Pregnancy Week 38

Your Baby's Growth and Development

By pregnancy week 38 your baby is probably around 7 pounds, though some babies may weigh as much as eight pounds. All of my baby's were born around 38 weeks, and they all weighed over 8 pounds (go figure). When it comes to a baby, you can just never tell. Your baby is still putting on weight this week and the next couple of weeks until delivery.

Changes In Your Body

You are probably bursting with excitement and wondering whether every twinge, pinch or pain may mean labor is imminent. Many women get their hopes up around 38 weeks pregnant that they will soon deliver.

I always found this time the most frustrating. One minute it would seem you are in labor, the next minute any signs of contractions would piddle out. One thing you can do to pass the time during 38 weeks pregnant is get your baby's car seat installed. Your hospital won't let you leave without one.

If you aren't sure how to install a car seat properly most fire stations offer free car seat checks. Even if you do think you installed your car seat correctly, you might consider getting it checked out anyway.

(accidentally, but this still poses a problem for your baby).

If you want to pass your time without thinking too much about false labor, why not spend some time getting some extra zzz’s. Getting comfortable enough to fall asleep while massively pregnant is not difficult if you have the right pillows.

Rather than try to mush, prod and poke three or more uncomfortable pillows, why not consider a Snoozer Full Body Pregnancy Pillow? A pregnancy pillow in full body form is so much more than a pregnancy pillow. It is an invaluable tool when you want to breastfeed your baby.

You can place a pillow under your knees, under your head and neck, lie on your side… do what it takes to get and stay comfortable. You’ll find you use these incredible full body natural goose or synthetic goose down pillows the best pillow you ever own, one you can use for a lifetime.

The APGAR

Many women wonder about the APGAR score their baby receives after birth. The Apgar score will not predict how smart your baby will be later in life or what neat things your baby will achieve. It is nothing more than a tool your doctor uses to assess your baby's well being in the minutes after delivery.

The Apgar evaluation is provided one minute after your baby is born and then again after five minutes. This helps your pediatrician assess whether your baby may need extra care after delivery.

Here are some of the things your doctor checks during this test:

• Your baby's color immediately following birth (pink or bluish for example)

• The respiration rate

• The heart rate

• The baby's muscle tone and reflexes

• Reflex irritability (Grimace or Vigorous cry)

The one minute score provides your doctor an estimate of how well your baby handled labor and delivery. A high score 5 minute score suggests your baby did not suffer any fetal distress. A lower score may suggest additional tests are necessary.

The second test assesses how well your baby is coping with his or her external environment. In some cases your doctor or pediatrician may recommend a little extra oxygen or attention for your baby. Most babies born at term will pass their Apgar evaluation with flying colors. A high score is between 8 and 10 points, suggesting your baby handled delivery just fine and is ready to face the outside world.