Pregnancy Week 38

"Your baby will suck his/her thumb and play with the umbilical cord in utero. "

Some babies finish maturing earlier than 40 weeks, but others require more gestational time and are healthier if born closer to 41 weeks. The last two weeks of fetal development are among the most important. Don't rush now!
Your baby is receiving maternal antibodies that will provide immunities to protect baby for the first months of life. Since antibodies are large molecules, they don't cross the placenta until very late in pregnancy, when they are needed most. Stay positive about the great developments that are happening late in pregnancy!
Even though your baby has technically reached "full term", many babies aren't fully ready for life outside the womb and benefit from their last weeks of development in the womb.
Your baby will determine the perfect time to be born. The best research has determined that it likely baby's lung maturity that determines when labor starts. Unless medically indicated, it's always best to let your baby choose their birth day.
Your baby will produce oxytocin at the same levels as mother during labor. High levels of oxytocin in both baby and mother ensure that they are ready to fall in love with each other after birth.
Your baby is now 16 - 19 inches long and weighs between 5.5 to 7 lbs.