Is excessive sleepiness at 38 weeks of pregnancy a sign that labor is imminent?

At 38 weeks of pregnancy, excessive sleepiness is common and not necessarily a sign of imminent labor—provided there is no abdominal pain or lower back pain. However, if you experience noticeable abdominal pain—particularly if it is episodic and the intervals between contractions are progressively shortening—this likely indicates the onset of labor, and you should promptly go to the hospital. Prepare for delivery, undergo necessary examinations (e.g., fetal monitoring), and rule out intrauterine hypoxia, which benefits both maternal and fetal health.