How accurate is a due date?

A due date is an estimate. Only about 1 in 20 babies arrive on it; most are born within two weeks either side.

Can my due date change?

Yes — early ultrasound measurements can refine it. Later scans usually do not shift an established date.

Are these baby-size comparisons exact?

The fruit and vegetable comparisons are friendly approximations of average length. Every pregnancy is unique — your baby may be a little larger or smaller.

Week 38 of pregnancy

38 Weeks Pregnant

Third trimester

Baby size

About the size of a leek

49.8 cm

What's developing

Vocal cords are formed. The baby has a strong grasp and continues to gain about 30 g a day.

Common symptoms this week

Swollen feet
Braxton Hicks
Insomnia
Anxiety

This is an estimate for information only — only about 1 in 20 babies arrive on their due date. Always confirm dates with your midwife or doctor.

How big is a baby at 38 weeks?

Baby growth chart

Typical fetal length and weight from week 8 to week 40.

Weeks 8–40

Length

Week 38: 49.8 cm

Weight

grams

Week 38: 3.08 kg

Typical averages based on Hadlock / ACOG references. Weeks 8–20 use crown–rump length; weeks 21–40 switch to crown–heel — that's the small jump you'll see mid-chart. Real babies vary — your ultrasound is the reliable number for you.55

Frequently asked questions

Jump to another week

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40