You are 38 weeks pregnant.

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Born & Birth stories

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 3289 from week 38
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ringwench - 16 minutes ago
FINALLY got my H1N1 shot today! The hospital I'm giving birth in was running a 1 day clinic just for their pregnant patients so I went to that and didn't have to stand in line - I was in and out in 25 mins. I'm SO relieved! Here's hoping my little guy waits to make his appearance until the vaccine takes effect so he can be protected too.

jodycser - 56 minutes ago
Had my little girl on thursday. We're all good...came home the same day. The dr's pretty much kicked us out cause of H1N1 in the hospital. Named Her Scarlet Lux.

candice123 - 6.8 hours ago
38 weeks today :) xx

MS.TOSH216 - 14.3 hours ago
BABYGURL~ ITS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE LIKE ROOSBABY SAID YOU NEED TO GO THE HOSPITAL

402nikkib - 15.9 hours ago
hello ladies! We are geting sooo close! I had my last Dr.'s appt...still at 1cm (just like the last two weeks) But I am now 60% effaced...guess it doesnt matter too much since I am having my C-section on Wednesday...as long as we dont go into labor before than..cant believe only 5 days to go! The doc is guessing baby Jaxx weighs between 8.5-9lbs!! Aww cant wait to meet the lil man! Good luck everyone soo much to do!

dede81 - 16.2 hours ago
had a bloody show on Thursday night so bring on the contractions!! Very soon as in like now would be nice!!

roosbaby - 16.6 hours ago
Babygurll - if your still on you need to go to the hospital right away. these are not good signs - get going!

dezire - 17.1 hours ago
well with these bh contrations and gonna have my sweep tuesday hopefully I will go into labor i have already lost my plug so i dont have to worrie about that LABOR DUST TO ALL

Babygurll - 17.7 hours ago
Hey ladies, Im just wondering if it is normal to feel kinda light headed and I'm seeing black spots every once in a while? My feet r swollen but not ALOT, just like they have been for the last few days, is anyone else experiencing this??

2babys-under2 - 18.5 hours ago
Well it's been well over 2 days since I had my sweep. NOTHING! I lost my plug, but I'm still not in labor! : ( My dr said she expected to see me before this weekend and the weekend is here. oh well...I just hope I don't go past my duedate.

momof609 - 19.3 hours ago
kristy- stay on ur feet walking.... even around the house... its that pressure that helps force the dialating..

kristy-103 - 20.9 hours ago
Had a membrane sweep today....so far not much happening, same as usual for contractions about four an hour or so, some spotting....ho hum, I was hoping for more.

mother-and-expecting - 21.6 hours ago
yea see i am kinda scared cause i have never left my children for more than 8 hours and i will be gone how ever long i am in the hospital. than on top of that they wont let them come see me because of that flu. so mom and dad are just gonna bring home an extra body. i really dont think they undrestand that moms having a baby.

dezire - 22.1 hours ago
thats ok ..Im getting stripped Tuesday and then 2 weeks after that is my son`s 3rd birthday..and my mother in laws birthday is thursday!!

Chelsea2010 - 22.2 hours ago
This is my first child. But my dad had surgery& that's why iknow the food sucks lol& omg yes, all tha youngins& adults are so skinny, so they try to make us fat lol!

aprilsf - 22.2 hours ago
c-section has been moved to wednesday....I'm not liking that cause that's veterans Day but she said they were completely booked.

mother-and-expecting - 22.8 hours ago
yeah i know lol. i remember the food cause i already have two kids. they bring you like yucky carrots and things they call reagular food but it looks like nothing uve ever eaten before. That the same reason i dunn want to be up there i love eating at my familys house on the holidays.

Chelsea2010 - 23.2 hours ago
Motherandexpecting-the food@ hospitals suck lol, iwant my little one& be able to shove my face lol! (: &+ ihavent seen a lot of my family that's comin into town in a very long time!

mother-and-expecting - 1 days ago
Ill be in week 38 tomorrow but i totally agree with you chelsea. i would love to have my baby before thanksgiving. I love to eat all the great foods. and it woud really suck being in the hospital

Chelsea2010 - 1 days ago
Week38, feels great! Ahh, iwish my baby would hurry up& show up. ialso have family comin into town for thanksgivin& iwould love to be able to eat& not be in bed or@ tha hospital.

cynthia09876 - 1 days ago
Hey everyone! My water broke last night a few hours after having my membranes swept! We went to the hospital to confirm it,and they said I could labor at home until this afternoon when they will need to hurry things along (need to deliver within 24 hours)been having contractions 8 mins apart since 7:30pm last night.Wish me luck! Labor dust to all.

jen4g2b - 1 days ago
Hello week 38. Had an appt yesterday. Doc had to check for baby's position because she thought he was breech since she couldn't feel his head. NO CHANGE in my cervix and baby IS head down but floating at like +5! He is WAY up high. She told me to WALK a ton. I'm trying but my hips, pelvis and back hurt so bad it's hard to! I notice though, if I stay up and active it's not as bad as if I sit or lay down for a period of time. I'm drinking raspberry leaf tea and taking evening primrose capsules. I told my hubby I am using him every night now as well, for his prostaglandins ;) I am SO not in the mood though, and honestly it does not even feel the greatest but I am trying everything! I need this baby out by our due date, 11/20, so we can be out of the hospital in time to see family that is coming from out of town for Thanksgiving! We can have NO visitors at our hospital thanks to the flu pandemic.

dezire - 1 days ago
I have a question?? I was 38 weeks 2 days when i went to my ob but im only messuring 36 weeks?? does that just mean that im gonna have a small baby? At my 34 week apt they did an ultrasound and he was comming in at 5 pounds 12 ounces

Mackvaldez - 1 days ago
Hello week # 38!!!!! This is my first day in 38 and I have 10 days until I get to see my baby! I can't wait. I hope you are all feeling as good as possible. Have a great day!

once,twice,three times the mumma! - 1 days ago
Just got back from seeing midwife, im 38plus 2 days yet im measuring in at 41 weeks!!! Gotta see the consultant next thursday,earliest appointment they have got :o( I asked midwife how big she thinks he is and she wouldnt answer...doesnt wanna panic me i think,asked if over 10 pound as ive had previous big baby and she raised an eye brow as if to say yes but wouldnt say....im sooo scared now, i had very bad delivery with our eldest,badly tore, lost 2 litres of blood she came in 10lb 8 oz (somehow they missed the fact that she was big and only realised when it came to delivery, our second daughter came in at 8lb 6oz and had a perfect deliver, now i just feel like history is gonna be repeating again :'o(

lacycakes5 - 1 days ago
finally! week 38! today is my last day of work and then i'll finally be able to get some rest. can't wait until we all have our LO's! dust to all.

withlove - 1 days ago

once,twice,three times the mumma! - 1 days ago
duenovember18- pleased all is well :) my blood pressure has always been fine but yet i get headaches lol, just mother nature doing what shes meant to i guess,though what her intentions are exactly i dont know lol, best of luck x

withlove - 1 days ago
congrats dueinnovember - dezire/babykelley - i get the same at church - so i haven't been for the last 2 weeks - plus i'm just too tired to do anything but sleep, eat and internet! Ladies I loved the comments re funniest/rudest things people say - i had so much jokes from it last night!!

once,twice,three times the mumma! - 1 days ago
Morning all!! Have an appointment with my midwife today see what this little man is upto if anything....just hope it goes ok, if only she were to say he had to come out now, that would make me very happy!!! Suffering with SPD quite badly and can barely walk so the sooner he's out the better in my view! :oD

dueinnovember - 1 days ago
My baby girl was born on 11/05/2009 @ 6:33pm. I was in labor for 5 hours and 33 min. She is beautiful. Will have pics up just as soon as I get the time.

maya111709 - 1 days ago
First off, I have to go to my regular doctor tomorrow because I have been having serious respiratory issues, just like runny nose, headache, congestion, sore throat.. but no fever, I dont wanna take my chances though so I am just going to make sure it isnt the H1N1 and is just a little allergies.. Went to the doc today for my 38 week appt, I am a whopping 1 cm dilated but she said I was thinning out very well but didnt give me a percentage...she was going to strip my membranes but the baby's head still has a ways to come down so she said we would have better luck if we waited til next week, ill be 39 plus 2 days at that point... maybe though she will come before then! I sure hope so! But there is an end in sight, my due date is Nov. 17 and she said she will induce me at 41 weeks if I am not in labor by myself, which I may push for a few days early cuz I reallllly dont wanna be in the hospital on turkey day! so nov 24 is the induction date JUST INCASE, but labor dust to me that it does not take that long, because I am beyond ready... lol as I am sure we all are!

BabyKelley - 2 days ago
dezire- I have gotten SO tired of ppl asking me that too! They don't even have to call I can be standing there with my big ole belly and they say 'still no baby yet?' ugh! It drives me up the wall!!!! I just smile and say it don't look like it does it?!? I get it every sunday when I go to church! I told my husband this past sunday I didn't even wanna go b/c I knew I was gonna have a million ppl ask me that! lol Wrong attitude I know, but I can only take so much being 9 months pregnant and miserable. And azgrl I'm getting induced because if he gets any bigger there is a chance that I won't be able to have him vaginally and they would have to do a c-section (something I DO NOT want!) But who knows...he might decide before then. But either way I'm ready for him to be here like yesterday! haha

dezire - 2 days ago
what is really startin to get to me is everyone calling everyday or seeing people and they say oh you havent had that baby yet! NO AND WHEN I DO I~LL CALL YA i think that gets me more..what do you think ladys when someone asks that?

dezire - 2 days ago
why wouldnt we wanna be induced at 38 and 39 weeks?? you must not know how miserable we are backaches swallon feet all the wonders of being pregnant and plus if my doctor says we can induce legaly at 39 weeks im gonna take it 4 days before due date thats ok...labor dust and healthy babys

Jaylensmummy07 - 2 days ago
ashntrav - Thats so cute! My 2 year old put a train under my shirt the other day for the baby as well, he also puts food under my shirt and he thinks that the baby has one eye ( he thinks my belly button is her eye) haha

mommynwifey5 - 2 days ago
~*My cutiest comment came from my 2 year old son and this was a week ago! He was playing with his cars and walks up to me pulls my top up and trys to put his car in my bellybutton I asked him what the world he was doing cause he was trying pretty hard to where it hurt and he looks at me and says Jackson has to be bored mommy so I'll let him play with my car but when he comes out he has to give it back!!! I almost hit the floor laughing my butt off it was so cute I had tears in my eyes!!! The rudest comment I get all the time and it pisses me off so bad! I'm young (24) and this is our 5th child so whenever I have all the kids with me and this huge belly I get are they all urs then when I say yes I get 'do you not know what causes that?' How rude can please be I was just told this last night while I was at walmart getting the stuff I need for the hosp!*~ P.S. I looked at the guy last night and said do you know what causes someone to go to jail...he looks at me and I say (before he can get anything out) when someone doesn't know when to keep their damn mouth shut!!! I have no clue where that came from hahaha!

duenovember18 - 2 days ago
once,twice ~ Thats exactly where my headache is!! I took an xtra strength Tylenol and it seemed to help. Thanks for your input! :) I was worried about high-blood pressure but I had the nurse at work check it and it was fine. Phew!!!

mommynwifey5 - 2 days ago
Az some of us (i'm from week 36 and getting induced in 7 days) have reasons why like mine I'm already 3 1/2cms 60% this is my 5th baby 6th pregnancy and I always get to a point where I get stuck and also my baby at 35.4 weeks by ultrasound weighed in at 7lbs 10oz and that's already big for me they said they don't think I will be able to push out a 8pounder! Or like with my friends say you are full term and baby has all it needs and is just growing now which they can do outside of you! So I feel it's everyones presonal reason and no one should be looked down onf or it!! Good luck ladies and I always come in to read weeks ahead so I've pretty much been here with ya gals!!! Can wait to see everyone drop like flies!!!*~

discokitten - 2 days ago
Ringwench - my husband said the same thing! 'I'm worried you wont have enough energy to look after the baby, your always so tired these days' I got Pee'd off at first and then I just laughed too! I guess I dont really complain too much about what it feels like to be 9 mths pregnant so he just assumes I am feeling normal. haha

aprilsf - 2 days ago
Well, I will be having a c-section at 5;30 on Tuesday!

momof609 - 2 days ago
maxsmummy; with all 6 of my babies I had one dr that I actually had throughout my prenatal care at the delivery.... sometimes throughout prenatal care they would have me meet some of the possible options so atleast I recognized a face BUT they didnt always even offer that. 20yrs ago when I had my first... that DR was there and even planned his vacation around when he had women close to due dates... also back then they did less inducing and less to get you rolling before it was time...

rachaelmac - 2 days ago
hi i have got my date for c section on the 12th of november im so excited i wil be 39 weeks carnt wait to meet my little girl

azgrl - 2 days ago
Hi everyone in week 38. I've read a lot of women in this week that are either being induced or having their membranes stripped. May I ask why so early? I know your towards the end of your pregnancy but unless you are overdue why would so many decide to be induced? Thanks so much and good luck and congratulations to all.

kimora78 - 2 days ago
hi ladies just to let you know that i gave birth to miss Kiana this morning at 5.40 weight 6.7 lbs, good luck to you ladies who are still waiting to give birth it wont be long now.

jen4g2b - 2 days ago
ringwench-my hospital just changed the policy to the same as yours yesterday. I am so upset. My two oldest daughters, who are 17 and 16 were there when their little brother was born a little over 2 yrs ago and were SO much help with rubbing my back, taking pics and video, cold cloth on my head and just being there to help me, since I don't do any meds. My hubby was able to help me focus on breathing and staying calm. It was just the perfect team. My daughter even cut the cord! Now, it will just be hubby and I and my girls are so sad! So am I! My son can't even come up to meet his new little brother ): I want out of there as soon as I can. Hopefully the next morning. I hate hospital stays and this will just make it worse. I will miss my 2 year old so much! I had my 38 wk appt today and NOTHING is happening. Baby is still floating high. So high, she thought he was breech so brought in the US machine to check. She was going to strip my membranes today but can't with his head so high. Next appt 11/11. She told me to walk a lot and bounce on my ball at home. I'm also going to take evening primrose oil and drink Raspberry Leaf tea!

chichiwepe - 2 days ago
okay guys i have a question, i am 2cm the last time i was checked adn i am having the weirdest contractions, i can literally feel my body pushing downard or bearing down. is anyone else feelingn this? my contractions aretn regular tho.

leigh5 - 2 days ago
My hospital is only allowing spouses and grandparents to visit. I am so bummed about it since I will be there for 4 days! And my hubby will be busy taking care of my 4 and 1.5 year old. sad. But at the same time it will be like a little vacation and the only time in a long time that I will just have one child to take care of.

firstbabynovember17 - 2 days ago
The comment that I got was from my husband and it was rude but I just laughed...he told me one night when I was trying to change the side I was laying on that soon we were going to need to invest in one of those whale moving nets lol

BabyKelley - 2 days ago
My funniest comment came from my mother-in-law...she told me at the beginning of my pregnancy that I couldn't be taking any baths now that I had to take showers. I'm in nursing school and I have already went through the labor and delivery semester, and I had NEVER heard of such! When I asked her why, this was her reply...'Because the baby will drown!' She was so serious too! hahaha I laughed! Anyways...had my weekly visit to the OB doctor yesterday. He told me that next Wed. he was going to check me and do a scan just to see just how big the baby is and which position he is in...AND....that if I hadn't had him by then he would put me in to be induced that evening! =) I was so happy to hear that! But who knows my lil Simeon might have other plans before then! I will be right at 39 weeks next week! I can't wait to meet my lil prince charming! =)

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Born & Birth stories

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Members in week 38:

2-under-2 - 15 Nov 2009
alfreda - 15 Nov 2009
AprilSF - 15 Nov 2009
ashley1109 - 15 Nov 2009
Ashley96786 - 15 Nov 2009
BabyHarding - 15 Nov 2009
chichiwepe - 15 Nov 2009
dezire - 15 Nov 2009
embroideredflower - 15 Nov 2009
firsttimeround - 15 Nov 2009
jenlea - 15 Nov 2009
Kabrlu - 15 Nov 2009
Krystalyn - 15 Nov 2009
mimik - 15 Nov 2009
opalowlz - 15 Nov 2009
pregnant belly - 15 Nov 2009
RonellaC - 15 Nov 2009
taylor09 - 15 Nov 2009
Tutdee - 15 Nov 2009
asumta1 - 16 Nov 2009
Chani2k9 - 16 Nov 2009
Cynthia09876 - 16 Nov 2009
Dionysios - 16 Nov 2009
kenty - 16 Nov 2009
kristy-103 - 16 Nov 2009
lil*miss - 16 Nov 2009
sophie9898 - 16 Nov 2009
-Arielle- - 17 Nov 2009
402nikkib - 17 Nov 2009
Amber6189 - 17 Nov 2009
babynemo - 17 Nov 2009
CrookedMule - 17 Nov 2009
Crystalx4 - 17 Nov 2009
firstbabynovember1... - 17 Nov 2009
Jayda@ - 17 Nov 2009
jmarkus - 17 Nov 2009
Kerisa - 17 Nov 2009
Lakesgirl - 17 Nov 2009
MaiJulie - 17 Nov 2009
Maxsmummy - 17 Nov 2009
Maya111709 - 17 Nov 2009
MrsScorpio - 17 Nov 2009
MSTWEETY26 - 17 Nov 2009
ringwench - 17 Nov 2009
Roosbaby - 17 Nov 2009
selina23 - 17 Nov 2009
silentdance - 17 Nov 2009
2babys-under2 - 18 Nov 2009
4boys..1stgirlonth... - 18 Nov 2009
Dede81 - 18 Nov 2009
DueNovember18 - 18 Nov 2009
frandemando - 18 Nov 2009
Gilchristbaby - 18 Nov 2009
jodycser - 18 Nov 2009
katiekatieann - 18 Nov 2009
Kfetch - 18 Nov 2009
mommy2prettycarley - 18 Nov 2009
once,twice,three t... - 18 Nov 2009
Rona - 18 Nov 2009
Skamarock101809 - 18 Nov 2009
slgriffin - 18 Nov 2009
smudgie - 18 Nov 2009
sweetgirl25 - 18 Nov 2009
TerryJ75 - 18 Nov 2009
virgo - 18 Nov 2009
~Bridget~ - 18 Nov 2009
40FirstTImer - 19 Nov 2009
BabyKelley - 19 Nov 2009
babywhinkz09 - 19 Nov 2009
bebec - 19 Nov 2009
boch - 19 Nov 2009
Brandiejane - 19 Nov 2009
Collier3 - 19 Nov 2009
Debbie Shaw - 19 Nov 2009
lacycakes5 - 19 Nov 2009
mandie101 - 19 Nov 2009
mommy2-09 - 19 Nov 2009
rachaelmac - 19 Nov 2009
symanski - 19 Nov 2009
tarogers - 19 Nov 2009
1923angelyrey - 20 Nov 2009
1sttime mummy - 20 Nov 2009
AHarp1 - 20 Nov 2009
Babygurll - 20 Nov 2009
Baker09 - 20 Nov 2009
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clarkey80 - 20 Nov 2009
geminimommi - 20 Nov 2009
hollydawnj - 20 Nov 2009
jaylensmummy07 - 20 Nov 2009
jen4G2B - 20 Nov 2009
jieun - 20 Nov 2009
khangel2001 - 20 Nov 2009
krystasappleseed - 20 Nov 2009
LHMomma - 20 Nov 2009
Lilmami2b - 20 Nov 2009
MackValdez - 20 Nov 2009
molly1022 - 20 Nov 2009
monicashae - 20 Nov 2009
Sarah from MN - 20 Nov 2009
snorkelshot - 20 Nov 2009
Twinnies - 20 Nov 2009
15 days~labor dust - 21 Nov 2009
AlanaW - 21 Nov 2009
babies5and6 - 21 Nov 2009
candice123 - 21 Nov 2009
cmw27a - 21 Nov 2009
enbsmom - 21 Nov 2009
Hoping-for-our-fir... - 21 Nov 2009
Ilovemygirls - 21 Nov 2009
kelly 09 - 21 Nov 2009
lakemama - 21 Nov 2009
Liya - 21 Nov 2009
mls1188 - 21 Nov 2009
mommynina - 21 Nov 2009
mother-and-expecti... - 21 Nov 2009
MummyRee - 21 Nov 2009
mzpink - 21 Nov 2009
oursweetie - 21 Nov 2009
paula23 - 21 Nov 2009

The due date from members in week 38 is from Sunday 15 November 2009 up to & including Saturday 21 November 2009. See the full timeline here

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