Pregnancy symptoms during week 38
Swollen ankles
Some swelling in your feet and ankles is normal during these last weeks, but call your doctor or midwife without delay if you notice excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles, more than slight swelling of your hands, any swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, or if you have a sudden weight gain. These can be symptoms of a serious condition called preeclampsia.
But most often, swelling is normal. It can even be a sign of healthy blood flow to your uterus – meaning your baby is getting exactly what they need, even if it leaves you a bit uncomfortable.
As your uterus expands, especially during late pregnancy, it puts pressure on your pelvic veins and the vein that carries blood from your legs to your heart. That slows the return of blood, causing it to pool and forcing fluid from your veins into the tissues of your feet and ankles.
The best way to counteract swelling is to relieve some of the pressure. Move around regularly and avoid sitting or standing for too long. When you can, elevate your feet. Something as simple as a stool to rest your feet on at work, or a pillow under your feet in bed, can make a big difference. Wear comfortable shoes and compression socks that will keep your blood flowing when you're on your feet. And always keep water on hand – staying hydrated can reduce swelling, even if that seems counterintuitive.
Trouble sleeping
Everyone talks about lack of sleep once your baby arrives, but you've probably noticed you're getting less shut-eye already. It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you're not getting good sleep, you're not alone: About two-thirds of pregnant women report that they have insomnia late in pregnancy.
Having good sleep hygiene may help. Avoid big meals or drinking too much water in the evening. In the hour before bedtime, relax in a quiet, dimly-lit room, and avoid screens (yes, even your phone). Try reading or doing a guided meditation to help you drift off to sleep.
If that doesn't work, and you're not asleep within half an hour, don't stay in bed. Lying awake thinking about how you can't sleep can make matters worse. Instead, go into a different room and read or listen to music until you feel drowsy.
Insomnia is generally pretty harmless late in pregnancy. But if lack of sleep is interfering with your ability to function – if you find yourself making mistakes while driving, forgetting about food on the stove, or stumbling more often – talk to your provider.
Crazy dreams
Once you're finally asleep, you may be in for a whole new challenge: intense pregnancy dreams. Moms-to-be often find themselves having scary, joyful, or even erotic dreams. Scientists believe that the intensity of dreams during pregnancy is related to hormone surges.
Sometimes, dreams are a reflection of what you're thinking about (or worrying about) when you're conscious. Anxiety about labor and becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange nighttime visions, especially at the end of pregnancy.
Other times, dreams have nothing to do with reality. So if you wake up feeling flushed after a steamy dream about your ex, don't feel guilty. It has nothing to do with your love for your current partner.
Lightning crotch
At 38 weeks pregnant, you may experience a sudden, jolting pain in your pelvis or groin. It's the dreaded lightning crotch, which can be just as jarring as it sounds. Luckily, it's harmless, and almost always short-lived.
Lightning crotch is usually a sharp pain – some women describe it as similar to an electric shock. It comes on suddenly and leaves just as quickly, only lasting a few seconds.
Doctors think that lightening crotch happens when your baby's head pushes against the nerves in your cervix and lower uterus. It's most common late in the third trimester, when your baby drops lower in your pelvis.
Wearing a supportive belly band may help prevent lightning crotch. When it strikes, try shifting positions to make it go away.
Different vaginal discharge
Now that labor is practically around the corner, you may notice a change to or increase in your vaginal discharge. In general, discharge that's white, creamy, or clear is healthy. Pink or red discharge can be normal as well, but if you have sudden bleeding, reach out to your provider. Also, call if you have green, yellow, or foul-smelling discharge, or discharge that burns or itches – this could indicate an infection.
At 38 weeks, you may notice mucousy discharge when you wipe or in your underwear. This is from your mucus plug, a clump of secretions in your cervical canal that protects your uterus from bacteria and other pathogens. As labor approaches, your cervix starts to dilate and efface and this can dislodge the mucus plug.
If you see some mucus, know that it's an early sign of labor approaching. But it doesn't mean that your baby will come today, or even this week, so stay patient. And if you don't see your mucus plug showing up in your undies, don't worry – many women don't.
You may also have (or not have) some "bloody show." This bloody discharge comes from the cervix as it thins out before labor. This is also a sign that labor's coming soon, but not necessarily that it's happening immediately.
Heartburn
For many women, heartburn is a challenge throughout pregnancy. At 38 weeks pregnant, heartburn and indigestion may be worse than ever, thanks to your ever-expanding abdomen.
Now more than ever, it's important to eat small meals if you're prone to heartburn. If indigestion tends to hit at night, try sleeping with your chest elevated. That way, gravity is on your side. Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms, no matter how tempting that bar of chocolate or cup of coffee might be.
Another unwelcome symptom to look out for at 38 weeks? Nausea. It often accompanies other unpleasant symptoms like gas and heartburn. But if you're suddenly having nausea or vomiting, call your provider. This can be a sign of preeclampsia.
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