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Your Pregnancy: Week 38

Your baby

• This week your baby weighs in at 3.1 kg (6.8 lbs) and measures about 49 cm (19.5 in) long from head to toe.
• At this point in your baby's development, most of the lanugo, or fine downy hair, that covered her body has disappeared along with the vernix caseosa, or whitish protective coating.
• As your baby sheds the lanugo and vernix caseosa, she will swallow them along with amniotic fluid. Once she's born, she'll dispose of them through her first bowel movement — black waste called meconium.
 
Massage away your troubles
Did you know that massages can provide relief from the headaches, shortness of breath, indigestion, lower back pain, sciatica, varicose veins, and swollen ankles of pregnancy? That’s got to sound good right about now. Have your partner give you a massage with our step-by-step guide! It will feel great now, and may come in handy during labour, too.
 
Breastfeeding basics
You may not realize that breastfeeding is a learned skill and some moms have trouble getting started. But studies show that women who receive instruction and support have fewer problems breastfeeding, so doing some reading now is a smart idea. Breastfeeding Basics has tips for a smooth start and don’t miss 15 breastfeeding problems and how to solve them.
 
Find answers to all your questions from other moms in our breastfeeding message boards.
 
You said it! Advice from real moms
“Once you give birth, take advantage of people wanting to hold the baby and pick her up when she’s crying, and just rest!” - Melissa

Labour day tips: the pushing stage
Have you thought about how you will push your baby out? If you picture the typical TV birth — on your back with your legs in stirrups, and a crowd of people chanting “push, push,” you may be surprised to learn that’s not the most effective approach. Find out more about this exciting stage of birth and what other positions for pushing you might find more comfortable.

Baby, what's your sign?
Wondering if your little Leo will be as dramatic as his astrology sign suggests? Discover what the stars predict for your little one with our Babyscopes!

Looking ahead
The first few weeks at home with your new baby can be a challenging time. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you are exhausted and caring for your newborn 24/7. Here are 10 tips to make your transition to parenthood a little easier.
 

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