Pregnancy Week - 38 Weeks Pregnant

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Pregnancy Week 38

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 38

Your Baby's Growth and Development
Your baby is still focusing on putting on weight during pregnancy 38 weeks. Did you know that after delivery your healthcare team will conduct an Apgar test on your baby? Many parents become obsessed with the Apgar score their child receives after birth, so it is worth a mention or two.

The Apgar score is simply a way that your doctor can evaluate the overall condition your newborn is in just a few minutes after birth. This score may sometimes be helpful for evaluations that occur later.

An Apgar evaluation is given one minute after birth and then again after five minutes of birth. Your doctor or nurse will make note of the following things:

• Your baby's color after birth (bluish or pink).
• Your baby's respiration.
• Your newborn baby's heart rate.
• Your newborn baby's muscle tone.
• Your baby's reflexes.

The second test is given to measure how well your baby is handling his new environment outside the womb.

Your baby is given a score based on the following parameters:

• Color - 2 points for pink body, 1 point for close to pink with blue arms or legs, 0 for blue or pale coloring all over.
• Respiratory - 2 points for a strong cry, 1 point for a slow or weak cry, 0 points for no crying.
• Heart Rate - 2 points for heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute, 1 point for a heartbeat under 100 beats per minute, 0 points for no heart beat.
• Muscle Tone-- 2 points for vigorous movement, 1 point for small flexing of the limbs, 0 points if the baby is still.
• Reflexes - 2 points if your baby cries during the test, 1 if your baby makes a little bit of a fuss, 0 if your baby doesn't make any noise during this exam.

Generally a high score, or a score between 8 and 10, means that your baby is in very good condition. A lower score might necessitate some further testing.

Your Growth and Development
Your belly size will remain pretty constant from 38 weeks pregnant and beyond, though you may notice your belly appears lower than before, particularly if the baby has dropped a bit further into your pelvis.

Changes in You
At 38 weeks pregnant you may start to worry about the labor and delivery process. If you haven't already, you should visit the birthing facility you plan to deliver your baby at so you have time to find out where everything is.

Have you packed your hospital bag by pregnancy week 38? If you haven't you better sit down and do it today. You could go into spontaneous labor at any point in time as you continue your pregnancy week by week.

Not sure what to pack around pregnancy week 38? There are many schools of thought regarding the hospital bag, but here are some of the more common items that moms to be pack:

• Robe or other cover up if you plan on walking during labor.
• Slippers or warm socks.
• Lotion or massage oil.
• Lip balm (your lips will get very chapped during the pushing phase).
• Snacks or drinks (in case you deliver at 3 am and find yourself ravenous).
• Watch with a second hand (to time your contractions).
• Camera and video recorder so you can stop time for a few moments while delivering.
• Magazine or book to read.
• Personal toiletries such as a brush and toothbrush.
• Nursing bras.
• Breast pads.
• Change of clothes to go home in.

You might also consider packing a change of clothes for your partner sometime during pregnancy weeks 38 and beyond. When packing the clothes you plan to go home in, be sure you pack something that is the right size. You will need to bring clothes that fit you when you were about five months pregnant, as you will not magically lose all the weight you gained simply by giving birth. Your belly will still be a bit round for a while after delivery.

Nursing Pillows
How To Master Early Breastfeeding

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a mom to be, consider a nursing pillow. A high quality nursing pillow, like Snoozer Pregnancy Pillow and Nursing Pillow , allow new mothers to master early breastfeeding comfortably and anxiety free.

One of the most challenging aspects of breastfeeding a new baby includes mastering the latch. For your baby to latch properly, you have to hold them in a position that is comfortable for the both of you. A good support pillow helps facilitate this process, ensuring mother and baby can rest comfortably and enjoy the time they spend together. An ordinary pillow simply doesn't provide the support and comfort necessary to encourage a healthy breastfeeding relationship... take it from an experienced mother of three!
Watch our pregnancy pillows video on youtube.com.

Maternity Clothes
Casual Bottoms Preferred By Expectant Moms the World Over

Want to know what most expectant moms say their favorite maternity clothes are? Casual bottoms of course! As your waistline expands you may find yourself a little more hesitant to wear complicated outfits requiring numerous accessories. The number one thing moms look for when shopping for maternity items is comfort… something casual bottoms at Destination Maternity have to offer in spades!

There is good news for moms-to-be in today’s fashion conscious society… even casual bottoms can look fantastic during pregnancy! There are simply hundreds of different styles and fits to choose from. Whether you are a sporty mom to be or someone that is simply looking for something a little more functional than your career attire, be sure to check out the wide selection of casual bottoms offered by the leading retailers! Your body and your baby will thank you for the comfort and support these garments offer!

Pregnancy Health Tips
One of the most important things you will need to take to the hospital with you is an infant car seat. In fact, the hospital will not let you leave without one. All infants must be transported in a rear facing infant carrier until they are about 20 pounds heavy. The best thing you can do to alleviate some of your pre labor jitters is have your car seat professionally installed. Check in with your local fire department. Most agencies have certified car seat technicians on staff that can check out your carrier and ensure that it is installed properly in your car. Your car seat must be used correctly in order to provide your baby with adequate protection in the event of an accident.

Never re-use a car seat that has been in an accident. It may have been damaged in some way or another, and this could compromise the safety and well being of your unborn child.

You should also consider packing some nice things for your baby, including an outfit for the trip home and a warm baby blanket. If it is cold outside, consider bringing some booties, gloves and a hat for your little one.

Many hospitals will offer pictures of your baby during your stay. If you want to have your baby's first photo taken while in the hospital, also bring an outfit to show her off in. Sometimes getting your baby's first photo taken in the hospital is more convenient than trying to drag your newborn baby to the photo shop during the first few weeks of life. You can usually also order custom birth announcements when you get your babies photo taken.

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