Skip to main content
First trimester weeks

Congrats! During the first trimester, you’re getting used to the idea of being pregnant.

Second trimester weeks

As you enter this second trimester, your body will settle down to pregnancy.

Third trimester weeks

You've reached the third and final trimester and will be heavily pregnant by now.

Week 38 of Pregnancy

Even if you have enjoyed your pregnancy, you may be longing for it to be over.
The baby is nearly ready, you are more than ready, so when is the birth going to happen? Probably not yet-especially if this is your first pregnancy. For another week or so, the uterus is still the best place for your baby while the finishing touches to her development take place. If you have other children, you can tell them that their new brother or sister won't keep everyone waiting much longer.

37 Weeks, 5 Days

16 days to go...

ultrasound of human fetus 37 weeks and 5 days

Your baby today

The size of your uterus may have reduced slightly as your baby's head becomes more deeply engaged within your pelvis, allowing her body to move down. This can take some of the pressure away from your ribs, which is a welcome relief at this stage.

When there's going to be a new arrival on the scene, it's important to prepare the little members of your household.

How you handle introducing the new baby to your children will depend on their age. A toddler might be totally indifferent and unfazed, being more interested in your new baby's toys than the fact that she has a new brother or sister. An older child might be shocked and jealous by the arrival of a new baby, who appears to steal her limelight, and usurp his mommy and daddy's attention.

It's a good idea to prepare your little one several weeks in advance, explaining that the new baby will need a lot of time and attention, will need to be fed and changed regularly, and probably not be much fun for a few months. Focus on how your child can be a great helper, and show her what the new baby will need when she is born. Take some books out of the library that explain how families change when a new baby is born, and ask your child to talk about how she's feeling, and how she thinks things will be different when the baby arrives.

Encourage your child to choose a gift to give to the baby, and find something your child really wants as a gift from her new sibling. Ask grandparents or close friends to arrange a few treats or outings for your child both now and after the birth, so that she's occupied, and getting extra attention.

Try to encourage a bond between your older child and your baby. Ask your child to imagine what the baby might be getting up to inside Mommy. Encourage her to suggest names, although don't promise to use them!

Ask A... Doctor

My mom had a difficult delivery with me. Am I likely to have the same experience as her?

Like many women, you're obviously aware of the details of your own birth.

Some say you'll have the same sort of delivery your mom had with you-for example, your baby will be early or late or you'll have a very quick labor or a slow, assisted one. This isn't necessarily true.

Remember, depending on how old your mom is, there have probably been significant developments in obstetrics since your mom's days and, even if you face the same hurdles during your labor, they might be managed differently.

Also, you might be healthier and stronger than your mom was, so don't assume you're in for a difficult labor just because she had one.

37 Weeks, 5 Days

16 days to go...

Join the Family

Your partner in parenting from baby name inspiration to college planning.

Subscribe