38 Weeks Pregnant
Reviewed by Safi Allah Khan
Medically reviewed by: Safi Allah Khan · Written by the Momi team · Last updated 20 October 2026
Quick answer: At 38 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a leek, about 49.8 cm (19.6 in) long. You're in the third trimester, in month 9, with 2 weeks to go until your due date. This week's milestone: gaining fat. Symptoms vary from person to person.
| Week 38 at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Trimester | Third |
| Month | 9 |
| Weeks to due date | 2 |
| Baby's size | About the size of a leek |
| Length | About 49.8 cm (19.6 in) |
| Weight | About 3.1 kg (6.8 lb) |
| This week | Gaining fat |
Sizes are typical averages. Before about 20 weeks, length is measured crown to rump; after that, head to heel.
Your baby at 38 weeks
Your baby is about the size of a leek and weighs about 3.1 kg (6.8 lb). The baby is gaining fat, and the lanugo hair is mostly gone.
Your body at 38 weeks pregnant
You may feel uncomfortable, restless or impatient. Swelling, back pain and pelvic pressure are common.
Things to do this week
- Attend your 38-week appointment.
- Ask what happens if you go past your due date.
- Stay in touch with your care team about any changes.
When to call your doctor or midwife
Contact your care team straight away if:
- your baby is moving less than usual or you can't feel them moving
- your waters break, especially if the fluid is green, brown, smelly or bloody
- you have vaginal bleeding
- you have constant, severe pain with no relief between contractions
- contractions are regular and coming every 5 minutes or more often (call for guidance), or any contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes
If something feels wrong, trust that feeling and call. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Track week 38 in Momi
Write a diary entry or letter to your baby in Momi before they arrive. Momi follows your pregnancy week by week with your baby's size and development, and keeps your diary, bump photos, appointments, kick counts and contractions in one place.
Download Momi free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Keep reading
← 37 weeks pregnant · All weeks · 39 weeks pregnant →
Sources
- ACOG: Changes During Pregnancy (infographic)
- ACOG: How to Tell When Labor Begins
- NHS: Signs that labour has begun
- NHS: Your baby's movements
Medical disclaimer: Momi and this website provide general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife; in an emergency call your local emergency number.
FAQ
How big is a baby at 38 weeks pregnant?
On average, a baby at 38 weeks is about the size of a leek: about 49.8 cm (19.6 in), about 3.1 kg (6.8 lb). These are typical averages, and healthy babies vary.
How many months is 38 weeks pregnant?
38 weeks pregnant is in the ninth month of pregnancy and the third trimester. Months don't divide evenly into 40 weeks, so different sources may label the month slightly differently.
What should I do at 38 weeks pregnant?
Attend your 38-week appointment. Ask what happens if you go past your due date.
Related guides
Track this in Momi
Momi is a free pregnancy tracker app for iPhone and Android that follows pregnancy week by week, estimates the due date, and keeps a pregnancy journal, weight log, kick counter and contraction timer in one place.
