Pregnancy Week 38: Fetal Development, Stocking the Fridge & Mom-to-Be's Biggest Labor Fears Pregnancy Weekly

About Baby

That little ball of cells you started out with is not so little anymore! At around 7 pounds and up to 20 inches long (as long as a leek!), Baby continues to get ready for those newborn photos. She’s continuing to shed vernix and lanugo and adding more fat to those chubby cheeks. The amniotic fluid she continues to swallow is turning into her first bowel movement called meconium. Ready for that first diaper change?

Photo: Baby at 38 weeks of development

About Mom

You’re down to two weeks to go! Well, that is if your baby cooperates and doesn’t decide he’s just a little too comfortable nestled in your womb. While you may not feel like you’re ready yet for Baby’s arrival, you are more ready than you think when it comes to those first feedings if you’re breastfeeding. Your breasts are busy producing colostrum, a yellow liquid that will be Baby’s first meal before your milk comes in. Colostrum is full of protein and has less sugar and fat than breast milk, making it easier on your baby’s brand-new digestive system. If you find you’re leaking colostrum, try wearing nursing pads to protect your clothes.

What about your first food after you come home with Baby? You still have time to stock the freezer with meals. Here’s a few recipes that freeze well (and they’re also delish!):

• Baked Parmesan Broccoli Creamed Chicken Casserole
• Baked Eggplant Parmesan
• Hamburger Soup
• Chicken Dijonnaise
• Sundried Tomato Meatballs With Tomato Sauce
• Taco Casserole
• Porcupine Meatballs

Labor Fears

As D-day approaches, are you getting nervous about labor and delivery? Relax, because you are not alone! With your first baby, not knowing can put your mind into high gear thinking of everything that could go wrong. With your second (or third or fourth), past experiences can play a role in developing fears and getting nervous about delivering your baby. Here are some common pregnancy fears other moms-to-be had to overcome:

• “Maybe TMI, but [poop] on the table. That was the one horror story I couldn’t get past! For the record, four deliveries (one with twins) and I never did.”

• “[My] fear was ending up with a C-section. Worry was if they would be OK after delivery.”

• “The. Unknown PAIN. Could I handle it?”

• “Getting to the hospital on time. You see these movies where women are delivering in elevators, taxi cabs and in the Walmart. I did not want to be one of these women! Fortunately, that’s just movie drama most of the time, and both of my kids were born safe and sound at the hospital.”

• “That I would not be a good mother. That my fears about motherhood would overtake the natural instincts everyone said would kick in. That I would fail. So far, I think I’m doing pretty good.”

See, you really aren't alone. Read even more labor fears from moms!

Bump Talk

“Giving birth should be your greatest achievement not your greatest fear.” – Jane Weideman

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