Your baby's intestines are full of meconium—a sticky, tar-like substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, shed skin cells, and lanugo. This will be their first bowel movement. Meanwhile, their eye color is present, though it is usually dark blue or gray and may change entirely over the first year of life as exposure to light builds melanin.
🍼 What's Happening With Your Baby
Now the size of a large leek, the baby is shedding the thick, waxy vernix caseosa into the amniotic fluid, which they swallow, adding to the meconium in their bowels.
The vocal cords are fully developed and primed for that first loud, piercing cry.
The baby's liver is storing complex starches that will be converted into glucose to fuel the brain during the intense transition to the outside world.
🤰 What You're Feeling This Week
Swelling in your feet and ankles may be at its worst. The massive uterus is heavily restricting blood flow back up from your legs. Elevate your feet above your heart whenever possible.
You might feel 'lightning crotch' more frequently as the baby's head grinds against the sensitive nerves of your cervix.
Anxiety and impatience often peak this week. You are physically exhausted and mentally ready to meet the baby, leading to the feeling of being 'done' with pregnancy.
The Vocal Cords Prime
The baby's vocal cords are strong and ready. The lungs are producing ample surfactant. They are fully prepared to take their first breath of air and announce their arrival to the world.
✅ What To Do This Week
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Finalize the hospital bag — Place the bag in the car or right by the front door. Ensure your insurance card, ID, and birth plan are easily accessible.
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Rest aggressively — You need energy for labor. Do not exhaust yourself with nesting. Take naps, watch movies, and conserve your physical strength.
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Watch for decreased movement — The baby is cramped, but they should still be moving regularly. Never assume a lack of movement is just because they are 'running out of room'. Call your doctor if kick counts drop.
"The physical toll is absolute. The weight, the pressure, the exhaustion. Your body has stretched to its maximum capacity. It is almost time to let go."
— A Note From Your Body, Week 38