39 Weeks Pregnant : What to Expect
Reviewed by Dr. David B. Schwartz, OB/GYN
If you are 39 weeks pregnant, don’t worry; it’s almost over! You will be able to welcome your baby home soon enough. Try to enjoy these last moments of pregnancy, as motherhood is sure to bring normal stresses and emotions. Your baby is utilizing most of the room inside of the womb, and labor pains can be felt at any moment as both of you become restless and continue to prepare for childbirth. Continue going about your daily routines, but keep in mind that the baby can be born at any time now.
Symptoms and Body Changes at 39 Weeks
Discomfort is likely felt every moment as the 39 weeks comes and goes. You may be experiencing difficulty getting up from a sitting or laying position. Your breasts continue to grow in size and weight and become increasingly sensitive. You may even begin leaking or secreting fluid called colostrum. Every part of your body is beginning to swell, but it’s important to continue drinking water. If you haven’t experienced false labor contractions yet, you may begin to during this week. The easiest way to differentiate false labor contractions from real ones is that real labor contractions will prevent you from walking or talking. If your water breaks during this week, contact your healthcare provider immediately and begin your journey to the hospital. The baby is moving closer to your cervix due to process called effacement, which is the thinning of the cervix, and the cervix becomes softer, thinner, and shorter in preparation for delivery.
Baby’s Development
If your baby is born during this week, he or she will likely be healthy, and all organs will be able to function on their own. The lungs continue to develop and are much more mature by the 39th week, but they won’t function on their own until after birth. Your baby could weigh as much as 7 pounds or a little more if you give birth during this week. However, if you do not give birth your baby will continue to grow in size and weight, as will you. He or she should remain active until birth, so if there is a decrease in movement at this stage, contact your healthcare provider.
Pregnancy Week 39 Tips
If you are experiencing trouble sleeping in your bed, try sleeping in a recliner. Many expectant moms find this position more comfortable during these final weeks of pregnancy. Continue drinking plenty of water and eating a well balanced diet. Try to appreciate these final days of pregnancy by spending quiet time with your baby while practicing stress-relieving activities. Read to your baby or play soothing music to calm him or her down and prepare for childbirth. This is also a great time to allow others, such as your partner or other family members to speak to the baby. He or she can hear everything and is able to pick up on familiar voices once he or she is born. Keep in mind that both of you are excited with anticipation. Avoid any strenuous activities from here on. Your baby will be here soon enough. Hang in there, Mom! Next is pregnancy at 40 weeks.
