Pregnancy: Week 38

Fetus in uterus, with detail of development at 32nd week and 40th week.

What can you expect?

Believe it or not, your baby is almost here. You may have noticed how your baby responds to sounds, warmth, cold, and light. You may even know what kind of music your baby likes.

By now, you have a better idea of what to expect during delivery. You may have talked about your birth preferences with your doctor. But even if you expect a vaginal birth, it is a good idea to learn about cesarean births. Cesarean birth means that your baby is born through a cut (incision) in your lower belly. In some cases it may be the best choice for the health of you and your baby.

This care sheet can help you understand cesarean births. It also gives you information about what to expect after your baby is born.

What should you know?

Here are some ways to care for yourself and some things to think about during this time.

Learn about cesarean birth

  • Most C-sections are unplanned. They are done because of problems that occur during labor. These problems might include:
    • Labor that slows or stops.
    • High blood pressure or other problems for you.
    • Signs of distress in the baby. These signs may include a very fast or slow heart rate.
  • Although you and your baby will likely do well after C-section, it is major surgery. It has more risks than a vaginal delivery.
  • In some cases, a planned C-section may be safer than a vaginal delivery. This may be the case if:
    • You have a health problem, such as a heart condition.
    • The baby isn't in a head-down position for delivery. This is called a breech position.
    • The uterus has scars from past surgeries. This could increase the chance of a tear in the uterus.
    • There is a problem with the placenta.
    • You have an infection, such as genital herpes, that could be spread to the baby.
    • You are having twins or more.
  • Because of the risks of C-section, planned C-sections generally should be done only for medical reasons. And a planned C-section should be done at 39 weeks or later unless there is a medical reason to do it sooner.

Know what to expect after delivery, and plan for the first few weeks at home

  • You, your baby, and your partner or support person will get identification bands. Only people with matching bands can pick up the baby from the nursery.
  • You will learn how to feed, diaper, and bathe your baby. And you will learn how to care for the umbilical cord stump. If your baby will be circumcised, you will also learn how to care for that.
  • Ask people to wait to visit you until you are at home. And ask them to wash their hands before they touch your baby.
  • If you can, have another adult in your home for at least 2 or 3 days after the birth.
  • During the first 2 weeks, limit when friends and family can visit. This can help you and your baby get enough rest.
  • Do not allow visitors who have colds or infections. Be sure all visitors are up to date with their vaccinations.
  • Never let anyone smoke around your baby.
  • Try to nap when the baby naps.

Be aware of postpartum depression

  • "Baby blues" are common for the first 1 to 2 weeks after birth. You may cry or feel sad or irritable.
  • Sometimes these feelings last longer and are more intense. This is called postpartum depression.
  • If your symptoms last for more than a few weeks or you feel very depressed, ask your doctor for help.
  • If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, call 911 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255 right away.
  • Postpartum depression can be treated. Support groups and counseling can help. Sometimes medicine can also help.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have sudden, severe pain in your belly.
  • You passed out (lost consciousness).
  • You have a seizure.
  • You have severe vaginal bleeding. This means you are soaking through a pad each hour for 2 or more hours.
  • You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
  • You see or feel the umbilical cord.
  • You think you are about to deliver your baby and can't make it safely to the hospital.

Call your doctor now or seek medical care right away if:

  • You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
  • You have a fever.
  • You have new or more belly pain.
  • You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
    • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
    • Swelling in your leg or groin.
    • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish, depending on your usual skin color.
  • You have signs of preeclampsia, such as:
    • Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet.
    • New vision problems (such as dimness or blurring, or seeing spots).
    • A severe headache.
  • You have a sudden release of fluid from your vagina. (You think your water broke.)
  • You've been having regular contractions for an hour. This means that you've had at least 6 contractions within 1 hour, even after you change your position and drink fluids.
  • You notice that your baby has stopped moving or is moving less than normal.
  • You have any vaginal bleeding or spotting.
  • You have signs of heart failure, such as:
    • New or increased shortness of breath.
    • New or worse swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
    • Sudden weight gain, such as more than 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week.
    • Feeling so tired or weak that you cannot do your usual activities.
  • You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
    • Pain or burning when you urinate.
    • A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
    • Pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back.
    • Blood in your urine.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You have new or worse vaginal discharge.
  • You have skin changes, such as a rash, itching, or a yellow color to your skin.
  • You feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for more than a few days.
  • You have other concerns about your pregnancy.