In the 38th week of your pregnancy , in the ninth month, you're halfway down your pregnancy journey. The baby inside your womb has grown a lot by this time and they have taken the position to slowly move out of your womb. But at this stage, you'll see a sea change in your body and mind 

What can you expect from your baby-to-be? 

By this time, your baby is “full term” and all the organs and physical features are majorly developed. So, here are the developments that you can see with clarity through tests and ultrasound scans: 

• The baby's weight during this time is around 3.2 kg. However, the little one's length is between 48cm and 52cm from the top to bottom. 
• The fine hair or “lanugo” that covers the baby's body, has fallen by now. Therefore, if you give birth to your baby at this stage, there are chances that you'll give birth to a bald baby. 
• There is white and creamy substance in your baby's body, also known as “vernix.” It keeps the baby's skin safe. When the baby leaves the comfort of your womb, patches will be on the baby's skin. 
• The baby's intestine is expected to improve at this stage. They tend to swallow the amniotic fluid. Along with the amniotic fluid, the baby's intestine will shed bile, cells, and other waste products. 
• The eye color of the baby will be bluish-gray or brownish.
• Their hands will have a better grasp. 
• The brain and the nervous system will be developed at this stage. 
• If you happen to give birth to the little one during this time, the baby will weep and wail after being born. That means the vocal cords at this point. 
• The lungs are also stronger during this time. 

What can you expect from your body and mind? 

In the 38th week of pregnancy, as your baby is ready to leave your womb, your body is also slowly getting ready to give birth. 

• Since visiting the healthcare practitioner is the norm during pregnancy, checking your health and the health of the baby-to-be becomes more important. You'd, after all, need to find out whether your baby has taken the head-down position, and has gone down into the pelvis region. 
• You'll experience painful contractions or Braxton Hicks Contractions
• The cervix ripens 
• You'll notice signs of water breaking 
• You'll experience swelling in your entire body
• The breasts are full of milk and ready for breastfeeding your baby after birth
• You'll feel tired in the body and mind 

To deal with this stage of your life, you'd have to stay active, stay hydrated, and keep your hospital bags packed. Of course, getting some rest is very important.