38 weeks of pregnancy is an exciting phase in which you count the days until birth. This stage, which can be considered the last stages of the pregnancy period, which is considered to be an average of 40 weeks, is included in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Although the birth usually takes place in the 40th week of pregnancy, this may vary from pregnancy to pregnancy and it is considered normal to take place 2 weeks earlier or 2 weeks later on average. For this reason, births that occur at 38 weeks are also considered to be on time births, not premature births. The 38th week of pregnancy is usually a time when parents complete the final preparations for everything to be complete both during the birth process and in the postpartum period.
38 Weeks of Pregnancy Changes in the Mother
38 weeks of pregnancy causes some changes in the mother and baby. The baby’s development and the approaching birth are the main reasons for these natural changes. Knowing about the changes can help to manage the process with less anxiety. So, what changes can occur in the mother at 38 weeks of pregnancy?
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38 Week Pregnancy Pains
The most common complaints experienced by expectant mothers in the 38th week of pregnancy are pregnancy pains that intensify during these weeks. The main cause of these contractions is the growth of the baby and the enlargement of the uterus. These contractions are also known as false labor pains. The most prominent feature that distinguishes these contractions from real labor pains is that the contractions are irregular and felt mostly in the anterior part of the abdomen. These contractions disappear with rest and do not cause the uterus to open. 38. it is very normal to experience these contractions during the week.
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Menstrual Pain at 38 Weeks of Pregnancy
the complaint “I am 38 weeks pregnant and I have pain like menstrual cramps” is quite common. In this pregnancy, pain like menstrual cramps can also occur in the early stages. However, it increases especially in the last weeks. The main reason for these pains is the growth of the uterus and the baby’s head taking the birth position. The baby’s head, which turns downwards into the birth canal, presses on the pelvic floor at this stage and this is the reason why you experience pains similar to menstrual cramps. You can relieve these pains by changing your lying position and resting.
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38 Weeks of Pregnancy Abdominal Stiffness and Pain
At 38 weeks pregnant, expectant mothers often complain that their abdomen feels hard. at 38 weeks of pregnancy, abdominal pain also accompanies this feeling of hardening. Abdominal hardening felt at 38 weeks of pregnancy is quite normal. This is due to the growing baby and uterus. Each expectant mother may feel this hardening differently, but basically, abdominal hardening and accompanying pain during pregnancy do not pose any risk to pregnancy.
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Headache at 38 Weeks of Pregnancy
Mothers may experience headaches at any stage of pregnancy. The most obvious reason for this is the changing hormone pattern and the body’s difficulty in adapting to this change. However, increased blood volume and blood circulation, insomnia, fatigue, not consuming enough water and prenatal stress are also among the causes of headaches at 38 weeks of pregnancy. Resting well, staying away from stress as much as possible and drinking plenty of water will help reduce your headaches.
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38 Weeks Pregnancy Inguinal Pain
At 38 weeks of pregnancy, groin pain is caused by the growing baby putting pressure on the pelvic floor. The gradual thinning of the uterus in this process and therefore feeling the baby’s movements much more clearly are also among the causes of these pains. Resting as much as possible and avoiding heavy physical activities will relieve your pain.
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Heartburn at 38 Weeks
One of the most common complaints during pregnancy is heartburn and nausea. 38. the main reason for heartburn during the week is that the uterus reaches almost its maximum size and thus presses on both the stomach and intestines.
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Back Pain at 38 Weeks of Pregnancy
At 38 weeks of pregnancy, back pain and lower back pain are also very common complaints. During this period, the growth of the baby, the enlargement of the uterus and the change in the center of gravity of the body cause posture changes in the mother and this is the main cause of back and lower back pain. Supporting the back and lumbar region with pillows while sitting or lying down will help alleviate your pain.
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38 Weeks of Pregnancy Frequent Urination
At 38 weeks of gestation, the baby has taken the birth position and started to move downwards. Therefore, the baby puts pressure on the bladder and this is the main reason for the mother to urinate frequently.
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Sleepiness at 38 Weeks of Pregnancy
The first and last trimesters of pregnancy are the most intense periods of changes in the mother’s body. For this reason, increased hormone levels and the baby’s development at 38 weeks of pregnancy can make you feel tired and sleepy all the time. With a balanced diet and good rest, you can make this process easier.
38 Weeks Pregnancy Birth Symptoms
At 38 weeks there is a possibility of delivery. You should definitely ask your doctor about the possibility of labor at 38 weeks. Because pelvic examination and other controls give an idea about this. The symptoms that the expectant mother will feel can be summarized as water breaking, bleeding, frequent and regular contractions.
Changes in the Baby at 38 Weeks of Pregnancy
38 weeks of pregnancy is a period when the baby also changes and grows. at 38 weeks, there is an increase in baby movements, an increase in weight and more brain development. 38-week pregnancy ultrasound images are much clearer than previous weeks. We can summarize the changes that take place as follows:
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38 Weeks Pregnancy Baby Weight and Height
At 38 weeks of pregnancy, it is normal to wonder how big the baby is getting. At this stage of pregnancy, your baby is about 47 – 50 centimeters long and weighs around 3000 – 3100 grams.
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38 Weeks Decrease in Baby Movements
It is quite normal for the baby’s movements to decrease as the birth approaches. This is because your baby’s range of movement is restricted as it grows. At the same time, your baby is resting in order to gather energy for the birth and it is quite normal for your baby’s movements to decrease.
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At 38 Weeks Increased Baby Movements
At 38 weeks of pregnancy, the baby’s movements are not expected to increase compared to previous periods. However, it is normal for the mother to feel that the baby is more active. In fact, your baby is not more active during this period. However, since the thinning of the uterus and the more developed muscle and bone system of the baby cause you to feel even the slightest movement much more clearly, it is normal to think that your baby is more mobile.
Preparing for Birth at 38 Weeks of Pregnancy
It is very important for mothers and fathers to prepare for the birth in the 38th week, which is a period in the last stages of pregnancy and only a few weeks before the birth. This period is an ideal time for you to prepare a birth bag that contains everything you and your baby may need in the postpartum period . In this period when you can complete the missing items in your birth bag and search for other products you may need , you can prepare for the birth by using certain products and have a more comfortable postpartum process. You can start using nipple balm during this period of pregnancy to make the breastfeeding process, which is one of the most difficult issues for mothers after birth, much more comfortable. Organic Nipple Balm helps moisturize and relax the nipples that become sensitive while breastfeeding. You can use this product before giving birth and you do not need to wipe it off while breastfeeding.