You’re 38 weeks along. Your back hurts, your shoes don't fit, and frankly, you're just done. Every little twinge in your abdomen feels like it could be "the one," and you’re probably oscillating between total excitement and a weird, quiet panic. Honestly, at this point, the baby is considered full-term. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), reaching 37 weeks means you’re in the home stretch, but 39 weeks is technically "full term." Still, at 38 weeks, your body is absolutely prepping for the exit.
It’s a waiting game. A boring, uncomfortable, slightly sweaty waiting game.
The problem is that the signs of labour at 38 weeks of pregnancy are notoriously tricky to pin down because they often look exactly like the late-pregnancy aches you’ve been dealing with for a month. You might feel a sharp jab in your pelvis and think, "This is it!" only for it to vanish after a glass of water and a nap. It’s frustrating.
Let's get into what is actually happening in your body and how to tell the difference between your uterus just practicing and the real-deal biological marathon that is about to start.
The "Lightening" and why you can suddenly breathe again
Have you noticed your bump looks a bit... lower? Like it shifted downstairs overnight? That’s called lightening, or "dropping." Basically, the baby’s head is descending into your true pelvis, engaging for birth.
For some people, this happens weeks before the first real contraction. For others, it’s hours before. You’ll know it’s happened because that soul-crushing heartburn might ease up slightly. You can take a full breath for the first time in months. The downside? Your bladder is now a pancake. You’ll be hitting the bathroom every twenty minutes because there is a five-to-eight-pound human sitting directly on your plumbing.
This isn't active labour. Not yet. But it is a massive signal that the "launch sequence" has been initiated.
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The Great Mucus Plug Mystery
People talk about the mucus plug like it’s this definitive "go" signal. It really isn't. You might see a thick, jelly-like glob in the toilet or on your underwear. It could be clear, pink, or even slightly brown—what doctors often call the "bloody show."
This happens because your cervix is beginning to thin (efface) and open (dilate). When that happens, the seal that’s been protecting your uterus from bacteria for nine months just pops out.
Does this mean you’re having a baby today? Maybe. But maybe not for another week. I’ve known women who lost their plug at 38 weeks and didn't see a single contraction for ten more days. It’s a sign of progress, sure, but don't call the midwife just because of a bit of goo. If you see bright red, heavy bleeding, though—that’s a different story. Call your doctor immediately, as that can indicate issues like placental abruption, which is rare but serious.
Braxton Hicks vs. Real Contractions: The "Ouch" Factor
This is where everyone gets confused. Braxton Hicks are those "practice" tightenings. They feel like your uterus is turning into a hard basketball for 30 seconds.
At 38 weeks, these get intense.
The main way to tell the difference is rhythm. Real labour is relentless. It has a tempo. If you sit down, drink a huge bottle of water, and the tightenings stop? That was a false alarm. If you change positions and the pain goes away? False alarm.
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Real contractions are like a wave. They start small, peak in intensity, and then fade out. And then they come back. They don't care if you're lying down or walking or doing a handstand—they keep coming, and they get closer together. Dr. Penny Simkin, a well-known childbirth educator and author of The Birth Partner, often suggests the "talk test." If you can talk through the contraction, you're likely in early, latent labour. If you have to stop, grip the kitchen counter, and breathe through it without speaking? It’s probably time to start timing them.
When the "Water Breaks" (It’s rarely like the movies)
Forget what you saw on TV. You probably won't be standing in a grocery store when a gallon of water hits the floor in a dramatic splash. For most people, it's a slow leak. A trickle.
You might think you’ve just peed yourself. It happens to the best of us at 38 weeks.
One way to check is the "pad test." Put on a clean maternity pad. If it stays wet or continues to fill up over an hour, it’s likely amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is usually clear or pale straw-colored. If it’s green or brown, call your provider instantly; that’s a sign of meconium (the baby's first poop), and they’ll want to monitor the baby’s heart rate closely.
Interestingly, only about 15% of women experience their water breaking before labour starts. For the majority, the bag of waters stays intact until they are well into the active phase of pushing.
The "Labour Flu" and other weird symptoms
Believe it or not, your gut often knows what's up before your brain does. Many women experience a bout of diarrhea or loose stools a day or two before labour begins. Your body is basically clearing out the pipes to make room for the baby to pass through the birth canal. It’s gross, but it’s efficient.
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You might also feel:
- An unexplained burst of energy (the "nesting" instinct is real, but at 38 weeks, it can feel like a frantic need to scrub the baseboards).
- A dull, constant backache that doesn't go away with heat or stretching.
- A feeling of "heaviness" or "electric shocks" in the pelvis (often called lightning crotch).
Understanding the 5-1-1 Rule
If you’re seeing these signs of labour at 38 weeks of pregnancy, you need a plan. Most hospitals and birth centers suggest the 5-1-1 rule.
- 5: Contractions are 5 minutes apart.
- 1: Each contraction lasts for at least 1 minute.
- 1: This pattern has continued for 1 hour straight.
If you hit this threshold, you aren't just "prepping." You are in active labour. At 38 weeks, your baby is ready. Their lungs are developed, their sucking reflex is primed, and they are just putting on the final layers of fat.
What to do right now
If you’re feeling "off" or "different" today, don't panic. Panic tenses the muscles, and you want your pelvic floor as relaxed as possible.
First, hydrate. Dehydration can actually cause fake contractions (irritable uterus), so drink 16 ounces of water and see if things settle. Second, eat a small, protein-rich meal. You’re going to need the energy later, and once you get to the hospital, they might only let you have ice chips.
Finally, check your bag. Ensure the car seat is actually installed—not just sitting in the box in the hallway. At 38 weeks, the "wait" could end in twenty minutes or two weeks. Both are completely normal. Trust your gut. If you feel like something isn't right, or if the baby's movements have slowed down, call your OB-GYN or midwife immediately. It is always better to go in for a "false alarm" than to ignore a real signal.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Download a contraction timer app now so you aren't fumbling with a stopwatch while in pain.
- Track fetal movement; you should still be feeling regular kicks or rolls, even if they feel more like "shoves" due to the cramped space.
- Rest. Seriously. If this is the start of labour, you might be awake for the next 24 to 48 hours. Sleep while you can.
- Keep your "go-bag" by the door. Include long phone charging cables and snacks for your partner.
- Review your birth plan one last time, but stay flexible. Labour rarely follows a script.