Week 38

Your Baby at Week 38

At 38 weeks, your baby is the size of rhubarb. The skin is smooth and pink, fine body hair (lanugo) has mostly disappeared, and your baby may have a full head of hair.

Key milestone: The baby's skin is smooth and pink. The lanugo (fine body hair) has mostly disappeared. The baby may have a full head of hair.

Your Body at Week 38

In the third trimester, your growing uterus presses against your diaphragm, stomach, and bladder. Shortness of breath, heartburn, and frequent urination are common. Your body is producing relaxin, a hormone that loosens joints and ligaments to prepare for birth.

Your baby at week 38 is the size of a Rhubarb, measuring about 14.0 in (35.6 cm) and weighing roughly 5.5 lb (2.5 kg). Every kick, roll, and hiccup is a sign that your baby is growing strong. Soon you'll hold them in your arms.

Your Baby's Development This Week

At 38 weeks, your baby is the size of rhubarb. The skin is smooth and pink, fine body hair (lanugo) has mostly disappeared, and your baby may have a full head of hair. The key milestone this week is that the baby's skin is smooth and pink. the lanugo (fine body hair) has mostly disappeared. the baby may have a full head of hair.

The third trimester is about preparation — your baby is practicing breathing, sucking, and swallowing for life outside the womb. Each week of this stage significantly improves their chances of a healthy start. The countdown to meeting your baby has begun.