October 20, 2025 • 8 mins
In this week’s episode we dive deep into the 38-week mark of pregnancy — you’re so close to meeting your baby! But there is still so much happening behind the scenes in your body and your baby’s development. I’ll walk you through what “full term” really means, the symptoms that seldom get talked about, how to improve your rest, the signs that labor might be approaching, and concrete steps you can take right now to feel more prepared for birth and beyond.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why 38 weeks is full term – and yet, baby is still finishing major development
- The surprising symptoms many pregnant moms face at 38 weeks (plus how to handle them)
- Practical rest and sleep tips for late-pregnancy comfort
- Key signals labor may be near (so you can actually trust your body)
- Actionable prep: birth plan update, postpartum plan, breastfeeding readiness
Resources Mentioned:
- Bump To Bundle Blueprint course for full birth + breastfeeding preparation
Connect With Me:
If you found value in this episode, please consider leaving a review, sharing with a pregnant friend, and subscribing to stay on this journey together.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:05):
Hi, I'm Stephanie Poole, founderand CEO of Birth Prep Academy.
I'm on a mission to helppregnant moms prepare for their
first hospital birth.
I'm sharing revealingconversations about what it
really takes to successfullytransition into motherhood.
So join me.
Here to discover things likewhat to expect in childbirth,
(00:27):
how to prepare for your birth.
We'll also talk aboutbreastfeeding and so much more.
I'm so grateful to share it allwith you right here on Oh Baby,
the podcast created for pregnantmoms preparing for their first
hospital birth.
Let's get started.
Okay.
If you are 38 weeks pregnant,then you're officially in that.
(00:49):
Is this labor or is my uterusjust playing games phase?
I know you're tired, emotional,and if one more person tells you
just to rest, you probablyshould just.
Throw a pillow at'em.
Here's the thing, there's somuch happening inside your body
right now that no one reallytalks about, and I'm gonna tell
(01:11):
you the truth about what'snormal, what's not, and how to
make these next few days orweeks a whole lot easier.
So grab your water, get comfy,because this is the episode
that's gonna help you finishstrong.
okay.
First things first.
38 weeks is technically fullterm, but your baby is still
(01:35):
doing some last minute finishingtouches your baby's brain and
lungs.
Yeah, they're still developinglike crazy right now.
In fact, research shows thatbetween 38 and 40 weeks, a
baby's brain grows by about 50%.
So when people say you can goany day now, yes.
(01:56):
Maybe, but your body and babyare still in collaboration mode.
Every Braxton Hicks contraction,every weird ache, every trip to
the bathroom at 2:00 AM it's allpart of the warmup for the big
day.
All right.
Let's talk about the stuff thatno one really prepares you for
the 38 week plot twist, right?
(02:17):
Okay.
First up, lightning crotch.
Now, if you've been followingalong week by week, you know
what this is, but I have to goover it just in case you're new
here.
And also because we can't leaveit out.
It's likely happening at thispoint.
Okay, so what is it?
Well, it's those sharp suddenzaps that you feel down there,
(02:37):
and it's from your baby's headpressing on your pelvic nerves.
It's totally normal.
Not fun, but it is normal.
And here's a pro tip.
You can always try shiftingpositions.
You can do gentle hip circles ona birthing ball, or even use
warm compresses.
It's a sign that your baby islow and ready.
(03:00):
All right.
Number two, random burst ofenergy, AKA, the nesting urge.
If you suddenly find yourselfcleaning the fridge at midnight,
well that's oxytocin.
At work, your body is literallypreparing your environment for
your baby's arrival.
Now my advice is to use thatenergy wisely.
(03:21):
Pack your hospital bag, reviewyour birth plan, and delegate
the deep cleaning to yeah,someone else.
All right.
Number three, period, likecramps or back pressure.
Now, this one's sneaky, andthat's because these sensations
are often early signs that yourcervix is ripening, softening
and thinning out for laborstudies show that movement,
(03:45):
hydration and relaxation can allhelp your cervix to prepare
naturally.
So yes.
Walk, sway, stretch, andbreathe.
It all helps.
Now at 38 weeks, your bellylikely feels like a bowling
ball.
Your bladder's on a timer andsleep is officially a myth.
Here's what can actually help.
(04:07):
First up, sleeping on your side.
Ideally, your left side.
It helps with circulation and itcan even improve your baby's
oxygen flow.
Also, you can try using pillowseverywhere, between your knees,
behind your back, even underyour belly.
Okay, and also try the 4, 7, 8breathing technique, especially
(04:29):
before bed.
It reduces anxiety and it helpsyour nervous system kind of
chill out a bit.
Remember, you're not supposed tobe sleeping perfectly right now
because your body is literallytraining you for those soon to
come.
newborn nights All right.
Now let's talk about thequestion that's probably living
rent free in your brain.
(04:50):
How do I know when it's time?
Here's what the research andexperience.
Say to watch for, you wannawatch for losing a mucus plug?
Now it looks like jelly.
Or some even say snot.
Yes, that's the thing.
And it's a good sign that yourcervix is changing, but it
(05:10):
doesn't mean that labor is gonnahappen right away.
So just be mindful.
Also, you will likely start tofeel a little lighter,
literally.
Let me explain.
When baby drops, you mightnotice that your breathing gets
a little easier.
Now that doesn't.
Help with your peeing becauseyou'll probably notice that
(05:31):
you're doing that part evenmore.
This is called lightning, andit's when your baby settles into
your lower pelvis, allowing youto breathe a bit better, but pee
a little more if that's evenpossible at this point, right?
All right.
Also, there's that back painthat comes and goes.
(05:51):
Now, this is not like regularsoreness.
This kind of pain has a rhythm,and if it keeps returning, you
definitely want to start timingit.
Also emotional signs.
Yes.
This is a real thing withpregnant women.
Some women describe a suddenwave of calm clarity or even
tears right before labor starts.
(06:13):
It's your hormones that areshifting.
So if you're feeling extraemotional this week, that's your
body's way of saying we'realmost there.
Now, here's what I tell my doulaclients at 38 weeks.
Don't rush to the finish line.
Prepare for it.
You can do things like updateyour birth plan, make sure that
it reflects your current wishes,and that your support team is
(06:36):
all on the same page.
You can also practice yourcoping tools, things like
breathing and movement andpositions.
Practice all of it so that it'slike muscle memory when you get
into the thick of your labor andbirth.
Also get your postpartum planready.
You won't want to think aboutfreezer meals or nipple cream
after you give birth.
(06:57):
So set it all up now.
Those little things make such abig difference once labor hits,
because when it's go time,you'll feel ready and not
frantic.
Now, here's something I wishevery pregnant mama knew.
If you are still pregnant at 38weeks.
You're not behind, mama.
(07:17):
You're right on time for yourbaby.
And I know, I know it'suncomfortable.
I know everyone keeps textingyou.
Is baby here yet?
Is baby here yet?
And I know that you're prettymuch just done.
You're over it.
But this is the last stretch.
It's where your body's wisdomreally shines.
Your baby is coming and when ithappens.
(07:40):
It'll be the exact right time.
You don't need to force it.
You just need to trust it.
If you wanna feel totallyprepared for labor delivery and
postpartum, that's exactly whatBump to bundle Blueprint was
designed for.
It's like having a doula, achildbirth educator, and a
lactation consultant all in one.
(08:01):
You'll learn how to understandyour contractions, how to
advocate for your birthpreferences, and how to start
breastfeeding with confidenceright from day one.
So before you head to thehospital, click the link in the
description to join me today.
You've got this Mama and I'vegot you.
Be sure to subscribe so youdon't miss next week's episode.
(08:23):
39 week updates.
Until then, happy birthday.
Hi, I'm Stephanie Poole, founderand CEO of Birth Prep Academy.
I'm on a mission to helppregnant moms prepare for their
first hospital birth.
I'm sharing revealingconversations about what it
really takes to successfullytransition into motherhood.
So join me.
Here to discover things likewhat to expect in childbirth,
(00:27):
how to prepare for your birth.
We'll also talk aboutbreastfeeding and so much more.
I'm so grateful to share it allwith you right here on Oh Baby,
the podcast created for pregnantmoms preparing for their first
hospital birth.
Let's get started.
Okay.
If you are 38 weeks pregnant,then you're officially in that.
(00:49):
Is this labor or is my uterusjust playing games phase?
I know you're tired, emotional,and if one more person tells you
just to rest, you probablyshould just.
Throw a pillow at'em.
Here's the thing, there's somuch happening inside your body
right now that no one reallytalks about, and I'm gonna tell
(01:11):
you the truth about what'snormal, what's not, and how to
make these next few days orweeks a whole lot easier.
So grab your water, get comfy,because this is the episode
that's gonna help you finishstrong.
okay.
First things first.
38 weeks is technically fullterm, but your baby is still
(01:35):
doing some last minute finishingtouches your baby's brain and
lungs.
Yeah, they're still developinglike crazy right now.
In fact, research shows thatbetween 38 and 40 weeks, a
baby's brain grows by about 50%.
So when people say you can goany day now, yes.
(01:56):
Maybe, but your body and babyare still in collaboration mode.
Every Braxton Hicks contraction,every weird ache, every trip to
the bathroom at 2:00 AM it's allpart of the warmup for the big
day.
All right.
Let's talk about the stuff thatno one really prepares you for
the 38 week plot twist, right?
(02:17):
Okay.
First up, lightning crotch.
Now, if you've been followingalong week by week, you know
what this is, but I have to goover it just in case you're new
here.
And also because we can't leaveit out.
It's likely happening at thispoint.
Okay, so what is it?
Well, it's those sharp suddenzaps that you feel down there,
(02:37):
and it's from your baby's headpressing on your pelvic nerves.
It's totally normal.
Not fun, but it is normal.
And here's a pro tip.
You can always try shiftingpositions.
You can do gentle hip circles ona birthing ball, or even use
warm compresses.
It's a sign that your baby islow and ready.
(03:00):
All right.
Number two, random burst ofenergy, AKA, the nesting urge.
If you suddenly find yourselfcleaning the fridge at midnight,
well that's oxytocin.
At work, your body is literallypreparing your environment for
your baby's arrival.
Now my advice is to use thatenergy wisely.
(03:21):
Pack your hospital bag, reviewyour birth plan, and delegate
the deep cleaning to yeah,someone else.
All right.
Number three, period, likecramps or back pressure.
Now, this one's sneaky, andthat's because these sensations
are often early signs that yourcervix is ripening, softening
and thinning out for laborstudies show that movement,
(03:45):
hydration and relaxation can allhelp your cervix to prepare
naturally.
So yes.
Walk, sway, stretch, andbreathe.
It all helps.
Now at 38 weeks, your bellylikely feels like a bowling
ball.
Your bladder's on a timer andsleep is officially a myth.
Here's what can actually help.
(04:07):
First up, sleeping on your side.
Ideally, your left side.
It helps with circulation and itcan even improve your baby's
oxygen flow.
Also, you can try using pillowseverywhere, between your knees,
behind your back, even underyour belly.
Okay, and also try the 4, 7, 8breathing technique, especially
(04:29):
before bed.
It reduces anxiety and it helpsyour nervous system kind of
chill out a bit.
Remember, you're not supposed tobe sleeping perfectly right now
because your body is literallytraining you for those soon to
come.
newborn nights All right.
Now let's talk about thequestion that's probably living
rent free in your brain.
(04:50):
How do I know when it's time?
Here's what the research andexperience.
Say to watch for, you wannawatch for losing a mucus plug?
Now it looks like jelly.
Or some even say snot.
Yes, that's the thing.
And it's a good sign that yourcervix is changing, but it
(05:10):
doesn't mean that labor is gonnahappen right away.
So just be mindful.
Also, you will likely start tofeel a little lighter,
literally.
Let me explain.
When baby drops, you mightnotice that your breathing gets
a little easier.
Now that doesn't.
Help with your peeing becauseyou'll probably notice that
(05:31):
you're doing that part evenmore.
This is called lightning, andit's when your baby settles into
your lower pelvis, allowing youto breathe a bit better, but pee
a little more if that's evenpossible at this point, right?
All right.
Also, there's that back painthat comes and goes.
(05:51):
Now, this is not like regularsoreness.
This kind of pain has a rhythm,and if it keeps returning, you
definitely want to start timingit.
Also emotional signs.
Yes.
This is a real thing withpregnant women.
Some women describe a suddenwave of calm clarity or even
tears right before labor starts.
(06:13):
It's your hormones that areshifting.
So if you're feeling extraemotional this week, that's your
body's way of saying we'realmost there.
Now, here's what I tell my doulaclients at 38 weeks.
Don't rush to the finish line.
Prepare for it.
You can do things like updateyour birth plan, make sure that
it reflects your current wishes,and that your support team is
(06:36):
all on the same page.
You can also practice yourcoping tools, things like
breathing and movement andpositions.
Practice all of it so that it'slike muscle memory when you get
into the thick of your labor andbirth.
Also get your postpartum planready.
You won't want to think aboutfreezer meals or nipple cream
after you give birth.
(06:57):
So set it all up now.
Those little things make such abig difference once labor hits,
because when it's go time,you'll feel ready and not
frantic.
Now, here's something I wishevery pregnant mama knew.
If you are still pregnant at 38weeks.
You're not behind, mama.
(07:17):
You're right on time for yourbaby.
And I know, I know it'suncomfortable.
I know everyone keeps textingyou.
Is baby here yet?
Is baby here yet?
And I know that you're prettymuch just done.
You're over it.
But this is the last stretch.
It's where your body's wisdomreally shines.
Your baby is coming and when ithappens.
(07:40):
It'll be the exact right time.
You don't need to force it.
You just need to trust it.
If you wanna feel totallyprepared for labor delivery and
postpartum, that's exactly whatBump to bundle Blueprint was
designed for.
It's like having a doula, achildbirth educator, and a
lactation consultant all in one.
(08:01):
You'll learn how to understandyour contractions, how to
advocate for your birthpreferences, and how to start
breastfeeding with confidenceright from day one.
So before you head to thehospital, click the link in the
description to join me today.
You've got this Mama and I'vegot you.
Be sure to subscribe so youdon't miss next week's episode.
(08:23):
39 week updates.
Until then, happy birthday.
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