Your baby at 38 weeks
If your baby does a poo during labour, which can sometimes happen, the amniotic fluid will contain meconium.
If this is the case, your midwife will want to monitor your baby closely as it could mean the baby is stressed.
You at 38 weeks
Labour usually starts between 38 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Your midwife or doctor should give you information about what to expect if your baby is overdue.
Read Choices When Pregnancy Reaches 41 weeks (PDF, 536kb) to find out more about your options.
Call your hospital or midwife at any time if you have any worries about your baby, including your baby's movements, or about labour and birth.
Read about pain relief in labour, and things you can do yourself to cope with the feeling of contractions.
Things to think about
- you'll soon be meeting your newborn – get tips for new parents
- soothing a crying baby
The Start4Life site has more about you and your baby at 38 weeks.
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