Week 38 of pregnancy: Waiting for Labor and Monitoring Changes

At 38 weeks, waiting can make every new sensation feel like a possible announcement. You do not need to identify the exact start of labour by yourself. Know how to reach maternity care, describe what has changed and follow the advice for your circumstances.

Notice the pattern without turning it into a home test

Labour contractions often become longer, stronger and closer together. Practice contractions usually do not build in the same way, but a pattern alone is not a reliable diagnosis. The early phase of labour can last hours or days.

A mucus show may appear before labour or during it, and some people never notice one. A small amount of pink or blood streaked mucus can be a show; vaginal bleeding needs prompt assessment rather than assuming it is normal. The guide to labour signs explains what information to give the team.

Call if you think your waters have broken

Fluid can appear as a gush or a trickle and may be difficult to distinguish from urine. Contact your maternity unit promptly. A sanitary pad, rather than a tampon, can help you notice the fluid while awaiting advice. Tell the team about its colour or smell and any blood; do not wait for contractions before calling.

If the waters have broken before labour, the team will discuss timing of birth and any recommended treatment. Factors such as group B strep results affect that plan. Do not interpret information about waiting as advice to remain at home without first speaking to maternity care.

Continue responding to movement concerns

Movement should continue, including as labour approaches. If movements reduce, stop or change in a concerning way, contact your unit immediately, even overnight. Do not wait for a meal, a drink or sleep to see whether the concern goes away.

Our baby movements guide provides background. Reading or counting cannot replace assessment when you are worried about a change.

Clarify the plan while nothing urgent is happening

A routine visit around this stage is an opportunity to ask what happens if pregnancy continues beyond the due date. Confirm the next appointment, who discusses any offer of induction and how to ask further questions.

For everyday planning, choose a few activities you would be comfortable stopping if you needed to leave. Keep transport and support arrangements accessible, but allow yourself ordinary quiet time. Waiting does not create a requirement to monitor every sensation continuously or spend each day preparing for a different possible birth date.