At 38 weeks pregnant, does swelling below mean labor is near?

In general, swelling or a feeling of fullness in the lower body at 38 weeks of pregnancy may indicate that labor is approaching, but it might not necessarily mean so. A single symptom alone cannot confirm labor; it's important to analyze the individual situation of the pregnant woman and continue with regular prenatal checkups. The details are as follows:

1. It might be a sign of labor

At around 38 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus usually descends into the pelvis. Due to the fetal head pressing on the birth canal and surrounding tissues, a sensation of swelling or pressure in the lower body may occur. If this is accompanied by regular uterine contractions, backache, or "show" (bloody mucus discharge), it likely indicates that labor is imminent, and the woman should go to the hospital for examination and preparation for delivery.

2. It might not be a sign of labor

If there is only a feeling of lower body swelling without regular contractions or vaginal bleeding ("show"), then labor is probably not yet near. This discomfort may result from pelvic pressure caused by the baby dropping into the pelvis or from Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor), which are not signs of true labor onset.

At 38 weeks, the pregnancy is considered full-term. It's essential to closely monitor any contractions. If contractions become frequent and regular, the woman should go to the hospital to prepare for delivery.