Pregnancy Week 38

I am strong because I’ve been weak. I am fearless because I’ve been afraid. I am wise because I’ve been foolish. --Unknown

What happens to you?

You may begin to feel electrical buzzes down your legs and inside your vagina. This is caused from the baby hitting nerves as it settles into your pelvis.

You have probably chosen a labor coach, who may have attended childbirth classes with you. Be sure that you go over your birth plan with your coach, as well as with your doctor. Your coach will be your advocate (argue for you) if you are unable to assert your wishes during labor or delivery.

You may have asked your labor coach to cut the baby's cord. Let your coach know that the umbilical cord contains no nerves, so neither the mother nor the baby will feel the cut. The cord is also a tough, gristle-like substance (this protects the cord from being compressed during the pregnancy). It might be a little difficult to cut.

What happens to the baby?

The baby may be gaining as much as 1 ounce (about 28 grams) a day at this point. At this time, though, your weight gain has probably slowed or stopped. If you haven't written a letter to your baby, now would be a good time to do so.

Return to Pregnancy Calendar or continue to Week 39