As pregnancy progresses into its final stages, prenatal appointments become more frequent, monitoring the health of both the expectant parent and the developing baby. The 38-week visit is a significant milestone, occurring just two weeks before the estimated due date. This appointment focuses on assessing readiness for labor and delivery, ensuring a healthy conclusion to the pregnancy.
Routine Prenatal Assessments
Every prenatal appointment during later pregnancy begins with standard checks to monitor overall health. Blood pressure is measured to identify signs of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. Weight checks track maternal weight gain, providing insights into nutritional status and fluid retention.
A urine sample is collected at each visit, screened for protein and glucose. Protein in the urine can indicate kidney issues or preeclampsia, while glucose may signal gestational diabetes. The healthcare provider will also measure fundal height, the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, to estimate fetal growth.
Focused 38-Week Evaluations
At the 38-week mark, specific evaluations focus on the baby’s position and readiness for birth. The healthcare provider performs Leopold’s maneuvers, a systematic way of palpating the abdomen to determine the baby’s presentation (what part of the baby is facing the birth canal), position (which way the baby is facing), and engagement (how deep the baby’s head is in the pelvis). This assessment confirms if the baby is head-down and in an optimal position for delivery.
Listening to the baby’s heart rate is a consistent part of the visit, providing reassurance about fetal well-being. A cervical exam may be offered or performed, though this is optional and depends on the healthcare provider’s practice and patient preference. This internal examination assesses the cervix for effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening), indicating how ready the body might be for labor.
Important Discussions and Planning
The 38-week appointment is an opportunity for discussions and planning between the patient and their healthcare provider. This includes reviewing the birth plan for adjustments or clarifications regarding labor and delivery preferences. Conversations cover the signs of labor, such as contractions, water breaking, or bloody show, and provide guidance on when to contact the medical team.
Pain management options during labor, from non-pharmacological methods to epidural anesthesia, are discussed. Hospital admission procedures are clarified to alleviate anxiety once labor begins. Initial postpartum care considerations, including recovery expectations and newborn care basics, may be introduced to prepare for postpartum.
Tips for Your Visit
Preparing for your 38-week prenatal appointment helps you make the most of the visit. Prepare a list of questions or topics to discuss with your healthcare provider beforehand. Wearing comfortable clothing contributes to a more relaxed experience during physical examinations.
Bring any relevant documents, such as insurance information or previous test results. For additional support, inviting a partner, family member, or friend to accompany you to the appointment is helpful. This preparation allows for a more focused and productive discussion about your approaching delivery.