You are finally in your 39 weeks, which means you may give birth to your baby any time now! But before that, let’s see his development and your progress when you are 39 weeks pregnant.
How Big Is My Baby?
He is considered full-term at 39 weeks pregnant and is completely prepared for his first public appearance (very) soon!
You may compare his size to the size of a watermelon. He weighs between 3.2-3.6kg and measures 48-53cm in length.
Baby’s Development at 39 Weeks Pregnant
While he is completely prepared to be born at the end of the third trimester, some parts of him continue to develop even after he is born. Even his skin colour has probably changed from pinkish to whitish and greyish.
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Brains and Lungs
His lungs and brain, for example, will continue to grow until he is two to three years old.
His brain will reach its maximum size when he is two, and his lungs will completely function and expand when he is three.
For the time being, his lungs are busy making surfactant, which will assist him in breathing (for the first time) until he is born later. The surfactant’s purpose is to prevent the air sacs from sticking together.
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Position and Movement
He is expected to be changing his position from breech to head-down by now. You would see less movement from him by now as there is just a small space left for him. However, if you notice that he is moving less than normal, you can immediately contact your doctor.
What Does My Body Look Like?
Your body will look like this in 39 weeks pregnant: a growing belly, gaining weight, and an expanding uterus.
You will most likely walk or move slowly, have difficulty sleeping at night, and be uncomfortable most of the time.
You can be sure that these will not last long. Just make sure you get enough rest during the day if you cannot sleep at night. Also, be extra cautious when you are walking or moving around.
After you have given birth to your little one, your growing uterus will shrink to its original size. It usually takes about 6 weeks after your labour for it to get back to the normal size.
Symptoms During 39 Weeks Pregnant
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Water breaking
This is a must-have symptom for all pregnant women, indicating that the time has come.
The leakage is caused by a ruptured amniotic sac, which wraps around your baby. If this occurs, call the doctor immediately and go to the hospital as soon as possible.
If you are having vaginal labour, the doctor will examine you and prepare you for the delivery.
However, if the leak has an odd odour and you have a fever when the water breaks, please inform your doctor because these are symptoms of chorioamnionitis, an infection that will most likely attack you.
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Mucus plug losing
Another indication of labour is the presence of an unusual vaginal discharge known as the mucus plug. There are various scenarios for when this will happen; usually at the end of the third trimester, but often a few hours or days before the due date.
The mucus plug is slightly bloody, clear, or pinkish in colour. However, not all mothers are aware of this discharge. This fluid’s purpose is to protect your cervix from bacteria. If you experience an abnormal amount of bloody discharge, you must talk to your doctor.
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Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia, also known as a blood pressure condition, often affects pregnant women at the end of the third trimester.
When you are 39 weeks pregnant, you will find certain other signs of preeclampsia, such as swollen face and hands, nausea, vomiting, changes in vision, shortness of breath, and headaches.
During this week, you will have frequent blood pressure test. Please inform your doctor if you are having any of the symptoms mentioned above.
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Having trouble to sleep at night
This is something that will always be a source of concern for you as your expanding belly gets closer to the end of your pregnancy. It feels wrong to lie on your right, let alone your left, nor does your back! All seems to be wrong, and you will end up staying awake all night.
Make your bed comfortable as possible by adjusting the position of your pillows. These will help you in some way.
Your Bucket-To-Do List
- During this week, as a precaution, it is best to cover your mattress with a waterproof sheet as you may experience leakage or water breaks at any time even while you are sleeping.
- If you want to have a particular paediatrician for your baby, you should make the decision now. You may seek advice from your doctor or from friends who have had previous experience.
- Several insurance firms provide breast pumps to their clients. Check with your insurance company to see if the equipment is still available.
- Do not forget to stock up on diapers for your soon-to-be-born child, and make sure to get the right size.
Additional Tips For 39 Weeks Pregnant
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Track down your contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions occur at irregular intervals and normally subside when you change your sitting or lying position. But what if you have changed your position, and it still there?
And if the pressure or pain from the contractions is worse than before, contact your doctor; maybe your time has come.
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Be aware of induced labour
Some pregnant women may be advised to have labour induction in certain cases. The doctor will advise you to do so because there could be risks that affect you or your baby.
If the baby has not ‘come out’ within two weeks of the anticipated due date, labour induction is normally performed. Your doctor will prescribe medications or use other techniques to induce labour.
If you have any questions about inducing labour, you could ask your healthcare providers; they will be glad to help.
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Learn about labour positions
Different people have different preferences in all aspects of their lives, including their birth position.
Some prefer to give birth on the bed, though some prefer to give birth in the water, and others prefer to give birth while sitting on a chair or stool. But, just so you know, each hospital or birth centre has its own set of policies and facilities.
So, if you have specific preferences, consult the doctor about the policies and any other relevant details.
Anyway, your preferences will likely change once you are in the labour room. You will get to know which position is better and easier for you after you safely giving birth.
Besides, do not forget to learn and practice breathing techniques too!
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Avoid trusting myths
At this point, you will be bombarded with ideas about how to bring on labour during this week. Some would say,
“You know, I ate spicy food when I was 39 weeks pregnant, and suddenly the baby was ready to come out,” or “If you want to give birth during this 39 weeks, consider having sex or go for a long walk.”
Please, please, please do not trust those tips! There is no evidence, and even experts do not agree that those ‘tips’ would accelerate labour. Your doctor or other medical professionals are the right people to ask and listen to.