Pregnancy week 38 brings you very close to the end of pregnancy.

Labor may begin naturally at any time, but an important medical distinction remains: 38 weeks is still early term under ACOG terminology, not full term.

The fetus looks very newborn-like, but development has not stopped. The brain, lungs and nervous system continue maturing, while some of the fine body hair known as lanugo disappears and the fingernails may now extend beyond the fingertips.

For the pregnant person, this is also an important prenatal-care week. A routine 38-week appointment may include checking:

• blood pressure;
• urine;
• fetal position;
• bump size;
• fetal movement;
• mental wellbeing.

If pregnancy continues beyond the due date, your maternity team may also begin discussing what happens after 40 or 41 weeks.

Quick answer: At 38 weeks pregnant, the fetus is very close to birth size and is continuing late-stage maturation. Most lanugo has disappeared except around the shoulders and upper arms, fingernails may extend beyond the fingertips, and scalp hair is becoming thicker. Pregnancy is early term from 37+0 through 38+6, while full term begins at 39+0.

Is 38 Weeks Pregnant Full Term?

Under ACOG terminology, no.

The classification is:

• Early term: 37 weeks 0 days through 38 weeks 6 days
• Full term: 39 weeks 0 days through 40 weeks 6 days
• Late term: 41 weeks 0 days through 41 weeks 6 days
• Postterm: 42 weeks 0 days and beyond

So:

38 weeks pregnant = early term.

This terminology matters because outcomes are not identical at 37–38 weeks compared with 39 weeks or later.

Why Does the NHS Sometimes Say “Full Term” at 38 Weeks?

Some patient-facing resources use “full term” more broadly.

The NHS week-38 page says the baby is “full term,” but ACOG uses a more precise gestational classification in which 38 weeks remains early term.

For accuracy, this article follows the ACOG definition.

Why Is 39 Weeks Considered Full Term?

ACOG notes that early-term delivery at 37–38 weeks is associated with higher newborn risks than delivery at 39 weeks or later.

For uncomplicated pregnancies without a medical reason for earlier delivery, nonmedically indicated birth before 39 weeks 0 days is generally discouraged.

This does not mean medically indicated delivery should be delayed.

If there is a maternal, fetal or placental reason for earlier birth, timing is individualized.

How Big Is the Baby at 38 Weeks?

By week 38, the fetus is close to its final birth length and weight.

Exact measurements vary substantially.

Near-term fetal size depends on:

• genetics;
• fetal sex;
• placental function;
• individual growth pattern;
• exact gestational age.

A single estimated size does not determine health.

Late-pregnancy growth is assessed using:

• fundal height;
• clinical examination;
• ultrasound when indicated.

What Is Developing at 38 Weeks?

MedlinePlus groups weeks 38–40 together as the final fetal-development phase.

During this period:

• lanugo is gone except around the upper arms and shoulders;
• fingernails may extend beyond the fingertips;
• small breast buds are present in both sexes;
• scalp hair becomes thicker and coarser.

Although the fetus looks mature, internal development continues.

Is Lanugo Mostly Gone at 38 Weeks?

Yes.

MedlinePlus states that during weeks 38–40, lanugo is usually gone except around:

• the shoulders;
• upper arms.

Lanugo is the fine hair that covered much of the fetal body earlier in pregnancy.

Some babies may still have visible lanugo after birth.

That can be normal.

What Happens to Fingernails at 38 Weeks?

The fingernails may now extend beyond the fingertips.

This is a normal late-pregnancy developmental feature.

Some newborns therefore arrive with surprisingly long fingernails.

Is Scalp Hair Thicker?

Yes.

MedlinePlus notes that scalp hair becomes coarser and thicker during weeks 38–40.

However, newborn hair varies dramatically.

Some babies are born with:

• thick hair;
• fine hair;
• very little visible hair.

All can be normal.

Do Babies Have Breast Buds Before Birth?

Yes.

MedlinePlus states that small breast buds are present in both male and female fetuses during weeks 38–40.

This is a normal response to fetal development and maternal hormones.

Is the Brain Still Developing at 38 Weeks?

Yes.

Reaching week 38 does not mean brain development has stopped.

Late pregnancy continues supporting:

• neurological maturation;
• movement coordination;
• feeding coordination;
• sleep regulation;
• sensory processing;
• breathing control.

This is one reason why unnecessary delivery before 39 weeks is generally avoided when the pregnancy is uncomplicated.

Are the Lungs Still Developing?

Yes.

Even at early term, lung maturation continues.

ACOG specifically notes that outcomes at 37–38 weeks differ from those at 39 weeks or later, which is one reason medically unnecessary early-term delivery is discouraged.

The fetus may be capable of breathing after birth, but continued maturation still has value.

Is the Baby Still Gaining Weight?

Yes.

The fetus can continue gaining:

• fat;
• muscle;
• body mass;

during the final weeks.

Weight gain supports:

• energy reserves;
• temperature regulation;
• adaptation after birth.

Is the Baby Still Moving?

Yes.

Fetal movement should continue until labor and birth.

The uterus is crowded, so movement may feel different.

You may notice more:

• rolling;
• stretching;
• pushing;
• twisting;
• localized kicks.

But reduced space is not a reason to ignore a clear reduction in movement.

Does Movement Become Weaker at 38 Weeks?

It can feel different, but a meaningful reduction is not something to dismiss as normal.

Continue noticing your baby’s usual movement pattern.

Contact maternity care if movement:

• becomes significantly weaker;
• becomes much less frequent;
• stops;
• changes clearly from the established pattern.

Should You Use a Home Doppler if Movement Changes?

No.

Hearing a heartbeat at home does not prove fetal wellbeing.

A home Doppler can create false reassurance.

Reduced or changed movement deserves professional maternity assessment.

Is the Baby Usually Head Down at 38 Weeks?

Most babies are head down by this stage.

Your maternity professional may check fetal position during the 38-week appointment by feeling your abdomen.

If presentation is uncertain, ultrasound may sometimes be used.

What Does Head Down Mean?

Head-down position is also called cephalic presentation.

It means the fetal head is positioned toward the cervix.

This is the most common presentation for vaginal birth.

What Does Engagement Mean?

Engagement means the baby’s head has moved lower into the pelvis.

You may notice:

• increased pelvic pressure;
• more bladder pressure;
• lower-looking bump;
• easier breathing.

Engagement does not tell you exactly when labor will begin.

Can Labor Start at 38 Weeks?

Yes.

Spontaneous labor can begin naturally at 38 weeks.

A birth at 38 weeks is classified as early term rather than preterm.

Should Labor Be Induced Just Because You Reached 38 Weeks?

Not routinely in an uncomplicated pregnancy.

ACOG recommends avoiding nonmedically indicated delivery before 39 weeks because early-term birth carries higher newborn risk than birth at 39 weeks or later.

However, medically indicated early delivery should not be delayed simply to reach 39 weeks.

What Are Signs Labor May Be Starting?

Possible signs include:

• regular contractions;
• mucus plug or “show”;
• back pain;
• increasing pelvic pressure;
• waters breaking;
• cervical changes.

Not everyone experiences these in the same order.

What Do True Labor Contractions Feel Like?

Labor contractions generally become increasingly:

• regular;
• stronger;
• longer;
• closer together.

Braxton Hicks usually remain irregular.

When in doubt, contact your maternity unit.

Are Braxton Hicks Still Normal at 38 Weeks?

Yes.

Practice contractions can be frequent in late pregnancy.

They may make the abdomen temporarily:

• tight;
• firm;
• uncomfortable.

They usually do not steadily become stronger and closer together.

What Is the Mucus Plug?

The mucus plug is thick cervical mucus that helped seal the cervix during pregnancy.

It may come away:

• all at once;
• gradually.

It can appear:

• clear;
• pink;
• blood streaked.

This is often called a show.

Does Losing the Mucus Plug Mean Labor Starts Immediately?

No.

Labor can follow:

• soon afterward;
• hours later;
• days later.

Some people do not notice the plug coming away at all.

What If There Is Heavy Bleeding?

Heavy bleeding is not the same as a blood-streaked mucus show.

Any significant late-pregnancy bleeding should be assessed urgently.

What Does It Mean if Your Waters Break?

The membranes surrounding the fetus have ruptured.

Amniotic fluid may appear as:

• a gush;
• a slow continuous trickle.

Contact your maternity service if you think your waters have broken.

Do Waters Always Break Before Labor?

No.

For some people, waters break before contractions.

For others, membranes rupture later during established labor.

Is Leaking Fluid Always Amniotic Fluid?

No.

Late pregnancy can also involve:

• urine leakage;
• increased vaginal discharge.

Because it can be difficult to tell the difference, suspected membrane rupture should be discussed with maternity care.

What Happens at the 38-Week Antenatal Appointment?

In the NHS antenatal schedule, the 38-week appointment can include:

• checking fetal position;
• measuring the bump;
• checking blood pressure;
• testing urine;
• discussing fetal movement;
• reviewing mental health;
• discussing options if pregnancy continues after 40 weeks.

Exact schedules vary internationally.

Why Is Blood Pressure Checked at 38 Weeks?

Late-pregnancy blood-pressure monitoring remains important because pre-eclampsia can develop even near the end of pregnancy.

The NHS week-38 guidance specifically notes blood-pressure assessment at this appointment.

Why Is Urine Checked?

The NHS notes that urine may be tested for protein because protein together with high blood pressure can be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

Urine results are interpreted alongside:

• blood pressure;
• symptoms;
• medical history.

Can Pre-Eclampsia Start at 38 Weeks?

Yes.

Pre-eclampsia can appear in the second half of pregnancy and even after delivery.

The NHS specifically highlights this possibility on its week-38 page.

What Symptoms of Pre-Eclampsia Need Attention?

Seek prompt professional assessment for:

• severe headache;
• visual changes;
• severe upper abdominal or rib pain;
• sudden major swelling;
• feeling seriously unwell.

Do not wait for a routine appointment if symptoms are concerning.

Is Group B Strep Still Relevant at 38 Weeks?

Yes.

ACOG’s patient guidance states that routine GBS screening is performed between 36 and 38 weeks.

Detailed ACOG guidance recommends universal vaginal-rectal screening at 36+0 through 37+6 weeks, which allows the result to remain useful for the expected delivery window.

So by week 38, many people will already have their result.

What If the GBS Result Is Positive?

ACOG states that if GBS is present, antibiotics are generally given through an IV once labor begins.

A positive result means bacterial colonization was detected.

It does not mean you have a sexually transmitted infection or that you are seriously ill.

What If the GBS Result Is Negative?

A negative culture generally means routine GBS antibiotics during labor are not required unless another clinical reason develops.

Your maternity team interprets the result in your individual context.

What If GBS Status Is Unknown When Labor Starts?

ACOG identifies situations in which antibiotics may be recommended when GBS status is unknown, including certain risk factors such as prolonged membrane rupture.

Tell the maternity team if:

• you were tested;
• results are pending;
• you had GBS in a prior pregnancy;
• you had GBS bacteriuria during this pregnancy.

What If You Are Having a Planned Cesarean?

The NHS notes that a planned elective cesarean is commonly scheduled when the pregnancy is at least 39 weeks, helping reduce newborn respiratory problems associated with earlier elective birth.

Timing depends on:

• individual medical circumstances;
• fetal health;
• maternal health.

If GBS Is Positive, Do You Need GBS Antibiotics for a Planned Cesarean?

ACOG states that GBS-specific antibiotics are not required if a planned cesarean occurs:

• before labor starts;
• with intact membranes.

However, pregnant patients should still generally be screened because labor or membrane rupture can happen before the planned operation.

What Symptoms Are Common at 38 Weeks?

Common late-pregnancy symptoms can include:

• Braxton Hicks contractions;
• pelvic pressure;
• backache;
• frequent urination;
• heartburn;
• constipation;
• hemorrhoids;
• leg cramps;
• sleep difficulty;
• swelling;
• increased vaginal discharge.

Symptoms vary from person to person.

Is Pelvic Pressure Normal?

Yes, especially if the baby’s head is low in the pelvis.

But contact maternity care if pelvic pressure occurs with:

• regular painful contractions;
• bleeding;
• fluid leakage;
• severe pain.

Is Frequent Urination Normal?

Yes.

A low fetal head can put significant pressure on the bladder.

Seek medical advice if urination becomes:

• painful;
• burning;
• associated with fever;
• associated with blood.

Is Backache Normal?

Yes.

Backache is common due to:

• fetal position;
• altered posture;
• pelvic pressure.

However, rhythmic or increasing back pain can sometimes accompany labor.

Is Heartburn Still Common?

Yes, although some people notice improvement if the baby has moved lower.

Helpful measures may include:

• smaller meals;
• avoiding trigger foods;
• remaining upright after eating.

Is Constipation Normal?

Yes.

Hormones and physical pressure can continue slowing bowel movement.

Helpful measures include:

• water;
• fiber-rich foods;
• appropriate activity.

Are Hemorrhoids Common?

Yes.

Pelvic pressure and constipation can worsen hemorrhoids.

Seek professional advice for significant pain or bleeding.

Is Swelling Normal?

Mild swelling can occur.

Sudden or severe swelling needs prompt evaluation, especially with:

• headache;
• visual changes;
• upper abdominal pain.

Is Vaginal Discharge Normal?

Increased discharge can occur late in pregnancy.

Contact a healthcare professional if it becomes:

• foul smelling;
• green or yellow;
• itchy;
• painful.

Watery leakage may need assessment for ruptured membranes.

Can Colostrum Leak at 38 Weeks?

Yes.

Some pregnant people notice yellow or clear colostrum from the breasts.

Others do not.

Neither pattern reliably predicts future milk supply.

Is the Hospital Bag Ready?

It should ideally be ready now.

Useful items may include:

• identification;
• maternity records;
• birth plan;
• toiletries;
• comfortable clothing;
• newborn clothes;
• postpartum supplies;
• phone charger;
• routine medicines.

Should You Keep the Car Seat Ready?

Yes.

If traveling home by car, make sure the newborn car seat is:

• appropriate;
• installed correctly;
• understood by whoever will use it.

Should You Know the Labor Contact Number?

Yes.

Have your maternity service’s phone number immediately available.

You should know whom to contact for:

• contractions;
• waters breaking;
• bleeding;
• reduced fetal movement;
• urgent symptoms.

Is It Time to Discuss What Happens After 40 Weeks?

Yes.

The NHS specifically includes this discussion at the 38-week appointment.

This gives you time to understand options before reaching the due date.

What Happens if You Are Still Pregnant After 40 Weeks?

Pregnancy does not automatically become abnormal at 40 weeks 1 day.

Your maternity service may continue:

• routine checks;
• movement assessment;
• blood-pressure monitoring;
• growth assessment where indicated.

Plans depend on the healthcare system and individual pregnancy.

What Happens After 41 Weeks?

The NHS notes that if pregnancy continues beyond 41 weeks, induction may be discussed because risks can gradually increase as pregnancy continues.

The timing and method of induction depend on:

• maternal health;
• fetal wellbeing;
• cervical status;
• pregnancy history;
• local guideline.

Does Everyone Need Induction at 41 Weeks?

Not every healthcare system uses exactly the same schedule.

Your maternity team should discuss:

• benefits;
• potential risks;
• alternatives;
• monitoring.

This should be an individualized decision.

What Is Induction of Labor?

Induction means medically starting labor rather than waiting for spontaneous labor.

The NHS describes methods that may include medication placed in the vagina to help begin cervical changes and contractions.

Other methods may also be used depending on circumstances.

Should You Still Exercise at 38 Weeks?

Many people with uncomplicated pregnancies can continue gentle activity.

Walking may help maintain:

• mobility;
• circulation;
• comfort.

Do not push through:

• pain;
• dizziness;
• contractions;
• unusual breathlessness.

Should You Sleep on Your Side?

Side sleeping remains appropriate.

If you wake on your back, simply turn back onto your side.

Use pillows if they improve comfort.

Are Pelvic Floor Exercises Still Useful?

Yes.

Pelvic-floor exercises can support:

• bladder control;
• pelvic support;
• postpartum recovery.

They can also continue after delivery when medically appropriate.

Is Sex Safe at 38 Weeks?

For many uncomplicated pregnancies, sexual activity remains possible.

Ask your maternity provider if you have:

• bleeding;
• placenta complications;
• fluid leakage;
• medical advice to avoid intercourse.

If your waters have broken, contact maternity care because infection risk becomes relevant.

Can You Travel at 38 Weeks?

Long-distance travel is generally increasingly impractical.

Labor could begin at any time.

Consider:

• distance from maternity care;
• insurance;
• airline restrictions;
• transport options.

Discuss essential travel with your maternity healthcare professional.

When Should You Seek Medical Help at 38 Weeks?

Contact maternity care promptly if:

• fetal movement is reduced or stops;
• you think your waters have broken;
• contractions become regular or increasingly painful;
• you have significant vaginal bleeding;
• you develop severe headache;
• vision becomes blurred or abnormal;
• swelling becomes sudden or severe;
• you have severe pain under the ribs;
• you have severe abdominal pain;
• you have chest pain;
• you develop sudden severe breathlessness;
• you feel seriously unwell.

Reaching 38 weeks does not mean concerning symptoms should simply be watched at home.

Pregnancy Week 38 FAQs

Is 38 weeks full term?

Under ACOG terminology, no. Week 38 is early term. Full term begins at 39 weeks 0 days.

Is 38 weeks premature?

No. Preterm is less than 37 weeks. Week 38 is early term.

What develops at 38 weeks?

MedlinePlus notes that during weeks 38–40 most lanugo is gone, fingernails may extend past the fingertips, small breast buds are present and scalp hair becomes thicker.

Is lanugo gone by 38 weeks?

Most of it usually is, although it can remain around the upper arms and shoulders.

Can the baby’s fingernails extend past the fingertips?

Yes. This is a normal late-pregnancy finding.

Is scalp hair thicker now?

Yes. MedlinePlus describes scalp hair as becoming thicker and coarser in weeks 38–40.

Should fetal movement continue?

Yes. Less space changes how movement feels but does not make meaningful reduced movement something to ignore.

Is GBS testing still relevant at 38 weeks?

Yes. ACOG’s patient guidance places routine screening between 36 and 38 weeks.

What happens if GBS is positive?

Antibiotics are usually given through an IV during labor when indicated.

What happens at a 38-week appointment?

The NHS schedule includes checking fetal position, bump size, blood pressure, urine, fetal movement and mental wellbeing, plus discussing what happens if pregnancy continues beyond 40 weeks.

Why is urine checked?

Protein in the urine, particularly with high blood pressure, can help identify possible pre-eclampsia.

Is an elective cesarean usually planned at 38 weeks?

The NHS notes that planned elective cesareans are commonly booked at at least 39 weeks unless there is a reason for earlier delivery.

Can labor start naturally at 38 weeks?

Yes. Spontaneous labor can begin at any time.

Should uncomplicated pregnancy be electively delivered at 38 weeks?

Generally not without a medical indication. ACOG discourages nonmedically indicated early-term delivery before 39 weeks.

How many weeks remain at 38 weeks pregnant?

Approximately two weeks remain until a 40-week estimated due date, although labor can naturally occur before or after that date.

What Comes Next?

Pregnancy Week 39 marks the beginning of the full-term period under ACOG terminology.

At 39 weeks:

• the pregnancy becomes full term;
• fetal brain and lung maturation continues;
• movement remains important;
• spontaneous labor may begin at any time;
• birth planning shifts from preparation to immediate readiness.

ACOG defines full term as 39 weeks 0 days through 40 weeks 6 days.

Previous: Pregnancy Week 37
Next: Pregnancy Week 39
Tool: Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

Medical References

This article is based on current information from established medical organizations, including:

• NHS — 38 Weeks Pregnant
• NHS — Antenatal Care and Appointments
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Definition of Term Pregnancy
• ACOG — Group B Strep and Pregnancy
• ACOG — Prevention of Group B Streptococcal Early-Onset Disease in Newborns
• ACOG — Avoidance of Nonmedically Indicated Early-Term Deliveries
• MedlinePlus — Fetal Development

Editorial & Medical Information

Last content review: October 2026

This page provides general educational pregnancy information only. It does not diagnose labor, ruptured membranes, pre-eclampsia, GBS-related complications, reduced fetal movement or other pregnancy conditions; determine whether induction or cesarean birth is appropriate; prescribe treatment; or replace individualized maternity care.

This article follows ACOG’s precise gestational-age terminology, under which 38 weeks is early term and full term begins at 39 weeks.

Prenatal schedules and GBS protocols can vary by country and healthcare system. Contact a qualified maternity healthcare professional for individual advice.

Conclusion

Pregnancy week 38 is the final week of the early-term period. Under ACOG terminology, early term runs from 37 weeks 0 days through 38 weeks 6 days, while full term begins at 39 weeks 0 days.

Fetal appearance is now increasingly newborn-like. MedlinePlus notes that during weeks 38–40, most lanugo has disappeared except around the shoulders and upper arms, fingernails may extend beyond the fingertips, small breast buds are present in both sexes and scalp hair becomes thicker and coarser.

This is also an important prenatal-care week. The NHS 38-week appointment includes blood-pressure and urine checks, assessment of fetal position and growth, review of fetal movement and discussion of what may happen if pregnancy continues beyond the due date.

If GBS screening has been performed, your result should now be part of labor planning. A positive result generally means IV antibiotics are given during labor when indicated to reduce the risk of newborn infection.

Although labor can naturally begin now, an uncomplicated pregnancy does not need elective delivery simply because 38 weeks has been reached. ACOG discourages nonmedically indicated early-term delivery before 39 weeks because neonatal outcomes are generally better from 39 weeks onward.

Continue monitoring your baby’s usual movement pattern and keep your hospital preparations complete. Reduced fetal movement, significant bleeding, suspected waters breaking, severe headache with vision changes, sudden major swelling or other concerning symptoms require prompt maternity assessment.