At 38 weeks pregnant you are in the third trimester, with about 2 weeks to go until a 40-week due date. Weeks are counted from the first day of your last period, so this is roughly month 9 of pregnancy.
How big is your baby at 38 weeks?
Around week 38, your baby is often compared to a leek. Fruit and vegetable comparisons are a friendly way to picture the size, not an exact measurement.
From the INTERGROWTH-21st international standard (University of Oxford), the median estimated fetal weight at 38 weeks is about 3.01 kg. Most healthy babies fall between roughly 2.22 kg and 3.85 kg (about the 2nd to 98th percentile). Scan estimates carry some margin of error, so a number on its own is rarely a reason to worry. Our guide on reading the weight on your scan report explains more, and the baby weight checker lets you enter your own report.
The third trimester runs from week 28 until birth. The baby gains most of its weight now, and your body prepares for labour.
Your body at 38 weeks
You may lose your mucus plug and feel strong practice contractions. Rest as much as you can.
What is going on
You may notice a thicker discharge or the mucus plug passing, which can be a sign that your cervix is changing. This does not always mean labour is about to start.
What can help
Rest, eat well and keep in touch with your doctor about what to watch for.
Other weeks
36 weeks pregnant · 37 weeks pregnant · 39 weeks pregnant · 40 weeks pregnant
See all weeks on the pregnancy week by week page, or try the interactive week-by-week guide.