39th week of pregnancy Week
You’ve entered the final stretch! 🎉 Your baby is now fully developed and can be born at any moment. Babies born this week are considered “right on time”, meaning the countdown to holding your little guest in your arms has officially begun. Is your delivery bag ready? The symptoms you’ve been experiencing so far may have peaked, and contractions may have started to become more regular. Although waiting may be difficult, it’s best for your baby to arrive on time!
What to Expect at 39 Weeks Pregnant?
🍼 Your baby is now fully developed! Babies born at 39 weeks are ready for birth with all their organs. But if they still decide to spend time inside, this may be better for them.
🩺 Is labor approaching? Have contractions become more frequent? If they are stronger and more regular, your body is most likely preparing for labor.
📅 Is induction a possibility? If you have gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or another risk factor, your doctor may recommend inducing labor.
🤯 Impatience is at its peak! This week may be the week when you say “Let the baby be born!” the most. With bloating, fatigue, and insomnia, birth may have become an event that is eagerly awaited. Don’t worry, there is very little time left!
Baby Development in the 39th Week of Pregnancy 🤰 💛
Your baby can now stretch, reach, and move their arms and legs. 🍼 Their brain is developing rapidly—this little miracle is getting smarter every week! Their nails may be longer than their fingertips by now, so be prepared for their first nail trim after birth. ✂️
Your baby’s skin is also going through a big change this week. It’s no longer thin and transparent! A layer of fat is building up underneath it so that it can better maintain its own body temperature when it’s born. At the same time, its skin is hardening and becoming more durable, which will help it adapt to the outside world.
Don’t believe the myth about your baby’s movements: “As the baby gets closer to birth, he moves less.” ❌ On the contrary, he should still be moving! But since there is no more room in the uterus, the way he moves may change. Instead of the kicks you used to feel, you may feel more slow rotations, stretches and rolls.
👣 Don’t forget to follow their movements! You should still feel at least 10 movements every 1-2 hours. If you notice a significant decrease in movements, notify your doctor. Is your baby comfortable inside or getting ready to come out? You’ll find out very soon! 🎉
How Big Is Your Baby at Week 39? 🎃 📏
Your baby is now the size of a pumpkin! 🎃 On average, he or she will be around 50cm long and weigh around 3.2-3.4kg. The space in your uterus has now shrunk, so you may find that your movements feel a bit more cramped. But don’t worry, he or she is still wiggling around inside, saying “Hi, Mom!” 👶 💛
How Many Months Is 39 Weeks Pregnant? ⏳
As you can imagine, 39th week = 9th month! 🤰 You’re just one step away from giving birth. Next week, you’ll be entering your final weeks of pregnancy—unless your baby decides to wait any longer to arrive! You can expect labor to start any day now. The excitement is building, right? 🎉
39th Week of Pregnancy Ultrasound Image 🖥️ 👀
This week, your doctor may do an ultrasound and a non-stress test (NST) to check your baby’s condition. These checks may be especially important for those expecting twins . Your doctor may want to evaluate the amniotic fluid level, the baby’s movements, and general health to see if everything is OK.
Your doctor check-ups have been going on weekly for the last few weeks. There’s only one thing left: Wait patiently! ⏳ Try to take it easy, find little things to keep yourself occupied and get plenty of rest. Your baby will be in your arms very soon! 💕 👶
Pregnancy Symptoms in Week 39 🤰 🔥
When you reach week 39, you can expect labor to start at any moment! However, it is not known exactly when labor will occur. While some symptoms say “labor is coming soon!” , others continue as classic pregnancy complaints of the last weeks. Here are the symptoms that await you this week:
🔹 Braxton Hicks contractions – You may feel cramp-like contractions or tightening in your uterus. These contractions ease when you change positions, but unlike real labor pains, they are irregular. But be careful! If the contractions become regular, get stronger, and don’t go away, labor may be starting! ⏳
🔹 Pelvic pressure – You may feel intense pressure in your lower abdomen as your baby moves into the birthing position. Moving around and sitting up may become a little more difficult.
🔹 “Lightning crotch” feeling ⚡ – As your baby descends, you may feel sudden, sharp pains in the vaginal area due to pressure on the nerves. Don’t worry, it’s completely normal!
🔹 Cleanliness, order and a burst of energy! – If you suddenly feel the urge to clean the entire house, organize the baby room and prepare everything perfectly , this is called “nesting” ! It may be one of the signs that the birth is very close, but don’t strain yourself too much.
🔹 Mucous plug and bloody discharge – As your cervix begins to open, the mucous plug (thick, jelly-like discharge) may be expelled. Sometimes it comes with a pink or brown blood stain, which is called bloody discharge . Seeing this could mean that labor is imminent, but there’s no exact time to give!
What to Feel at 39 Weeks Pregnant? 🧐
This week is a complete mix of emotions! 🎢 One moment you may have the energy to do everything, and the next moment you may want to curl up in your bed and relax. Excitement, impatience, even a little anxiety… It’s all very normal! But remember: You are a great mom and you will get through this! 💪 💛
If you’re expecting twins , reaching week 39 is a huge feat! 👏 Most twin pregnancies end in premature labor, so congratulate yourself for keeping your babies inside! But chances are your impatience is skyrocketing, and you’re thinking, “let them come out already!” Don’t worry, the big moment is just around the corner! ⏳
Signs of Labor in Week 39 🚼 ✨
Labor can start any day now! At 39 weeks, there may be signs that your body is preparing for labor. But don’t worry if you’re in labor —the signs of real labor will be so strong and obvious that it’s impossible not to notice!
Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
🔹 Water breaking 💦 – It may not flow like a squirt like in the movies! Sometimes it can be a slow leak. If your discharge is clear and continuous like water , this could be amniotic fluid and is a sign that labor will begin in a few hours!
🔹 Regular contractions ⏳ – If you feel tightness and pain in your abdomen at regular intervals, time it! If the contractions are getting more frequent and stronger, it means that labor has started. If this is your first birth, it may take a little longer, but follow your doctor’s instructions in any case!
I Don’t Have Any Signs of Labor, Is This Normal? 🤔
If you don’t have any symptoms yet , don’t panic! ⏳ Most first-time mothers don’t go into labor until week 41 , and every expectant mother’s body starts the process at a different pace. For some women, the cervix starts to open days or weeks in advance , while for others, it all happens within a few hours!
Can You Have a Birth Without Contractions or Water Breaking? 🤷♀️
True labor doesn’t start without contractions. But your water may not always break naturally. If your water breaks before contractions start, be sure to let your doctor know, as this can increase the risk of infection!
What Can Be Done to Induce Labor in the 39th Week? 🚶♀️ 💨
If you are eagerly waiting for the baby to come into your arms, here are some safe ways to induce labor:
🔸 Go for a walk 👟 – Long walks can help gravity help the baby descend . Even “curb walking” (walking with one foot on the curb and the other on the road) can help stimulate the cervix!
🔸 Acupuncture 🪡 – Although not fully scientifically proven, it is thought to help initiate uterine contractions by regulating blood circulation.
🔸 Sexual intercourse 😏 – Orgasm in particular can be effective in initiating labor as it can cause contractions in the uterus. (You can try it either with your partner or alone 😉 ).
Situations When Your Doctor Should Recommend Medical Induction ⚕️
For some women , medical induction of labor may be necessary. Your doctor may decide to speed up labor if:
✔ If there are complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or heart disease
✔ If a problem is detected in the placenta
✔ If you have a twin pregnancy or triplet pregnancy
✔ If your water has broken but labor has not started on its own
Tips That Will Work in Week 39 💡 ✨
The clock is ticking ⏳ and you can be ready for labor at any moment! Here are some things you can do this week to prepare yourself and your home for the big day:
To Shave or Not to Shave? 🤔
If you are wondering, “Should I shave before giving birth?” , remember that you can barely see your belly at this point! 😅 If you are close to giving birth, you do not have to shave. In fact, if you are having a C-section, your doctor may recommend that you do not shave to prevent irritation to the surgical area .
Organize the Kitchen & Prepare Meals 🍲
Spending a lot of time in the kitchen after the baby arrives may be a dream! Here’s why:
✔ Prepare meals in advance in the freezer! (Soups, meat dishes, sauces that you can easily heat up and eat)
✔ Complete your grocery shopping! (Especially easy snacks and healthy foods)
✔ Stock up on energy-giving foods like coffee, tea, and nuts!
You may not have time to get into the kitchen in the first days with your baby, so be prepared now!
Lighten Up a Little: Go for a Swim 🏊♀️
If your doctor approves , swimming in a pool or ocean can be a great way to relax. Feeling weightless in the water 💦 reduce pressure on your joints and ease back pain. But be careful! If your cervix has started to dilate or your water has broken, swimming may not be safe.
Set Up the Stroller and Car Seat 🚗 👶
Make sure your car seat is installed correctly so you can get home from the hospital safely ! 🚼 If you haven’t installed it yet , ask your partner or a relative to help you. Some fire stations and traffic safety centers check the installation of the car seat for free!
Enjoy Your Sleep 😴
You may not be able to sleep soundly for a long time! 😅 So try to rest as much as you can.
✔ If possible, take short naps during the day.
✔ Stay away from phone and tablet screens before going to sleep.
✔ Drink relaxing herbal teas that will make it easier to fall asleep.
Now is the time to rest! Because very soon your whole life will change. 💖 👶 ✨
39th Week Pregnancy Checklist 📋 ✨
Only one week until the big day! Here are the top things to do this week:
✅ Schedule Your Week 40 Doctor Appointment 📅
If your baby is still stuck in the womb, schedule your 40-week checkup now. Your doctor will provide information about your baby’s condition and determine a plan for delivery if necessary.
✅ Research the Birth Process 📖 👩⚕️
Knowing what to expect during labor can make you feel more confident. Learn about epidurals, induced labor, or the possibility of a C-section. The more you know, the more comfortable you’ll feel.
✅ Prepare a “Baby’s Here!” List 📞 👶
Plan to whom and how you will give the news of the baby’s birth!
- Close relatives and friends
- Your workplace
- Required official notifications (insurance, hospital records, etc.)
✅ Finalize Baby Name 👶 💖
If you still haven’t made up your mind, now is the time! If you’re having trouble choosing a name, list your favorite names and review them with your partner. It can be difficult to make sudden decisions after giving birth. Deciding on a name before you leave the hospital makes it easier!
Complete all the preparations and enjoy the moment you meet your baby! 🥰 💖
