - 20 Jan 2009
onedaygrace - 20 Jan 2009
pokeys81 - 20 Jan 2009
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

Not on the list?
This list is updated twice a day. The list shows members who were online within the last 14 days at the time it was generated. It may take up to 12 hours before you see your name after you've made changes to your due date or if you haven't been online for 14 days or more.