Pregnancy Week 38 - Full Term! Baby Is Ready to Be Born

Your baby is nearly full term, and all organ systems are mature and functioning. The lungs are producing plenty of surfactant and are ready to breathe air. The brain and nervous system are continuing to develop but are mature enough for life outside the womb. Your baby is still gaining about half an ounce of fat per day. The firm grasp reflex is strong, and your baby is practicing sucking movements. The chest is becoming more prominent, and the breasts may be slightly enlarged due to your hormones.

You may be feeling very impatient and uncomfortable at this stage. Your provider is checking your cervix for progress at each weekly visit. You might be dilated 1-3 centimeters already, though this does not necessarily predict when labor will begin. You may have more vaginal discharge, and the mucous plug may pass. Some women experience a "bloody show" — a small amount of blood-tinged mucus that indicates the cervix is changing. Braxton Hicks contractions may be more frequent and intense.