38 Weeks Gestation: Your Baby's Final Preparations

At 38 weeks of gestation, your baby is nearing the final stages of preparation for their arrival into the world. This period is crucial, as it marks the last few weeks of significant development and growth before birth. Understanding what happens during this time can help expectant parents feel more connected to their baby and better prepared for the upcoming birth.

Physical Development

One of the most noticeable developments at 38 weeks is the baby’s size and weight. On average, a baby at this stage weighs around 6 to 7 pounds (2.7 to 3.2 kilograms) and measures approximately 19 to 20 inches (48 to 50 centimeters) in length. The skin, which was once translucent, starts to thicken, and fat layers form, helping to regulate the baby’s body temperature after birth.

The lungs are also nearing full maturity, producing surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs from sticking together, making it easier for the baby to breathe after birth. Although the lungs are almost fully developed, some babies might still need a little time after birth to adjust to breathing on their own.

Sensory Development

By 38 weeks, your baby’s senses are highly developed:

• Sight: Though their vision is not as sharp as an adult’s, babies can detect light and darkness and see shapes and colors. Their eyes, which were once fused shut, are now open, and they can even detect the direction of a light source.
• Hearing: Your baby can hear sounds outside the womb and might even recognize familiar voices after birth.
• Taste and Smell: These senses are also developed, allowing your baby to differentiate between various tastes and smells.
• Touch: The skin is sensitive to touch, pressure, and even pain.

Motor Skills and Reflexes

At this stage, your baby’s motor skills are quite advanced. They can move their limbs, suck their thumb, and even respond to stimuli. Some of the reflexes present at birth include the rooting reflex (which helps them find the nipple), the grasping reflex, and the Moro reflex (when they startle, they’ll extend their arms and legs before curling them in).

Brain and Skull Development

The brain is almost fully developed, with the formation of vital nerve cells and connections that will facilitate learning, memory, and other critical functions. The skull bones, which are soft and pliable, will start to harden after birth, but they remain somewhat flexible to allow for the molding that occurs during vaginal delivery.

Preparation for Birth

As the due date approaches, the baby often moves into a head-down position in preparation for birth. This is a natural process, but in some cases, the baby might remain in a breech position (feet or buttocks down), which may necessitate a cesarean delivery or attempts to manually turn the baby.

Parental Preparation

For expectant parents, these final weeks are crucial for preparation. This includes:

• Attending prenatal classes to understand the birth process, parenting, and caring for a newborn.
• Preparing the nursery and having all necessary items for the baby’s arrival.
• Discussing birth plans with healthcare providers, including preferences for pain management, vaginal delivery versus cesarean, and post-delivery care.
• Emotional preparation for the significant life changes that come with having a baby.

Health Checks and Tests

During the 38th week, healthcare providers will perform several checks and tests to ensure both the mother’s and baby’s health are optimal for delivery. These may include:

• Non-stress tests to check the baby’s heart rate and movement.
• Biophysical profiles (BPP) to assess the baby’s well-being through an ultrasound.
• Group B strep test to check for the presence of Group B streptococcus bacteria in the vagina and rectum.
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure and urinary protein to screen for pre-eclampsia.

Conclusion

The 38th week of gestation is a critical period where the baby undergoes significant developments in preparation for life outside the womb. For parents, it’s a time of anticipation and preparation, filled with excitement and sometimes anxiety. Understanding the changes happening at this stage can offer reassurance and help in preparing for the upcoming birth.