In the week 39, your baby is
the size of a Jackfruit
At week 39, your baby is almost here! Prepare for the big day with final body changes, labor signs, and essential tips to welcome your little one.
At 39 weeks, excitement builds as you approach the moment you've been waiting. Your baby is almost fully developed and ready to enter the world. Let’s explore what’s happening this week as you prepare for the big day!
At 39 weeks pregnant, you may experience a range of symptoms as your body gears up for labour:
Pelvic Pressure and Discomfort
As your baby descends into the pelvis, you may feel increased pressure and discomfort, a natural part of your body getting ready for labour.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
These practice contractions become more frequent and intense, helping your uterus prepare for the real thing.
Increased Vaginal Discharge
You may notice more discharge, sometimes with a pinkish or bloody tinge, as your mucus plug is released—a sign that labour could be imminent.
Difficulty Sleeping
Physical discomfort and the excitement of meeting your baby soon can make restful sleep challenging during these final weeks.
Mood Swings and Emotions
Hormonal changes and anticipation of childbirth may lead to emotional ups and downs, which are entirely normal at this stage.
Your little bundle of joy is nearly ready to debut. Here's what's happening with your baby at 39 weeks:
Organ Development
Although most of your baby's organs are fully developed, the lungs and brain are still maturing. The lungs produce surfactant, which prevents the air sacs from sticking together after birth. This development is crucial for your baby's breathing once they enter the world. The brain will continue to develop even after birth, with significant growth occurring until around age 2.
Physical Features
At 39 weeks, your baby's skin is hardening and gaining a layer of fat to help regulate their body temperature. The nails may extend past the fingertips. The protective vernix coating is mainly gone, except in areas like under the arms, elbow creases, and chin.
Weight of the Foetus
Your baby is approximately 35-36 cm long and weighs around 3 kg. However, remember that these are averages; every baby develops at its own pace. Your healthcare provider will monitor your baby's growth and ensure they are on track.
Movement of the Baby
Despite the limited space, your baby will still be moving around, although the type of movement may change. Instead of sharp kicks, you might feel more rolling movements or your baby trying to stretch and get comfortable. They may have moved lower into your pelvis, relieving some pressure on your uterus but increasing the pressure on your bladder.
You're strong, resilient, and doing an amazing job. Trust your body—your little one is almost here, and you're ready for this beautiful journey ahead!
Your body is going through incredible changes as it prepares for the big day. Here's what you can expect:
Cervical Changes
At 39 weeks, your cervix is thinning (effacement) and may start to dilate. This process is a sign that your body is getting ready for labour. Your healthcare provider will monitor these changes during your regular check-ups.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
You may experience more frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions, which are practice contractions that help prepare your uterus for labour. These contractions are usually irregular and don't progress in intensity or frequency like true labour contractions.
Physical Discomfort
As your baby descends into the pelvis, you may feel increased pelvic pressure, backaches, and pubic pain. Finding a comfortable position to sleep or rest can be challenging. Try using pillows to support your bump and relieve pressure points.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal shifts can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and, with the uterus impinging on the diaphragm, breathlessness. It's normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness as your due date approaches. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or prenatal yoga to help manage stress.
Stay active
Moderately intense exercise is great for you, but avoid sports that risk abdominal injury.
Prenatal diet
Make your diet nutritious and include prenatal vitamins containing folic acid and iodine.
Hospital check-in
If you notice blood in discharge or your water breaks, head to the hospital immediately
Diet check
Always seek your doctor’s advice to make sure your diet intake is safe for you.
Choose together
Make an informed decision along with your family about your pregnancy treatment options.
Calm labour
Practice yoga or hypnotherapy techniques to ease stress and discomfort in abnormal labour.
Prenatal guide
Attend all your prenatal appointments like vaccinations, tests, ultrasounds
to track vitals
Weekly check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential during the 39th week of pregnancy. Here's what you can expect:
Weekly Check-Ups
You'll have a weekly visit to check your baby's position, measure your fundal height, have a cervix examination, and assess your overall health.
Group B Strep Screening
Between 36-38 weeks, you'll be tested for group B streptococcus (GBS), a type of bacteria that can harm your baby during delivery. If you test positive, you'll receive antibiotics during labour to prevent transmission to your baby.
Cervical Checks
Your doctor will perform pelvic exams to check for cervical dilation and effacement, which indicate progress towards labour.
Fetal Monitoring
Your healthcare provider will monitor your baby's heartbeat and movements to ensure their well-being. If necessary, additional tests, such as a non-stress test or biophysical profile, may be recommended. These are usually done in late pregnancy if concerns arise from other tests or if the mother has risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure or if the pregnancy is post-term.
Yes, it's common to feel anxious and experience mood swings due to hormonal changes and the anticipation of labour. Try to relax and focus on positive thoughts. Discuss your feelings with your partner or healthcare provider for support.
Gentle exercises like stretching, walking, and prenatal yoga can help maintain flexibility and reduce discomfort. Listen to your body and avoid any activities that cause pain or discomfort.
True labour contractions are regular, increase in frequency and intensity, and don't go away with movement or rest. You may also experience a rupture of the amniotic sac (water breaking) or a bloody show (mucus discharge tinged with blood). Contact your healthcare provider if you suspect you're in labour.
Spotting can be a sign of the mucus plug being lost, which is a normal occurrence as your body prepares for labour. However, if you experience heavy bleeding or have concerns, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
While most of your baby's organs are fully developed, the lungs and brain will continue to mature even after birth. Your baby is ready to make their arrival, but some development will continue in the weeks and months to come.
Essential items to pack include comfortable clothing, toiletries, a camera, snacks, and any important documents. Don't forget items for your baby, such as a going-home outfit, diapers, and a car seat. Check with your hospital for any specific guidelines or recommendations.
The duration of labour varies for each woman and each pregnancy. First-time mothers often experience longer labours, while subsequent labours may be shorter. On average, active labour lasts around 4-8 hours, but it can range from a few hours to a day or more.
Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga to help manage discomfort. Gentle exercises, warm baths, and massage can also provide relief. Don't hesitate to ask for help or support from your partner, family, or friends.
