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 1791 from week 38
23 messages have been added in the last 24 hours.
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mrssmith84 - 6 minutes ago
1sttimer- Well, maybe it didn't get you all the way there but it started so that's great! To go from 1cm 50% to 2cm 80% is good progress. So what happend after the 2nd dose? My husband is really into this now and wants me to try again tomorrow when he gets home from work. Tracie- I hope you go into full blown labor soon! Keep us updated on what's happening.

traciemac - 1.4 hours ago
1stimer. good luck to u too. I feel like I drank castor oil. God . My fiance has decided to leave work and come home so i really hope this progresses cause we are losing alot of money now. Plus the car accident i had 2 days ago is gonna cost us a bit of cash. The contractions are kind of staying the same so here's to getting er done sooner than later. GOOD LUCK ALL!!! COME ON BABIES!

1sttimer47 - 2 hours ago
Well friends, I guess it was just early labor...contrx not strong enough yet. Then after I left the hospital, they started to space out more, so I drank more castor oil! It didn't have any harmful effects the first time, and got things started, so here's hoping it gets things going for real! I went in 1cm and 50%, and left 2cm and 80%. Good luck traciemac! And thanks vicky and mrssmith. Labor dust to everyone...itd be nice if we all went early, eh? :P

vickywoodhall - 4.8 hours ago
i have been out walking round tamworth shops for over 2 hours today and i never got tired? odd! maybe im getting that burst of energy i have heard so much about? good luck 1st timer! and im in awe of you sugarpine i dont no how your managing to work so much now! id give up now and have some time to yourself for sure, you deserve it!

traciemac - 4.8 hours ago
been having contractions since last night i went to urgent care today and i am not dilated yet but my cervix is thinned out. the doc seems to think I will be in labor in the next 24 hours so here's to hoping. But i'm not too positive that this is the beginning,

mrssmith84 - 8.7 hours ago
1sttimer- I'm so excited for you that it seems to be working! I'm absolutely back to normal today:-( I may try it again in a few days. I'm sooooo over this and now my hips are killing me.

cherryzz - 9.9 hours ago
38 weeks today! 11 days until my C section.

1sttimer47 - 10.3 hours ago
Well woke up with the runs, and was having lots of cntrx, so decided to go in to l&d. They aren't that painful, but getting more so. But they were 2-3 min apart! So we thought we'd get checked. But now my bp is high-144/104...which is SOOO weird bc I feel really laid back, and I've had low bp the entire pregnancy. Wish me luck ladies! Hope that castor oil was worth it! :) and good luck to you all as well...will keep you posted.

sugarpine - 11.8 hours ago
How many of you are still working and what kind of work do you do? When do you plan on going out on leave?I'm a critical care nurse and work 12 hour night shifts, but it is really starting to wear on me. I was hoping that I would be able to work up to the Monday after Thanksgiving (2 days before due date), but each shift is harder and harder, plus moving patients and some of the other physical aspects I have to ask others to do for me, which isn't fair to them. I feel so guilty I wanted to save my time for when the baby gets here, but at this rate the baby is getting bigger but is not wanting to make an apperance yet and I am so uncomfortable.

sarwill3 - 12.5 hours ago
Has anyone had swollen ankle's and feet then all of a sudden it's gone. I woke up one day and they didn't swell like they have been. Oh well I'm happy at least.

vickywoodhall - 13.3 hours ago
ok these false alarms are rubbish! from half 8 last night i was having mild contractions then they got stonger closer together and i had lots of back pain and crampyness, even when i went to bed and woke up in the night i still had contractions that seemed to be getting worse slightly, but now im awake today and apart from my back still achey.....nothing! lol its all fun im gonna go out for a good walk later to get things going again

mz.hicks - 16.9 hours ago
Well Ladies i would have been joining you in this week...but i had my son @ 36.6 weeks...birth story is up...you can view his pictures in my blog titled 'HE'S HERE'..feel free to comment..Baby dust to all of you that are still waiting!!!!

AiryFairy26 - 17.1 hours ago
I'm sooo tempted to take the castor oil. I went to the supermarket yesterday & they didn't have any :-( I just don't know what to do. I'm being induced Tuesday so i'd really love to get things goin without the drugs.

babyJSL - 17.6 hours ago
I been taking an advantage of the fact that I have only 2 wks left till due date. I've been eating bad and drinking lots and lots of milk tea. These milk teas have been keeping me up for hours and making my heart beat faster but then again I've been craving them for the past 2 months. I hope it's ok to drink these tea since the baby is full term. I hope it doesn't have any effect on the baby. I know I should just waited out, 2 wks isn't long.

1sttimer47 - 17.9 hours ago
Yeah, I'm not in pain or anything from it. Maybe some slight cramping. The bath was essential. I am having a hard time relaxing! So the goal now is to go to sleep and hope that I get woken up in the nite! Hehe. I'm probably just setting myself up for disapointment, but its nice to feel a little like I have some control for once. Good luck with everything...hope it works for you!

mrssmith84 - 18 hours ago
1sttimer- I hope it works for you! I didn't think it was bad either. It didn't have a taste or smell and ya I had the runs but didn't have any cramps from them. I just took a long hot shower and I actually feel really good. The way other ppl talk about it is like its the end of the world! BTW still having lots of bh contractions.

1sttimer47 - 18.8 hours ago
Well after reading all about it, and seeing that mrssmith was terying it, I decided to go for it too. I mixed 2oz castor oil w/ half a glass of oj, and then chased each gulp of oj with another glass of oj. Wasn't bad at all. Had a few loose bm's, and lots of bh. Gonna take a warm bath then hit the hay and hopefully ill wake up in labor haha. I was going to wait until sunday when I'm 39 weeks, but was feeling daring tonite... ;-)

mrssmith84 - 19 hours ago
Well,it's been about 7hrs and no hard contractions just a bunch of uncomfortable braxton hicks.

mrssmith84 - 21.7 hours ago
Ok so I took the 2oz of castor oil 4hrs ago and I had a bout of the runs but it was weird bc I didn't have any cramping from it. I am having contractions but they're just uncomfortable not painful about every 3-4min. I have a feeling this isn't going to go very far! Oh well I tried!

nonymiss - 22.4 hours ago
ninat- hahahaha you poor girl. Tell him next time HE can be pregnant.. then maybe he'll understand :) :) Good luck to you !

nonymiss - 22.5 hours ago
well... Tomorrow I move to 38 weeks. I am so relieved that all the other 38 weekers are wanting to go into labor as bad as I am! lol I had an ultrasound yesterday and baby weighs about 7 pounds 3 ounces which I guess is normal. It is frustrating not knowing when baby will be here! I've been in so much pain over the last few months and the only thing the doctor ever says is.. 'it's normal' argh. I was even spotting last weekend.. but the doctor couldn't figure out why. I think if I don't have my little girl by the due date .... I'm going to strap myself to a stretcher and refuse to leave the hospital until someone induces me!! hahahahaha.... of course, then I might be having the baby in jail :)

ninat - 22.5 hours ago
oh,i just want this pregnancy marathon to be over with!!!! I lost my mucus plug Sunday im 4 cm. dialated, and im getting painful contractions but not consistently. I go to an obgyn that has 4 doc. and my fav one is on call this weekend, so let me know how the castor oil works, though i'd have to hide it from my husband cause he doesnt even want me taking walks to try to get it started, which hasnt worked at all, he says when our baby is ready he will come, what the hell does he know?!!!

mrssmith84 - 23.7 hours ago
1sttimer-I drank 2oz mixed with OJ about 2hrs ago(got it from a natural grocery store) and am starting to feel the urge to use the bathroom but no pain yet. My stomach is starting to do the bubbling that happens before the runs so we'll see. I'm not excited about the runs part of it but hopefully it brings on contractions. I will def keep you updated.

sugarpine - 1 days ago
heather-Totally feeling the same frustration as you. I went for my 38 week appointment today. They tell me I am measuring 40 weeks, but my midwife could barely get to my cervix it was so posterior and the told me the baby's head is still way up there. Estimated the weight to be over 8 lbs already!!! I've never gonna be able to push this baby out! I just wanted some positive news that something was happening besides the baby getting bigger!

1sttimer47 - 1 days ago
Mrssmith-ive been thinking about using castor oil too. I've heard both 2oz and 4oz. I think I might wait until sunday, so if you have any luck, let us all know! Where do you get it? I looked at walgreens, but just bc I was already there, and didn't want to ask, haha. Earlier this week I was 1cm and 50%, and last night I had contractions for 3hrs. Hopefully bd will work instead of the oil! :)

mommykita - 1 days ago
I also just lost my mucous plug about two hours ago. I'm not at all optimistic. I still think labor is far far away. I bet I'll go past my due date. Wish I was dead.

mrssmith84 - 1 days ago
Thanks momof609- everything I've read says 2oz. I'm 2cm dialated and 50 % effaced due on Dec 2nd so I think I'm on my way enough for it to work.

NewMommy2be-28 - 1 days ago
Just lost my mucus plug, and I know that doesnt always mean much, but hopefully labor is on the way!

momof609 - 1 days ago
took castor oil at 37 weeks and went into labor within 5 hrs... BUT when I got to hospital (37 weeks) I found out i was group b strep positive and that coulda caused early labor also. Didnt enjoy the other aspects of taking the oil but I understand your urgency and frustrations as I have been there many times. I dont know what amount is right or how you should take it... I just dumped some in a glass with juice and downed it.... ICK!

daylizmom - 1 days ago
Ok so here I am week 38!! I really dont feel as though I am going into labor soon!! I have not felt any cramping and my belly is way high!! I dont think my baby has dropped yet!!I can't wait for something to begin to happen soon!! Congratulations to all who have already delivered their babies!!

Alesia - 1 days ago
well today i had my 38 week appointment. She said my babies head is in position and that i am contracting when i was there. She said that wednesday she is doing the sweep if baby does not come before then. But my doctor feels that she will be born before wednesday.

mrssmith84 - 1 days ago
I've been looking into castor oil today. Does anyone have personal experience with it? I'm aware of the rumored dangers, baby having a bowel movement which through my research I found there are no studies to support that rumor and dehydration. I know it can give you the runs and make you throw up and you may not go into labor. So basically I'm asking to not be lectured bc I know all about it just wanting stories from those who themselves have done it.

traciemac - 1 days ago
jeja that sux. I am at a clinic too where there are like 6 diff doctors but we don't have to see them all. I ended up never getting in to see my doc because i missed her all the time due to her vacations and stuff so when it came time for the streb b test if wasn't at all comfprtable with ehr and asked my old doc in the same clinic to take me on and she said yes so i'm glad i t worked out that way.. The other doc was my sister in law's best friend so it would have been weird anyway. Tell them u want a new doc. Good Luck!

deja - 1 days ago
ok, ladies finally only 2 weeks to go isnt this suppose to be a stress less time for us? well for me it was up until today...I hate the doctor i had to see this morning..i go to a office where there is 6 different docs and u have to see all of them atleast once b/c u never know which one is gonna be at the hospital.. Anyway the dumb doc that i seen today checked me to see if i was dialated and he told me i'm still closed, so i asked him how can that be when i just went to the hospital on monday b/c of close contractions and was told that i was 1cm dialted and 50% effaced, his answer was he doesnt know y the other doc told me that. Then he tells me that the baby hasnt dropped at all yet..so again i ask him how that is possible when the other doc told me just last week that the reason that i've been havin bad pelvic pains and goin to the bathroom more frequently lately is b/c the baby has dropped and is pushing everything downward.. once again he told me basically the other doc was wrong.. This was the second time i had to see this doc the first time He told me that i still had placenta previa and i was gonna have to have a c-section,when two weeks befor seeing him i was told that my placenta was moving away, and when i told him this he told me NO, that it was still covering my cervix then two weeks after seeing him i got another u/s and was told my placenta was in the correct place, that should of been a sign right there for me to try to not have him see me when i go for my appt. I'm so lucky that i only have 2 more appt to go and trust me i will not be seeing him for those..i'm just hopeing that he is not the one on call at the hospital when i do finally go in. sorry this was long but i had to vent a little.

Babythreeindecember - 1 days ago
This may be my last weekend pregnant! I am so excited the doctor said he is going to check me monday to see if I am prime for an induction since my little boy is so big already. He weighed in at 8lbs at 37 weeks. Last tuesday I was already 80 percent effaced and 1 cm dialted so I hope I am more by monday. I took an hour walk today and hope it helps!

jlh14 - 1 days ago
oo just got back from the doctors and i am 3cm. she thinks this weekend!:) i am so excited, but quite nervous too!! Ahhh

heathernicoal - 1 days ago
Just got back from the doctor. I'm so frustrated!!! The baby 'floated' back up out of my pelvis and I'm not dilating at all. She said I am probably setting myself up for failure with an induction and I will most likely end with a c section, because the baby is so large. I just wanted to burst into tears. Why can't this just be over and done with yet?

sugarpine - 1 days ago
Getting ready to go for my appointment this afternoon. Think I may make my midwife check me for dilating and all that stuff, even though she said whe wouldn't check me until my due date. I feel huge and would love to hear that something is going on down there. I'm also worried that my blood pressure is going up with each visit, she said she wasn't worried last week, but we will see today. Will they induce me for elevated blood pressure? I'm so ready for this baby and to stop working. I never thought I would make it this far. 12 hour night shift is killing me!

vickywoodhall - 1 days ago
il be in this week as of tommorow,just sneaking in early to see whats what, can you tell im getting impatient lol, does anyone think that cats/dogs can sense if labour is imminent? my cat has just sat on my lap she is never in the house let alone sitting with me?

ilovemypeanut - 1 days ago
also where do you find these things to give urselves and enema? I am new on this whole thing

AiryFairy26 - 1 days ago
Can't believe this is our last weekend without baby. I'm going to have a special day tomorrow with just my 6 year old. I'm really worried about how he'll be with his new brother. I suppose as long as he gets included in stuff it'll be ok. It's been such an emotional rollercoaster & I can't believe this bit is nearly over.

cherryzz - 1 days ago
My c section is in 12 days. Im having pre admission testing done a couple days before. Im not really sure what that is though. What do they do?

kristan123 - 1 days ago
I had a thin liquid this morning so I called my doc and they are having me monitor it. Here's hoping I get more and I can go in tonight. lol :) I had my water break with my last baby so we'll see. I so want to have this baby.

ilovemypeanut - 1 days ago
Kellijo- Thanks!!!! I had just heard about it two weeks ago and was not sure if it was something that HAD to be done. Not only that but is it painful or really uncomfortable to get it done?

mommykita - 1 days ago
I took about 20 drops of black cohosh this morning to try to strengthen my contractions...has anyone else tried this? I need feedback.

margaretp - 1 days ago
Glad to hear everyone is okay..

traciemac - 1 days ago
no i didn't hit my belly thank god! I was turned around do i mostly hurt my back but it wasn't too serious mY hood is comepletely folded up and the other guy needs a new bumper. It was just scarry! Thanks.

kristan123 - 1 days ago
oh my goodness. traciemac Did you hit your stomich or anything? Did they check the baby? I'm guessing it wasn't two bad of an accident.

margaretp - 1 days ago
The last thing I really expected to hear yesterday and my 38 week checkup was 'This is a big baby'...He is measuring 41 weeks says the doc..Says if I don't go naturally this week , next week I can be induced.No wonder I'm sooo uncomfortable..My bigest so far was 9lbs 5 oz..In the meantime, it is okay for me/us to do whatever we can to try to get things moving on our own from home.

traciemac - 1 days ago
I gave myself an anema soon as i got the the hospital and i never had a bm on the table. I'm gonna do it again too for sure.

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Members in week 38:

1stTimeAround - 29 Nov 2009
1sttimer47 - 29 Nov 2009
25mamaof3 - 29 Nov 2009
AiryFairy26 - 29 Nov 2009
BabyHayden - 29 Nov 2009
beeber - 29 Nov 2009
BrandiSue - 29 Nov 2009
delicious1987 - 29 Nov 2009
diana10 - 29 Nov 2009
happymoma - 29 Nov 2009
Jamie Lynn P. - 29 Nov 2009
johanne-raven-baby... - 29 Nov 2009
Karenmomof2 - 29 Nov 2009
Kristan123 - 29 Nov 2009
Mommyluvs2 - 29 Nov 2009
Poga - 29 Nov 2009
shortevette - 29 Nov 2009
wendywendy23 - 29 Nov 2009
-avasmama- - 30 Nov 2009
aparrish - 30 Nov 2009
babyJSL - 30 Nov 2009
Campbell7888 - 30 Nov 2009
dallas mommy - 30 Nov 2009
Feliciamommy2be - 30 Nov 2009
graciesmommy - 30 Nov 2009
JLoustalot - 30 Nov 2009
keddy - 30 Nov 2009
keeblermomz - 30 Nov 2009
lenny87 - 30 Nov 2009
leonna - 30 Nov 2009
Margaretp - 30 Nov 2009
masonnickey - 30 Nov 2009
NewMommy2be-28 - 30 Nov 2009
swap1975 - 30 Nov 2009
USMCwife - 30 Nov 2009
Aiona - 01 Dec 2009
Alesia - 01 Dec 2009
Argyrou - 01 Dec 2009
Blessedmom09 - 01 Dec 2009
claire Louise - 01 Dec 2009
decmom09 - 01 Dec 2009
Floridas Autumn - 01 Dec 2009
gabsheed - 01 Dec 2009
Ilovemypeanut - 01 Dec 2009
jellybelly36 - 01 Dec 2009
jennykeech - 01 Dec 2009
mam2b2009 - 01 Dec 2009
mammax3 - 01 Dec 2009
mom2seven08 - 01 Dec 2009
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The due date from members in week 38 is from Sunday 29 November 2009 up to & including Saturday 5 December 2009. See the full timeline here

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