39 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Body Changes, Baby Growth & Development!
Congratulation’s on reaching the 39th week of your pregnancy! This is an exciting time as you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy journey. Here’s a 39 Weeks Pregnant Guide that will help you navigate through this stage; As the baby has shifted down in the pelvis by now, breathing gets easier for the mom. However, the mobility decreases and false contractions may occur in between. When the labor begins, the pain will start generally from the lower back area and the intensity keeps getting strong with time. The baby is finally full term and the labor may start anytime. The baby continues to deposit fat layer which will help in controlling the body temperature after birth. Visits to the doctor will become weekly as they will be checking for the growth and position of your baby.
Symptoms of 39th Weeks of Pregnancy
What are the symptoms of 39th week pregnancy?
The symptoms of 39 weeks of pregnancy include –
- Pelvic pressure – Baby may be sitting in a position for birth which is in the lower pelvic area. This will make the lower torso feel uncomfortable and heavy.
- Braxton hicks – You will constantly have a feeling of tightening or cramping in the abdominal area. The false labor pain will begin and will reduce when you switch the position. You will know its labor when the pain will start at the top of the uterus and will be regular and frequent.
As the baby has shifted in the lower pelvic area, it may hit your sensitive nerves while doing a movement. This will give you a sharp lightening sensation in your pelvic area. This is the time when you may lose your mucus plug which seals the cervix. You may also experience a tinge of blood in the mucus which is a sign that your delivery is nearby.
At 39 weeks of pregnancy, signs of labor will be the biggest symptoms occupying your mind. Labor symptoms are very strong and different from what you have been experiencing till now so you cannot ignore them. You must call the doctor if
- Regular contractions – If the belly is tightening and frequency is more than start to time the contractions. If the time between them keeps getting smaller then probably you are in the starting phase of labour. How long this beginning phase is going to last will depend on individual to individual. Keep your doctor updated.
- Water breaking – The water breaking will not be a huge gush of water but it will be a slow trickle. The discharge will not be of the usual consistency. It will be very watery and smell different. The water breaking happens when the amniotic sac ruptures. This is a sign that you will go into labor shortly.
Common problems during the 39th week of Pregnancy
What are the common problems you will experience in the 39th week of pregnancy?
The initial labor signs can make you feel anxious and nervous. Losing the mucus plug will not necessarily mean that you are going into labor. But it means that the time is going to come very soon. Water breaking can scare many first-time mothers. It is not always gushing but more of a trickle. If you think that your water is broken, you must discuss it with the doctor.
Precautions/Warning during week 39th of Pregnancy
What precautions you should take during week 39 of pregnancy?
The last week is very important for pregnancy even though the baby’s growth is completed.
- No harmful habits – to prevent any pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, birth defects, premature delivery, etc. the pregnant mother must continue to not drink or smoke. Consuming alcohol can affect the baby and cause fetal alcohol syndrome. It can also cause sudden infant death syndrome or stillbirth.
- Diet – The types of foods that a pregnant mother must avoid are pretty much similar to what she should avoid during her pregnancy term. Some examples of foods that have to be strictly avoided are-
Unpasteurized food items like dairy products, raw eggs, salad dressings, mousse, etc.
Raw fish, packaged items, and processed meats as they have the presence of harmful bacteria that can cause birth defects, food intoxication, etc.
Fruits like papaya, pineapple, grapes, etc. Raw or semi-ripe papaya can cause uterine contractions leading to early delivery. Secondly, always consume fruits after washing them thoroughly.
Stay away from drinking too much coffee. Avoid sodas, green tea, cold drinks, etc.
- Drink plenty of healthy fluids –
Dehydration can even cause miscarriage and other birth defects. You surely do not want your baby to be born with any birth defects after coming such a long way in your pregnancy. The body requires more water for nurturing the extra life in the womb. You can also drink freshly squeezed fruit juices; eat watery fruits like muskmelon, watermelon, cucumber, etc.
- Limit contact with animals –
You must try and limit your contact with animals which can expose you to harmful parasites. These parasites can attack the fetus and cause lifelong damage to the baby. It can cause serious eye defects poor physical growth or premature birth.
All the precautions have to be strictly followed right from the first week of pregnancy but also continue them seriously till the last weeks.
39 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Baby Growth and Development
How is your baby growing and developing during the 39th week of pregnancy?
The baby is almost done with all the development in the womb. The baby continues to deposit fat in the body to prepare for changes in temperature outside the womb. The placenta plays an important role in forming an immune system that is filled with antibodies for facing possible infections.
The baby will continue practicing breathing and producing surfactants this week. If the baby had been delivered by now, their lungs will be mature enough to support them and no medical assistance be required.
The brain of babies is still developing continuously. You must play some music, try to read some stories or sing. Also, encourage your husband to do this. Due to this early stimulation, babies will become more clever and smart.
Baby Size in the 39th Week of Pregnancy
What is the baby’s size in the 39th week of pregnancy?
In the 39th week of pregnancy, your baby is approximately 50.7 cm long and is the size of a watermelon.
Parental care during the 39th week of pregnancy
What parental care is needed during the 39th week of pregnancy?
The baby’s due date is just a week away. It is time for the final countdown but there is no fixed time to when it will happen. Take enough rest, relax, eat enough food, and stay hydrated which will help in building up energy for labor. Visit your healthcare provider for checking the cervix for effacement and dilation signs. The woman should be able to identify which signs are of actual labor. This will make it easy for her to call the doctor and get admitted. Make sure that you have finalized the birth facility and transportation arrangements.
When you go for your weekly visits, the doctor will feel your abdomen and measure it to find the baby’s size and position. An internal exam will be done by the doctor to check if the cervix has effaced, thinning, and getting ready for birth. Keep an eye on how your body changes when you go into labor and keep track of babies’ movements inside the womb.
39 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Changes in feelings
How will you feel during the 39th week of pregnancy?
What changes you will experience in feelings during the 39th week of pregnancy?
Many women feel very anxious as childbirth is close. You may even feel symptoms of nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, pelvic pain, and hemorrhoids. Your patience is at its edge now since you may be feeling that you are holding on to this pregnancy for a long period. If this is your first pregnancy and you have not had much an experience with babies, then the thought of parenting your child may seem daunting. Be sensitive to the signals of your body when your labor may be starting.
39 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Changes in Body
What changes you will experience during week 39 of pregnancy?
The body will be making certain changes as the pregnancy is nearing its end. You may lose the mucous plug which was present in the opening of your uterus. Some women may also get a vaginal discharge of mucus with a tint of blood in it which is caused due to the ripening of the cervix. There is also a possibility that your water could break when the membranes holding the amniotic fluid rupture.
39 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Changes in looks
What will you look like during the 39th week of pregnancy?
In 39 weeks of pregnancy, the size of your belly is at its maximum point and the baby is ready for childbirth. You will also change your walk and start to waddle.
Diet during the 39th week of pregnancy
What should you eat during the 39th week of pregnancy?
Which food you should avoid during the 39th week of pregnancy?
Sex during the 39th week of pregnancy
Is it safe to have sex during the 39th week of pregnancy?
It is believed that having sex on the onset of pregnancy may induce labor. It may also help in dilating and effacing the cervix area. However, it is best to check with your doctor as he will be able to guide you better.
Doctor consultation During the 39th Week of Pregnancy
Do I need to visit a doctor in the 39th week of pregnancy?
What should you discuss with the doctor?
Yes. You must visit the doctor every week and discuss with him if you are experiencing any early signs of labor. He will check you internally as well to know if there are any signs of dilation in the cervix area etc.
Test/ Procedure During 39th Week of Pregnancy
What are the tests or procedures you should have in the 39th week of pregnancy?
You must visit the doctor once a week during week 39 of pregnancy. He will determine the position and size of your baby by doing an abdominal examination. An internal examination will detect if your cervix is thinning, and effaced for delivery. The doctor may also do certain tests for checking babies status if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
Supplements during 39th Weeks of Pregnancy
Do you need to take supplements during the 39th week of pregnancy?
Continue taking supplements of folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, etc. They will help you and the fetus be safe from any kind of complications during pregnancy.
39 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Important points to know
What is important to know during the 39th week of pregnancy?
You need to know the labor signs as you are entering 39 weeks of pregnancy. If you think your water has broken, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is also important to keep an eye on the movements of the baby as a slowdown may mean that the baby is restricted in a congested and limited space of the womb.
Preparation Guidelines for Baby
How should you start preparing for a baby’s birth?
Now the final countdown has started. You can head to the closest swimming pool especially if it is summer. The feeling of weightlessness in water will help to relax your body.
Read a lot of books, call your besties watch Netflix and do all that you enjoy. If you have older kids get them involved in some of the activities and delegate tasks related to the baby. This way you can also start connecting the siblings with a good bond.
