It’s the last stretch before the baby gets here, and chances are, you’re beginning to feel slightly crowded. Besides their obvious increase in size, your baby can now practice breathing and will wriggle around almost constantly. Wouldn’t it be incredible to watch all that activity? With 3D and 4D ultrasounds, you can see your baby more than ever before. Your 38-week ultrasound is an important part of ensuring your baby is healthy and has a smooth birth. It also gives you a chance to see your bundle of joy’s face, feet, and fingers.
Read on to learn all about your 38-week ultrasound, what it can detect, and what it lets you see.
Contractions
Not all contractions are labor-inducing. Braxton Hicks contractions are your body’s way of practicing for labor – preparing your body and mind for the experience.
By now, you know exactly what to expect during an ultrasound. Your 38-week ultrasound is unique in that it can pick up on active contractions – letting you see the uterine wall thicken as your uterus flexes.
Baby’s Position
To prepare for birth, your baby shifts so their head faces down. During your 38-week ultrasound, your doctor will check that baby isn’t still in the breech position (feet first). Your doctor can recommend an ‘external cephalic version’ – a procedure that attempts to reposition the baby.
When the baby moves, your belly “drops”, appearing lower and closer to your pelvis.
With 4D live color technology, you’ll see even more than a dropped belly! This ultrasound technology lets you see real-time movements, bringing you closer to your bundle of joy.
Hiccups and Heartbeat
Your baby’s brain and lungs are still developing, but they’ve grown enough to be called ‘appropriately developed’. Baby-to-be will have started inhaling amniotic fluid to practice their breathing. This makes their hiccups very noticeable. If they get hiccups during your ultrasound visit, you can watch your baby move on the screen while feeling them move in your body.
Listening to your baby’s heartbeat is a part of every ultrasound. Your 38-week checkup is no different! At this stage, your baby’s heart rate sits between 120 and 160 beats per minute. This rate continues through labor and delivery.
Amniotic Fluid Levels
The volume of amniotic helps to indicate the health of your baby. It reflects their urine output.
Your doctor will check to see that everything is in order.
If you have low levels of amniotic fluid during labor, doctors may recommend a procedure known as amnioinfusion. This involves placing extra fluid in the amniotic sac through a catheter positioned in the cervix.
Book Your 38-Week Ultrasound Today
Your 38-week ultrasound is one of your last steps before you get to meet and hold your baby. It not only ensures that everything is on track for delivery, but it also serves as a sweet reminder of everything you have to look forward to.
Seeing your baby’s tiny face during the ultrasound can make these last few uncomfortable weeks seem manageable.
To see your baby in utero for the last time, book your 38 week ultrasound with us today!