Pregnancy Week 38

Learn From the Specialists

What Your Baby is Doing This Week

This week your baby should weigh around 6 pounds, 6 ounces (2,900 grams) by now and measures about 13.4 inches. The baby fat is still accumulating but actual growth is now slowing down. Since your baby is now sucking and swallowing, the waste material has been accumulating in her intestines. Shed cells from the intestines and lanugo hair are some of the waste products that will contribute to the meconium - a tar-like greenish, black substance that is for all intents and purposes your baby's first bowel movement.

In little boys the testicles should have completely descended into the scrotum, failure to do so is a condition called "undescended testicle" which can be corrected usually before your baby leaves the hospital. If you're having a girl, the labia are now completely developed.

What Your Body is Doing This Week

Because of the proximity of your baby in relation to your bladder, you'll probably find yourself feeling like you need to visit the bathroom a lot more frequently.

If you're having a boy, it's time to discuss whether or not you will have your baby circumcised. Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis in male babies. For some parents the decision is a religious one, for others there are many factors such as keeping the foreskin clean, the pain relief for the baby and the necessity of the procedure. Talk to your medical practitioner and your partner to come to a good decision that makes you both happy.

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