Severe swelling of legs and feet when a woman is 38 weeks pregnant is not a sign of impending labor. Generally speaking, when a woman is 38 weeks pregnant, the uterus has increased significantly in size, compressing the inferior vena cava, leading to a decrease in blood return to the lower extremities, which often causes obvious symptoms of leg and foot swelling. The symptoms of swollen legs and feet can also be aggravated if the pregnant woman has reduced urination and sodium retention in her body due to changes in hormone levels. Diseases such as nephrotic syndrome, hypertensive syndrome of pregnancy, and hypoproteinemia can also cause very serious symptoms of leg and foot edema. When the symptoms of swelling in pregnant women are more serious, they should do timely examination in relevant aspects and deal with the abnormalities when they are found. If a woman in her 38th week of pregnancy begins to experience regular abdominal pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding, she is likely to be in labor and should seek medical attention.