WEEK 38Trimester 3•Baby: Leek / Swiss Chard
Term Maturation & Surfactant Surge
Estimated Length49.8 cm
Estimated Weight3.10 kg
Fetal Morphogenesis & Anatomy Highlights
- •Lungs fully primed for extrauterine gaseous exchange.
- •Fetal adrenal cortex secretes cortisol precursors triggering maternal placental estrogen surge, priming myometrial oxytocin receptors.
- •Firm fingernails reach fingertips.
- •Average abdominal circumference matches or exceeds head circumference.
Same-Day Assessment / Urgent Care
Week 38 Urgent Red Flags
Immediate clinical evaluation or presentation to Winnipeg Obstetric Triage (HSC / St. Boniface) is indicated if:
- •Persistent reduced fetal movements
- •Signs of preeclampsia (headache, vision changes, RUQ pain)
- •Continuous severe abdominal pain between contractions
Women's Hospital HSC Triage: 204-787-8600 | St. Boniface: 204-237-2263
Clinician Perspective • Physiological & Screening Protocols
Maternal Physiological Adaptations
Myometrial gap junctions form densely, enabling synchronous coordinated contractile waves.
Expected Clinical Symptoms
Nesting instinct (sudden burst of organizing energy)Heightened pelvic joint laxityIntermittent crampingDisrupted nighttime sleep
Clinical Investigations & Screening Schedule
- ✓Weekly cervical assessment if desired.
- ✓Blood pressure and fetal heart rate check.
- ✓Review of birth preferences with physician/midwife.
Upcoming Visit Horizon: 39-week prenatal visit.