Congratulations on reaching the 39th week of pregnancy! You’re in the final stretch and just a few days away from meeting your little one. While this is an exciting time, it can also bring a mix of anticipation and nerves.
Understanding the changes happening in your body and your baby’s development during this stage is essential for feeling prepared. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the 39th week, from your baby’s development to tips on preparing for labor and delivery.
Baby’s Development at 39 Weeks
Your baby is now fully developed and ready to enter the world. Here’s an update on your baby’s progress this week:
Size and Weight
- Size: At 39 weeks, your baby is roughly the size of a small watermelon or pumpkin, measuring around 19 to 21 inches in length.
- Weight: The baby weighs approximately 7 to 7.5 pounds.
Key Developments
- Lung Maturity: The lungs are fully developed, and your baby is capable of breathing on their own.
- Fat Stores: Fat continues to accumulate under the skin, helping the baby maintain their body temperature once born.
- Brain Development: The brain is still forming pathways, supporting the baby’s ability to adapt to life outside the womb.
- Movement: While there’s less room for movement, you should still feel your baby shifting and rolling. If movement significantly decreases, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Position
By 39 weeks, most babies are head-down and in the optimal position for delivery. If your baby is breech, your doctor may recommend options like an external cephalic version (ECV) or discuss plans for a cesarean delivery if the baby doesn’t turn naturally.
Maternal Symptoms and Changes
Your body is preparing for the final stage of pregnancy. You may experience the following physical and emotional changes:
Physical Changes
- Pelvic Pressure: As your baby drops lower into your pelvis (lightening), you may feel increased pressure in the lower abdomen and groin.
- Braxton Hicks Contractions: These practice contractions can become more pronounced and help your body prepare for labor.
- Back Pain and Cramping: Mild cramping and lower back pain are common as your body adapts to the baby’s position.
- Swelling and Fatigue: Swelling in the feet, hands, and ankles is typical, and fatigue is common due to the weight of pregnancy.
- Difficulty Sleeping: Rest can be harder to come by as your body adjusts and your mind races about labor. Pregnancy pillows can offer support to ease discomfort.
Emotional Changes
It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement, anxiety, and impatience as you await labor. Hormonal changes may also cause mood swings, so be kind to yourself. The nesting instinct, or a sudden urge to clean and organize, is also common at this stage.
Signs of Labor to Watch For
Labor could begin anytime, or it may still be a few days away. Keep an eye out for these key signs of labor:
Regular Contractions
True labor contractions will be regular, grow stronger, and come closer together over time, unlike Braxton Hicks.
Water Breaking
A gush or slow leak of fluid could mean that your amniotic sac has ruptured, signaling the beginning of labor.
Bloody Show
A small amount of blood-tinged mucus can indicate that your cervix is dilating and labor may be approaching.
Intense Pelvic Pressure
Increased pressure in your pelvis suggests that the baby is descending into the birth canal and labor is getting closer.
Back Pain
Persistent back pain, especially in combination with other signs, could indicate the onset of labor.
Things to Do at 39 Weeks
Now is the time to finalize preparations for your baby’s arrival:
Prepare Your Hospital Bag
Ensure your bag is packed with everything you’ll need, such as comfortable clothing, toiletries, snacks, baby clothes, diapers, and essential documents like your ID and insurance card.
Review Your Birth Plan
Go over your birth plan with your healthcare provider to ensure everyone is aligned on your preferences for labor and delivery.
Make Transportation Arrangements
Plan how you’ll get to the hospital or birthing center once labor begins. If you have other children, arrange for childcare during delivery.
Conserve Energy
Rest as much as possible in the final stage. Take naps when needed, and avoid activities that are too tiring.
Stay Active
Engage in light activities like walking to help prepare your body for labor, but always consult your doctor before trying any new exercises.
Monitor Baby Movements
Track your baby’s movements and contact your doctor if you notice any significant decrease.
Self-Care Tips at 39 Weeks
Taking care of yourself is essential in the final weeks of pregnancy:
Ease Discomfort
- Use a pregnancy pillow for extra support.
- Take warm baths or ask your partner for a gentle massage to relieve tension.
- Try prenatal yoga or stretching exercises for added relief.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent false labor contractions.
- Eat smaller, nutrient-rich meals throughout the day to keep your energy levels steady. Focus on foods rich in iron, calcium, and protein.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
- Incorporate deep breathing, meditation, or calming music to alleviate stress and anxiety.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Reach out to your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Regular, painful contractions: Contractions that get stronger and come closer together.
- Water breaking: Whether it’s a gush or trickle of fluid.
- Vaginal bleeding or heavy discharge.
- Severe pain in the abdomen or back.
- Blurred vision, headaches, or swelling in the face or hands (signs of preeclampsia).
- A decrease in baby movements.
Consult Dr. Namrata Kachhara for Expert Pregnancy Care
At 39 weeks, you’re just days away from meeting your baby! With the right preparation and care, this final stretch can be smoother and more manageable.
If you need expert guidance and support in the final weeks of pregnancy, trust Dr. Namrata Kachhara, the best gynecologist in Indore. Schedule your consultation today to ensure a healthy and confident delivery.
You’re almost there! Take one step at a time, and soon, you’ll be holding your little one in your arms.