Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 (Opens in new tab) or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
Pregnancy at week 38
Your baby
Your baby is now ready to be born. They may still have some lanugo – fine hair – on their body, but it has mostly disappeared by now. They are probably still covered in vernix, a white, creamy film that protects their skin from the amniotic fluid they are surrounded by in your uterus.
The meconium inside your baby's bowel can sometimes be released during labour. If this happens, it would turn the amniotic fluid green. Your baby would then need to be monitored more closely since it could be a sign they are in distress.
Your body
You could go into labour at any time between now and 42 weeks. You might notice early signs of labour, which include pressure in your pelvis, cramps or tightening like period pains, backache or diarrhoea. You might have a 'show' – when a plug of mucus comes out of your vagina – or your waters might break, either as a trickle or a gush.
You will know if you are in labour when you have strong, regular contractions that last for at least a minute each.
You are probably feeling tired and uncomfortable, but some women get a burst of energy in the last few weeks of pregnancy. You may feel like you need to prepare the house for the baby. Just be careful not to overexert yourself, and make regular time to rest too.
Things to remember
Every labour is different. Some labours can be very slow, taking hours or days to progress into active labour. But sometimes, things can move very quickly.
It's a good idea to have a plan in place for what to do when labour starts. Your doctor or midwife will have discussed with you when to go to the hospital or birth centre, if that your chosen place of birth. It's a good idea to give your doctor or midwife a call when you think you are in labour.
Make sure you know how you will get to the hospital or birth centre when the time comes. Do not drive yourself. If for some reason you can't contact your partner or support person, make sure you have another way of getting there.
Resources and support
Speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician if you have questions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also has more information on:
- maternity care in Australia
- having a healthy pregnancy
- exploring the anatomy of pregnancy and birth
- checkups, screenings, scans and tests you can have during your pregnancy
- common conditions you might experience during your pregnancy
- looking after your mental health and wellbeing
Find out how we develop and review our content.
Last reviewed: August 2023
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Third trimester: pregnancy week by week | Raising Children Network
Pregnant? In our pregnancy week by week guide, you can find out what to expect and follow your baby's development during the third trimester.
The Fourth Trimester | Ausmed
The first 12 weeks postpartum, also known as the fourth trimester, should be seen as a continuum of pregnancy and an important period of recovery and family adjustment.
First trimester: pregnancy week by week | Raising Children Network
Pregnant? In our pregnancy week by week guide, you can find out what to expect and follow your baby's development during the first trimester.
Second trimester: pregnancy week by week | Raising Children Network
Pregnant? In our pregnancy week by week guide, you can find out what to expect and follow your baby's development during the second trimester.
Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tears Explained | Ausmed
A perineal tear occurs when the perineum - the area between the vagina and anus - is injured during childbirth. Tears are caused by the fetal head stretching the vagina and perineum during delivery.
Pregnancy Acne - Acne During Pregnancy - All About Acne
Not all pregnancies lead to acne but if you have hormonal acne, it is likely to flare during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
Endometriosis | Your Fertility
About one-third of people with endometriosis have difficulties getting pregnant, but treatment options are available. Read more about endometriosis at Your Fertility.
Causes and Management of Bleeding in Early Pregnancy | Ausmed Article
Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester (first 12 weeks of gestation) is a common but often alarming symptom that occurs in up to 25% of pregnancies. Why does this occur and is there a cause for concern?
Minor Disorders of Pregnancy | Ausmed
During pregnancy, the body changes in many ways. The physical and hormonal changes that accompany each trimester can cause not only physical discomfort but also many mental and emotional challenges. Yet, for the most part, these changes are entirely organic and normal.
The Diabetes Eye Health Guide | The Fred Hollows Foundation AU
Diabetic retinopathy affects over one third of all people with diabetes and is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. Globally the prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly, particularly in low and middle income countries, and without effective action, so too will the number of people with diabetic retinopathy.
