What is the fetal development at 38 weeks of pregnancy?

As women become pregnant and their due date approaches, they often become very nervous, especially at 38 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetus is already full-term and may give birth at any time. However, during this period, many women do not know how the fetus is developing and are always full of worries and concerns, fearing that there will be some problems with the fetus during delivery. Let's take a look at how the fetus develops at 38 weeks of pregnancy.

What is the fetal development at 38 weeks of pregnancy?

The fetal length was approximately 47.5 cm and the fetal weight was 3100 g. The average biparietal diameter was 9.08±0.59cm, the average abdominal circumference was 30.63±2.83cm, and the femur length was 7.20±0.43cm.

This week, the layer of fine down and most of the white vernix caseosa covering the fetus's body gradually fall off, and the wrinkles on the skin gradually disappear. These secretions will be swallowed by the fetus along with the amniotic fluid, gradually turn black in the intestines, and are excreted from the body after the fetus is born, which is called "meconium."

Your placenta is slowly aging, and the baby is ready to be born! If the fetal position is abnormal at this time, you need to consider the method of delivery. If the baby is not in the head position, the doctor will perform a caesarean section based on the actual situation. In fact, mothers don’t have to worry too much. Modern medicine already has more advanced methods to ensure the safety of the fetus and pregnant women. Go to the hospital for a prenatal check-up and the doctor will decide the method of delivery based on the specific situation of the pregnant woman.

Nutrition Tips

During this period, pregnant mothers have a better appetite, but they still need to eat a reasonable diet, balanced nutrition, and eat small meals frequently. Eating some nuts, chocolate and other foods in moderation can increase your physical strength to cope with the delivery that may come at any time. By ensuring a rich variety of food, you can ensure that the vitamin nutrition is comprehensive and balanced. You should eat more than two kinds of vegetables every day. However, unless advised by a doctor, do not take any vitamin preparations before delivery to avoid metabolic disorders. Drink more water, milk and juice to keep the body hydrated. Avoid eating foods that affect mood, such as coffee, fried foods, etc. These foods will cause a lot of discomfort to pregnant mothers.

The above is an introduction to the development of the fetus at 38 weeks of pregnancy. After understanding it, we know that the baby has matured during this period and is fully capable of surviving outside the body. Therefore, expectant mothers should begin to prepare for delivery after 38 weeks of pregnancy, maintain sufficient physical strength and a happy mood, and go to the hospital regularly for prenatal check-ups.