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 827 from week 38
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rubyg1315 - 10 minutes ago
Haha, yeah, I was just remembering the labor unit tour at our hospital... they said just tell them and they will guard your door like a hawk... they will make it seem as if it is their protocol rather than your preference because they understand brow-beating family members...

mummyteegs(blue) - 12 minutes ago
Hello lovelies, I posted in week 37 but is so quiet in there! Ill be 38 weeks tomorrow. I had a docs appointment thismorning and he said baby is as low as he can get and engaged and doc didn't think I'd make next weeks appointment. It's exciting but a bit scary as my husband can't get home for another 6 days at earliest but it's meant to be 9 days. I have my sister I can have there at the birth but it won't be the same. I get BH from about 1-2pm til about 1am then I can finally fall asleep only to have my kids wake me up at 6-6:30am. I've never heard of the feet growing. I'm on my 3rd successful pregnancy and I've wore the same size shoes since I was about 17 and I'm 25 now soni can't see how it would be true. Imagine if u were one of the ladies who have 10+ kids u would have massive feet! Hehehe hope everyone is well.

mamalala - 21 minutes ago
Morning sickness has returned here too.. This happened with my ladt pregnancy too, right at the end I started feeling sick and puking again :-/... Ohhh well at least the end is in sight! My section us on the 22- cant wait!!! On the people at the hospital topic- you as the one who will be in the excruciating pain, are the the only one with the right to say who is there or not! I don't blame you for not wanting them in the waiting room because you're right- after fitting out there for six hours they will come in! They always do! I wish I had been more vocal last time about what I wanted during labor- I have major regrets of not standing up for myself. Everyone will get over it- put your feelings and defies first, you're the one doing all the work!! If you have to blame but on the hospital. Some hospitals limit the guests allowed during labor..

christinejo86 - 47 minutes ago
I had a great day today, I just have to brag a little,lol. We got the entire downstairs of my house deep cleaned with my husband doing most of the work. He even brought my glider downstairs and set it up for me. It dosent fit through the doorway so it has to be taken apart and I have done it everytime so it has never been put together right. But now for the first time in 4 years it is right and dosent creek or anything. I am so happy. All I need is for this little girl to pop out and it will be a perfect weekend. Labor dust to all of us!!!

jenn teampink - 1.6 hours ago
Oh, and would be so much easier if this was a boy and not third girl, cause then the tubes would be tied.

jenn teampink - 1.6 hours ago
I've had a few yeast infections on the outside only this preg, did feel diff then normal. Only 3 more days, csec on wed, feeling a bit overwhelmed. On Friday they couldn't give me a time yet so hoping they can if I call tomorrow so I can plan what to do with my other 2 kids. Tues I get another US to make sure she's still breech. Dr said she ain't flip but is possible. Tomorrow last day of work, yep, overwhelmed! My MIL asked me about tying my tubes but we haven't made a final decision if this is the last

ChristieBee86(blue) - 2.9 hours ago
Thanks photobaby :)

photobaby3 - 2.9 hours ago
ChristieBee--I had the same thing, but because I didn't have the discharge I figured it was just some weird pregnancy thing. After several weeks, I had my Strep B test, and my DR said I had a yeast infection, but only on the outside, which is why there was no discharge. She prescribed cream and I was better in 3 days. Don't wait if you don't have to, it's just one more thing going on down there that you don't need right now :)

ana23pink - 3.2 hours ago
i think i did have some contractions today too because it felt like cramping, but they only lasted for few minutes

ChristieBee86(blue) - 3.5 hours ago
TMI question, just today I've been getting alot of itching in my lady parts, it's starting to drive me nuts. I've had a yeast infection before it feels similar but not having the normal yeasty discharge. Anyone else experience this? I dunno if I want to wait til Tuesday for my dr appt if it's this bad...

ChristieBee86(blue) - 4.2 hours ago
Glad to hear I'm not the only one not having labour signs! And yeah vicky it us my firsr! I've herd a few times that I mY not notice contractions until they are real! Also on the larger feet thing, unfortunately i don't think your feet go back, I've read that they grow because the ligaments loosen and stretch but they can't go back! Who knows!

rubyg1315 - 5 hours ago
yeah, I don't think pregnancy is ever something I can say I have enjoyed... it is a means to a wonderful end, but none-the-less... my sisters all think it is wonderful, but I intend to forget it happened as soon as it is over... About the only enjoyable part of it was feeling the baby move, and that lasted until he started kicking me in the cervix... and then he flipped and started kicking me in the ribs. As for all else... the doctors here won't even discuss the option of induction of elective c-section until after your due date... meanies. So I take everything I can as a sign that maybe just maybe this will be over sooner rather than later... boobs suddenly leaking? maybe. Mucus plug? maybe. restlessness and nesting? maybe... please, please, maybe... there is a poem by Robest Frost titled 'Out, out-' the story does not match, but the sentiment sure does...

britteybaby(pink) - 5.8 hours ago
Ruby no plug here yet.. bt this pain sucks... it dun help when I'm having the pain n she moves n kicks or pushes dwn.. I swear she's trying to sneak out.. lol but I know I'm not dialed much if any cuz I dun dialate that's y I have to have c sections.. I go to the dr tomorrow maybe hell say hey lets go have a baby lol I know wishful thinking lolugh the peeing ruby is getting out of hand lol.. I'm trying to enjoy this being this is my last baby but I just cant enjoy this pain n all

mamalov.blue. - 6.7 hours ago
Well ladies had my first experience with real contractions... Started high in my abdomen and was radiating through to the bottom... It was only for a few minutes but the worst pain.. UGH.. read some women go through this for days.. I will not be a happy camper lol.. but o well hopefully by baby boy is here soon.

rubyg1315 - 7 hours ago
hey brittey- i feel you there. the last few weeks it has been so hard i have been rolling to get out of bed or off the couch. walking feels like torture, and the toilet has become my mortal enemy (up, down, up, down, up...). hang in there... on the up hand... ewwey, yucky, gunky caca mucus plug... woo-hoo!

britteybaby(pink) - 7.4 hours ago
Anyone else having major pains in there crotch? I am.. it hurts to walk.. I can barely lift my leg off the ground my crotch hurts so bad.. ugh.. I go to the Dr tomorrow so well see what he says

vickywoodhall(teamblue!) - 8 hours ago
Oh and thats if I go naturally and this would also make me anywhere from two days to 5 days overdue

vickywoodhall(teamblue!) - 8.4 hours ago
Congratulations butterfly! Bet it feels so nice to finally meet your little girl! If I had to guess I would say il go into labour in between 14 and 17 days time :-)

neonangel2188 - 9.8 hours ago
Baby- I dont think its true, I know sorry this dont help much and ladies I am happy I know when to go to the hospital but I wish this time it was cause I was over due but its for other reasons too now.. I really wanted this one to come when the time was right for her... and I can say that I felt like it was time to go to the hospital a few times with this pregnancy even at the dr's one day they were thinking I was going to be going into the hospital with at least a few days cause of how I was contracting but then they stop after about 2 weeks between 5-10mins and come and go now but not close together where they should be

neonangel2188 - 9.9 hours ago
penney- hopefully it will still be Wednesday, good luck to you too. Thank you!

babygirlv - 10 hours ago
Question: Is it true that your feet don't return to their pre pregnancy size?!? Please say this isn't true! Mine are at least a half size bigger and I will be seriously bummed if I have to buy all new shoes!

babygirlv - 10.1 hours ago
Christie I am right there with you...I think I'll be here for awhile. My dr has not mentioned the 'induce' word and I haven't asked. I'll be 39 weeks on Tuesday and aside from a little extra swelling and a belly that seems to grow by the minute, I have zero sigs that labor is coming soon. I actually felt silly packing my hospital bag this morning! Its ironic that I have almost no contractions bc I had tons of BH throughout this pregnancy, starting around 16 weeks. And now they go away...of course!

rubyg1315 - 10.8 hours ago
oh, and as for the mother-in-law... she needs to respect your decision. My mom already knows my fiance, his mom, and my oldest sister are my birthing supports. If she is so worried about the drive hand her a $50 and a card for a cab service. And remind her that you are calling her early in labor so it is not likely she needs to rush to the hospital like a mad woman... my mother in law is waiting for the call and leaving from her house, which is 5 hours away. My sister is leaving from her house which is 2.5 hours away. My fiance gets the first shift, as women in my family tend to have either extremely short labors (my oldest nephew, from the time she hit 3 cm at the hospital to the time he delivered was just under 2 hours), but my youngest niece took almost 44 hours, thus why I have 3 birthing partners... shifts, yo!). Anyways, yes, she needs to respect that this is your choice and it is you (and the baby) who are getting ready to attempt the monumental feat of delivery, and that it needs to be as comfortable, supportive and stress-free as possible for you. You do not need to be concerned about some other person popping their head in or waiting for hours while you are trying to focus on pushing. Not even cool.

rubyg1315 - 10.9 hours ago
Hey feb- that actually happened to my oldest sister. She had been in prelabor for over a week and after being sent home 3 times he husband brought her to my other sister (who I lived with) house because he needed sleep. We put her in the bath which helped her relax (she actually fell asleep in there for almost an hour) and at some point her water broke. You may not be able to tell. However, with the water no longer there to cushion the contraction they are generally more intense so you will be ready to go whether you think your water has broken or not (as per my sisters accounting). Beyond that... don't just wait for your water to break. Some women do not notice, and sometimes your water does not break until you are actually crowning. That would be a bad time to be saying 'honey its time to go to the hospital...' Generally, if your contractions are as bad or worse after a nice warm bath, they are the real thing. The bath will normally relax away the evil false contractions. And time them. If they are generally getting closer and longer, go with it. Better safe and to end up being sent home (disappointing though it is) than to arrive at the hospital baby in hand and asking for an epidural...

*~ BUTTERFLYDIVA (PINK) ~* - 11.8 hours ago
Hi ladies! I haven't been on in a couple days because I've been a lil busy. I gave birth to my 3rd baby girl on yesterday February 11th @1:42pm. Harmony Alyse Bostic weighed 6bs 13oz. She is so beautiful. I just love her chubby cheeks.!

vickywoodhall(teamblue!) - 12.3 hours ago
Christie-is this your first baby I cant remember, but some women just dont feel there contractions untill its the real deal and you dont wanna be induced if you dont have to trust me I find out in just over a week if I need to be induced and if they do suggest it, il be trying everything I can to change there mind! :-) its very hard to just wait I no just try to keep yourself as busy and active (without overdoing it) as you can I have cleaned out the inside of the car today lol thats how fed up I am

ana23pink - 13.4 hours ago
christie i think i will stick around till 40 than go for an induction

ChristieBee86(blue) - 15 hours ago
38 weeks today! I still can't access my account on anything but my phone so I haven't been on. I feel like I'm the only one whO Is not being induced! Still Have 2 werks to go and I haven't felt any contractions or anything! I bet I'll be the only one sticking around tilweek 40!!! :(

vickywoodhall(teamblue!) - 15.9 hours ago
Penny-i thinks its quite normal to get a bit sick again now I started to feel sick again too especially when im tired, brie- if you can get up and walk about a little and see what happens I get pretty strong contractions in middle of the night but they dont turn into anything more try downloading a contraction timer app on your phone if possible, I have decided im not thinking about the baby today :-) im fed up of that anxious waiting for baby feeling I keep getting

penney76pink - 16.7 hours ago
Brie, I would call to be on the safe side. Good luck!

penney76pink - 16.7 hours ago
Anyone else getting morning sickness again? For the last three days, I have been feeling queasy on and off. Guess it's my hormones?

britteybaby(pink) - 16.7 hours ago
Otto Miley is a great name.. that's my 3 yr old name.. lol jezz I love both names but I rly like kaydence and like Otto said they sound great together.. hope everyone is well.. only 3 more days for me till I have my baby girl, kiahna

brie(boy) - 16.7 hours ago
I have been having contractions all night. I woke up an hour ago from them and have tried timing them but I can't seem to get it right. They are pretty close together but they last for several minutes so it is hard for me to tell when one ends and the other begins. They are either around 3/4 minutes apart or around 6 minutes apart. I thought you were suppose to call your doctor when they were consistently 5 minutes apart but I can't seem to get the timing right. It is 4:20am here so I don't want to call my doctor if it is not the real thing. Any advice??

penney76pink - 16.7 hours ago
Neon angel, I'm supposed to be induced this Wednesday, but might not now. :(. Have my last OB appointment tomorrow morning and it's suppose to snow 1-3 inches. In Arkansas, everyone freaks out, so this means schools will close down and so will my OB's office. He wanted to check me one last time before scheduling my induction for Wednesday. I'm suppose to go in Tuesday evening to get things rolling in the hospital. If I can't see him until Wednesday, I won't be having this baby unto Thursday or Friday. I can totally see them closing school on Tuesday as well. So depressed about it already!!!! All I want is to have and hold her on Wednesday!!! Will keep everyone updated. Good luck on your induction on Thursday!!

penney76pink - 16.8 hours ago
Februarymom, I can relate. This time, it's only going to be my husband. Last time his parents were there and they waited in the waiting room, but kept coming into my room, even after I asked them not too! Made me do mad!!! So, no in-laws for me this time!

vickywoodhall(teamblue!) - 18.6 hours ago
Finally after having very little sleep all week I actually slept 11 hours last night only woke up once for a wee and went straight back to sleep after yay :-)

vickywoodhall(teamblue!) - 18.6 hours ago
Christine- I had colds with both my last two labours and this week my kids have both had colds I thinking uhoh! Not again lol, congrats yummum! Jenn- I like both names :-) sorry not much help there, feb- I agree if your waters go with a gush even in the bath you would get that weird sensation, also in the uk we only have 1 person with us in labour I just would go in and have your baby without telling the people you dont want there, they will be so excited to see baby they wont say anything

neonangel2188 - 20.1 hours ago
congrats on the ones that had their babies and baby dust to those waiting on their babies I know their inducing me Thur Feb. 16 at 4am anyone else having their babies this week by being induce?

neonangel2188 - 20.2 hours ago
Feb- I only had my hubby and his mom there with my daughter and I told everyone else they can come up later after the baby is born I honestly didnt want my mom there for the fact she would make me upset and not relax.. yes it hurt a little but she got over it and when I go in Feb. 16 to get induce this time it will be again my hubby his mom and my daughter in till I have to baby

christinejo86 - 22.3 hours ago
FebruaryMommy when my water broke with my daughter it just keept gushing out there was no way I wouldnt have noticed it.

FebruaryMommy(blue!) - 23.1 hours ago
also, my mom expects me to call her when I go into labor so she can be there also and I don't know how to explain that I dont want her there.. especially since I do want my BFs mom there. I know she is going to be so upset when she doesn't get to see him be born and when she finds out James mom was there, but I know it would just be harder with her there.

FebruaryMommy(blue!) - 23.1 hours ago
I need to vent for a second... okay so I know this might sound weird to some but I really dont want anyone at the hospital with me when I go into labor except my BF and his mom.. I dont even want my own mom there. Anyways, my BF knows this and agrees that it should be my decision and I should do whatever feels most comfortable... however, his mom doesn't get it at all. I have had 2 scares where we had to drive to the hospital cause I thought I was in labor and both times she invited her friend along with us! I tried to explain to her tonight that I dont want anyone there except her and James (my BF) and she just brushed it off and said 'I need sheryl (her friend) there to make sure I can drive and not panic, she can stay in the waiting room if you want.' It might sound rude, but I dont even want anyone in the waiting room at the hospital when Im in labor (plus I know she wont stay in the waiting room the entire time) and I dont know what to do anymore, I feel like his mom already made up her mind and she is going to do what she wants even though this should be my decision. I really want her there, but Im almost to the point where I will just go to the hospital by myself with my BF and not call anyone and let them know till after the babys born.. any advice??

FebruaryMommy(blue!) - 23.4 hours ago
I am so worried that my water is going to break while Im in the shower or bath tub.. how will I know if it does?

FebruaryMommy(blue!) - 23.5 hours ago
jenn- I love the name kaydence and I think kaitlyn and kaydence sound cute together, like you did it on purpose. I agree with your dh on this one, very good name choice (especially coming from a man!)

OTTODAIRY(TEAM PINK) - 23.8 hours ago
jenn- its ok to have names that sounds close my daughter name is mya and our baby name is going to be miley so go for it girl

OTTODAIRY(TEAM PINK) - 23.9 hours ago
baby is moveing like crazy.... with my first i went to 36 weeks and with my second i went to 37 weeks so this is a new PR and i dont feel like she will be here any time soon and i am ok with that because my sleep has be the best this week night

JezzicaRabbit1(blue) - 1 days ago
Jenn- The names do sound pretty similar, but I think its cute. A lot of people name their twins similar names so having sisters with similar sounding names isn't that far off from that.

jenn teampink - 1 days ago
This lil girls name has been Sophia from the start, my dh wanted that name for our last but I won the name war so he got to name this one. 4 days b4 her scheduled birth, he tells me he wants to change the name to kadence. I really likethenamebut ouroldest is kaitlyn. I think kaitlyn and kadence are too close, he said her nickname would beKay,soI would prob spellitKaydence. Opinions, kaitlyn and kaydence too close?

yummum2b - 1 days ago
Hi everyone, haven't been on here in a while, I had a beautiful baby girl porshah on the 30th jan and she was 5LB 9oz, my birth story and a photo is uploaded if any of u wana read, congrats to everyone that have gave birth and labour dust to everyone thats getting ready for there babies. Xx

christinejo86 - 1 days ago
I feel like I am comming down with a cold. I heard that could be a sign of labor but with my luck it is just a sigh of a nasty cold...

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In which week/month am I?
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Members in week 38:

bingobaby10 - 20 Feb 2012
cubby99 - 20 Feb 2012
madysmommy(blue) - 20 Feb 2012
Mumzyto3 - 20 Feb 2012
BRIT2ndBaby - 21 Feb 2012
Christinejo86 - 21 Feb 2012
Chachee - 22 Feb 2012
kangarue - 22 Feb 2012
lovemysweetpie - 22 Feb 2012
Nbabymakes3 - 22 Feb 2012
Neonangel2188 - 22 Feb 2012
NickyBaby - 22 Feb 2012
aech-fic (pink) - 23 Feb 2012
ana23pink - 23 Feb 2012
britteybaby(PINK) - 23 Feb 2012
fireflybubbles (bl... - 23 Feb 2012
MommyRNPink - 23 Feb 2012
penney76pink - 23 Feb 2012
xkariex - 23 Feb 2012
*~ BUTTERFLYDIVA (... - 24 Feb 2012
FebruaryMommy(blue... - 24 Feb 2012
minxlynx - 24 Feb 2012
OTTODAIRY(TEAM PIN... - 24 Feb 2012
Shella(BLUE) - 24 Feb 2012
stefanier (PINK) - 24 Feb 2012
vickywoodhall(team... - 24 Feb 2012
cris2short - 25 Feb 2012
mamalala - 25 Feb 2012
Mamalov.blue. - 25 Feb 2012
mynewbaybee(pink) - 25 Feb 2012
SiMpLyIRReSiStiBLe... - 25 Feb 2012
suziejp-teampink - 25 Feb 2012
threeisgreatforme - 25 Feb 2012
TulsaChiO98 - 25 Feb 2012
babylicious2(blue) - 26 Feb 2012
jenn teampink - 26 Feb 2012
yildirim - 26 Feb 2012

The due date from members in week 38 is from Monday 20 February 2012 up to & including Sunday 26 February 2012. See the full timeline here

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