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Pregnancy Week by Week: Week 38...
Week 38
What Is Happening To Your Body
Frequent urination is very likely from now until the time of your birth because your baby is lying deep in your pelvis, leaving your bladder compressed.
This may be a good time to consult your doctor regarding circumcision, if you have not already. The decision may depend upon religion or personal choice.
Some women experience depression late in pregnancy. This can be due to a combination of factors: anxiety about the birth and arrival of the baby, fatigue from lack of sleep, pain and discomfort and a desire to be done with pregnancy and get their bodies back. If you feel this way, know that you are not alone. Talk to your partner and healthcare provider for tips and support.
What Is Happening To Your Baby
Your baby measures approximately 19.6 inches (49.8 cm) long from head to heel, or roughly the length of a leek. At this point your baby weighs 6.5 to 7.0 pounds (2.9 to 3.2 kg).
Believe it or not, your baby may have taken its first bowel movement. The waste is a greenish-black substance called meconium and either passed in the womb or is stored in its intestines and will be excreted after birth.
Your baby is practicing breathing and urinating, and can use his or her fingers to grasp very tightly.
What Is Happening This Week? 
Ultrasound images courtesy of GE Healthcare
The clinical images and information presented in this application represent normal fetal growth during a typical pregnancy. The images and information are to be used for educational purposes only and not for diagnostic purposes. Please consult a licensed physician regarding any specific questions pertaining to your pregnancy.
