Learn what’s happening in week 39 of pregnancy and find out how your baby is developing.
Once you reach the 39th-week mark, your pregnancy is considered full term. This means that your little one can arrive at any time now. Babies born after thirty-ninth week have lesser chances of developing any breathing problems.
Your baby is the size of a bunch of Swiss chard and you may start to experience some signs of labor this week.
Try to enjoy these last moments of pregnancy because motherhood will surely bring new challenges and stresses in your life.
What Happens in Your Body in Pregnancy Week 39?
The end of your pregnancy is near and these last few days may speed by or drag out. You’re probably feeling anxious and very uncomfortable by now.
You’re experiencing pelvic pain as your baby bears down and Braxton Hicks (false) contractions are increasing in frequency and strength. This means that your body is preparing itself for the big day.
At 39 weeks pregnant, you may also be experiencing difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying position. Your breasts will continue to grow and you may begin leaking colostrum. Breast leakage is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy at 39 weeks.
Changes in Your Body at 39 Weeks Pregnant
Your weight gain will slow down this week as your baby has reached the average birth weight. Baby travels down the abdomen, which relieves the typical symptoms of pregnancy such as indigestion, heartburn, shortness of breath and chest pain.
Your baby can arrive at any time, so you should be on the lookout for signs of labor. The common signs of labor include:
- rupture of the membranes that contain amniotic fluid (water breaking);
- nausea or diarrhea;
- the loss of the mucus plug;
- bloody show (the capillaries in your cervix begin to rupture from the dilation and effacement of your cervix, which results in red-tinged vaginal discharge);
- spurts of energy (nesting instinct).
Bloody show is usually a sign that your pregnancy is ending and labor is probably just a few days away.
Your Baby at 39 Week of Pregnancy
In the thirty-ninth week of pregnancy, your little one is considered a full-term baby. Your baby is 19 to 21 inches long and weighs seven to eight pounds.
Baby’s skin has finally become white and a thick fat layer has been accumulated in the blood vessels, making your baby’s cheeks rounder, fuller and cuter. He/she may already be in position for delivery with his/her head cradled in the pelvic cavity.
Pregnancy Week 39 Tips
Drink lots of water to avoid swelling of your body. Eat balanced food that contains lots of vitamin D and calcium, especially if you are going to breastfeed your baby. Vitamin D and calcium are essential nutrients that your baby needs.
Take some time out to relax and get some sleep. Waiting for labor can make you anxious, so try to relax with a warm bath or a good book.
Stock up on baby’s essentials you’ll need immediately after you give birth, such as diapers, breast pads, and wipes.
