Fetal development week 38

The article was consulted professionally by Bsck II Pham Thi Xuan Minh – Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Share99 Hai Phong International Health Hub.

Fetal development of 38 weeks has slowed, almost all the bodies begin to come into operation. Most of the changes that occurred this week are small but play a very important role.

1. How does a 38-week fetus develop?

Entering the 38th week of pregnancy, also understood as week 36 after conception, the circumfer circumferction of the fetal head is now equal to that of the abdominal ring. Many pregnant mothers will wonder how much weight does a 38-week fetus weigh now? The mother is in the final stages of pregnancy, the baby can weigh about 3kg and is 55cm long, the equivalent of a small watermelon or a sprig of leek. The fat layer makes up the majority of the fetal body mass, which has the effect of keeping the baby warm after the baby is born in the external environment.

Specifically the development of the fetus at 38 weeks is expressed in the following points:

1.1. Growing toenails

The change is clearly visible in the tiny paws of the child. The baby's toenails begin to grow out, and the length has reached the tip of the toe.

1.2. Grip reflexes

Actions such as fist and hand sucking are also performed more often by the baby. The training during this time allows babies to hold their mother's hand and suck on the milk immediately after birth.

1.3. Eye color

Fetal lenses have unstable pigmentation, so if babies are born with light-colored eyes, they are still capable of changing when exposed to external light, commonly turning darker and darker. You'll know what your child's eyes are when she's 1 year old.

1.4. Shedding of the fluffy layer

Along with the disappearance of the sebaceous wax layer, almost the entire silky soft fluffy layer covers the baby's body, which has the effect of heating the fetus when inside the uterus, they are falling out in preparation for the day when the baby enters the outside world.

1.5. Development of the lungs

Fetal development week 38

Fetal lungs are still in the final stages of m maturity

The fetal lungs are still in the complete adult stage. This agency produces more and more substances with surface activity, which acts to keep the airbags in the baby's lungs from collapsing and fastening together as the baby breathes.

1.6. Ready to cry

Also in the lungs, the sound cords have been strengthened and developed, helping the baby to be ready to cry and communicate with parents through long short cries.

1.7. Brain and nervous system

The fetal brain is still growing more complex, creating deep grooves, also known as wrinkles, and adding surface area to neurons. The brain begins to control the functions of the whole body, from respiration to regulating heart rate. The fetus will continue to receive additional fat to regulate the brain and nervous system, thereby increasing the ability to adapt to all the effects from the external environment waiting for the baby.

1.8. Bowel movements

The fetus will swallow amniotic fluid, which consists of fallen bamboo shoots, sebaceous wax, dead skin cells and waste products from the intestines and bile. All of this will then be excreted outside in the form of dark blue stools in the baby's first diaper.

In detail about the development of the fetus week by week, every parent should find out:

2. Notes for mothers during gestational week 38

2.1. Monitor for late pregnancy complications

Symptoms of mild painful swelling in the feet and ankles during this period may not be worrying. However, if the mother notices that the swelling is too sudden, can spread to the hands, face and area around the eyes or gain weight quickly, it is advisable to go to the hospital for an immediate check-up. This can be a sign of pre-production – a dangerous pregnancy accident that usually appears at the stage of the days near birth.

2.2. Try to spend time sleeping

It can be difficult for women to sleep at night and often experience strange dreams due to the psychological pressures of being a mother. If possible, take advantage of sleeping during the day as these are the last opportunities for mom to have time to sleep, rest and relax for the upcoming labor and post-birth days.

2.3. Perform exercises

Mothers can walk gently, perform Squat movements for pregnant women near birth or combine more with meditation and yoga. All of the above exercises are very beneficial for the process of labor and childbirth of the mother, which makes them easier, as well as alleviates the pain caused by spasms and keeps the spirit comfortable, ready for the big day to come.

2.4. Wear airy clothes

Fetal development week 38

Pregnant women should wear cool clothes

The effects of these hormones, along with increasing blood flow to the skin and increasing metabolism during pregnancy, can cause the mother to sweat more than usual. Dressing widely with a thin fabric, drinking plenty of water or using moisturizing powder for pregnant women not only helps mothers stay dry, but also avoids rashes caused by heat.

Besides, do not forget to take advantage of cleaning the house, as well as review the bags of hospitalized items to give birth, to get ready to welcome your baby. The development of a 38-week fetus in the pelvic area can make the mother feel heavier, however maintaining a gentle walking and practicing habit will limit this condition, even very beneficial for the date of birth.

Recommended videos:

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The mother should also go to the obstetrics center for regular monitoring and timely treatment if abnormalities are detected. In the last 3 months of pregnancy, the health of both mother and baby should be closely monitored and examined. Pregnant women need:

  • Know the real signs of labor to get to the hospital in a timely manner, affecting the health of the fetus.
  • Distinguish amniotic fluid and vaginal discharge for timely processing, avoiding premature birth, pregnancy failure, still still death.
  • Special care when bleeding appears in the last 3 months of pregnancy needs urgent emergency to ensure the life of both mother and baby.
  • Monitor the amount of amniotic fluid regularly, continuously.
  • Monitor the weight of the fetus for the last 3 months to assess the development of the baby and the dosage of possible risks at birth.
  • The monitoring team is equally forward, the fetus is retested and needs to be closely monitored by a doctor and given appropriate direction.
  • Distinguish the psychological mound, labor mound and machine pregnancy to get to the hospital in a timely manner.

The full maternity service at Share99 makes the pregnancy process of pregnant women more gentle and safe. During the pregnancy process, pregnant women will be examined by leading doctors in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department with high professional qualifications, experienced, giving advice and directions for the best treatment for the health of both mother and baby.

For more information about packages of maternity services, please contact Share99 Health Hubs and Clinics nationwide.

For direct advice, please click hotline number or register online HERE. In addition, you can register for remote consultation HERE

Source reference: Webmd.com, Mayoclinic.org

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SEE MORE:

  • Photos of 12-week fetuses can be viewed in detail through this article
  • Week 1 pregnant woman's change
  • 12-week-old pregnancy ultrasound: One of 3 particularly important milestones

About: John Smith

b1ffdb54307529964874ff53a5c5de33?s=90&r=gI am the author of Share99.net. I had been working in Vinmec International General Hospital for over 10 years. I dedicate my passion on every post in this site.

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