What’s happening in week 38 of your pregnancy?
• On average, your baby weighs about 6.5 pounds (2.95 kilograms) and measures between 18 to 21 inches (45.7 to 53.3 centimeters) from head to toe now.
• Your baby’s toenails are grown. In fact, they’re long enough for a trim when he is born.
• The reproductive system is fully formed. Your baby’s testes have settled into position in the scrotum. If you’re having a girl, her labia are fully formed.
How is your baby’s brain developing?
• Your baby’s brain continues to grow and to the point where it weighs 14 ounces (nearly 400 grams) now.
• His brain will grow to about 85 percent of the adult size in the first five years of his life. Give your little one an early start in life in this area by consuming foods rich in choline, which will help his memory skills in the future.
What pregnancy symptom might you experience this week?
You may experience diarrhea in the last few weeks of pregnancy. It’s a normal indication that labor is coming. Here’s what you can do to ensure the continued health of your pregnancy:
• Drink plenty of water to replace the fluids you lose from any watery bowel movements.
• See your doctor. While most people will recover from diarrhea after a few days, you may need to get a prescription on the advice of your doctor if it doesn’t clear up.
Mom’s Tip of the Week
You may start to feel “the lightning crotch”, a sharp and painful sensation in the vaginal area. It occurs as your baby bumps into sensitive nerves in your pelvis. Don’t be alarmed when it happens – it’s not unusual to experience such symptom at this stage of your pregnancy. Stay off your feet as much as possible to help relieve the pressure and discomfort.
