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Pregnancy Guide/Third Trimester/Week 38

Week 38: Dad's Guide

Third Trimester • Baby is the size of a a car battery

Week 38 of 4095% there

👶 Baby Update

Size: A car battery

Baby is full-term! All organs are ready to function independently. Baby is shedding vernix and lanugo. Meconium (first poop) is building up in intestines. Baby is about 7 pounds.

💕 What She's Going Through

Nesting overdrive. Trouble sleeping at all. Emotional — could cry at anything. Braxton Hicks are strong. She may notice less movement (less room) — but should still feel movement daily.

💪 What You Should Do This Week

  • Remind her to do kick counts — 10 movements in 2 hours is the benchmark
  • Prep the house for homecoming — clean sheets, stocked fridge, quiet environment
  • Remind her she's amazing. She's been doing this for 38 weeks. Acknowledge that.

🚫 Don't Say This

Any day now!

Everyone says this to her. She knows. She's living it. Be original — say something actually helpful.

🧠 Dad Hack

Set up a group text with family and close friends. When labor starts, one text updates everyone. You don't want to make 20 calls.

Ready to gear up?

Our interactive checklist tracks everything you need.

Baby Gear Checklist →