39 Weeks Pregnant

Preparing to meet your little one is exciting, but the end of your pregnancy can be uncomfortable, too. Let’s break down what’s happening with your body and your baby during the final days of your pregnancy.

Your baby’s development is wrapping up! He’s not quite done growing yet, but is now considered full-term. Now, he’s roughly the size of a small pumpkin, weighing between 6 and 9 pounds and measuring about 19–21 inches long. 1

Here’s what else is happening this week.

Gaining fat

Someone’s getting chunky! The final layers of fat developing now will help him regulate his body temperature after birth. That extra layer of fat also gives his skin a creamy, whitish hue—a big change from the translucent, pinkish tone seen earlier in pregnancy. His fingernails may also now extend past his fingertips. 2

Movements

Space is tight in there, but you’ll still feel your baby move. Instead of sharp kicks, you’ll likely notice gentler rolls, stretches and turns. Continue to keep an eye on all your little one’s movements with the kick counts you ideally started doing back in week 28.

Reflexes

Your baby’s reflexes are also sharpening—he can now grasp with those tiny hands. He can also turn his head at sounds and respond to his surroundings. His brain development is ongoing at 39 weeks and will continue well into early childhood. 3

Crying

One thing you won’t see right away? Tears! Your baby’s tear ducts won’t fully mature until a few weeks after birth. Unfortunately for you, he’ll still be able to cry right from the get-go, so those sleepless nights after birth may be all but a given.

Your body is gearing up for the big day, which can bring about a mix of familiar and new pregnancy symptoms as your due date nears. This week, you might experience:

• Braxton Hicks contractions: These “practice” contractions that you’ve likely been dealing with throughout your third trimester may become stronger and more frequent. Don’t mistake them for the real deal—they’re irregular and painless, unlike labor contractions. Changing positions, moving, drinking water, or taking a warm bath can help. 4
• Pelvic pain: The added weight and pressure of your baby’s head bearing down on your pelvis can be uncomfortable—it could even be hard to walk at times. Try gentle stretches, applying ice packs to the area, sleeping with a pregnancy pillow between your legs, or wearing a maternity support belt for relief.
• Lightning crotch: This sharp, sudden pain in your pelvis and vagina can happen when your baby presses on your pelvic nerves. Like relieving pelvic pain, changing positions or wearing a belly support band may help.
• Mood swings: Hormonal changes, discomfort, and anticipation can all lead to mood swings. Take time out for self-care and try to rest when you can.
• Fatigue: Another reason to get some rest—your body is working hard to support a full-term baby. You’ll be tired, so if you’ve got time for a nap, take it.
• Hemorrhoids: These can be exacerbated by both constipation and diarrhea. Pushing during labor can further aggravate them. Avoid sitting too long and try a sitz bath or cold compress. Your doctor may also recommend stool softeners.
• Backaches: That mini-watermelon sure does take it out of you! You might suffer from backaches this week. Soothe your back with warm water in the shower or a massage.
• Heartburn: This pregnancy symptom may peak at this point, so try to limit spicy foods, avoid caffeine, and eat smaller meals.

When to contact your doctor

Most of your symptoms at 39 weeks, while annoying, are probably harmless and nothing to fret over. That being said, you should keep an eye out for certain red flags.

Signs of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure in pregnant women. This condition can show up from about 20 weeks and onwards, though it can also appear after giving birth. While it’s usually mild, it can cause dangerously high blood pressure in pregnant women and, in rare cases, can even be fatal.

Look out for these signs: 5

• Sudden or severe swelling on your face, hands, and feet
• Bad headaches
• Weight gain of 3 to 5 pounds over a week
• Seeing flashing or having blurry vision

Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily confirm that you’ve got preeclampsia. They could just be part of your regular pregnancy symptoms. Still, if you do have any of these, go get yourself checked out by your doctor.

Changes in your baby’s movement

Again, you might notice your baby switches up his kicks and jabs for gentler rolls and turns. This is normal and is most likely a result of how cramped it’s getting in your uterus.

However, let your doctor know immediately (even in the middle of the night) if you feel him moving less than usual or if you notice a change in the patterns of his movements.

Some symptoms at 39 weeks are just regular aches and pains, but others mean your baby’s on the way. Since labor could start any time, look out for these signs:

Bloody show

Don’t let the name scare you; it’s not as bad as it sounds. As you get closer to labor and your cervix dilates, the thick, jelly-like mucus discharge blocking your cervical canal (which is sometimes tinged with blood) can come out. This “bloody show” can appear days or hours before labor begins. 6

Water breaking

When your amniotic sac (the bag of fluid that your baby is encased in) breaks, you’ll get fluid gushing or leaking out of your vagina, commonly known as your water breaking.

If you think your water’s broken, immediately call your doctor. 7 Note that sometimes, your water won’t actually break by itself, and your doctor may have to rupture your amniotic sac in the hospital.

If your water breaks and you don’t get accompanying labor contractions, report that to your doctor.

Nausea or diarrhea

Many women experience nausea before going into labor. Since various culprits can cause this symptom, it isn’t a definitive sign that you’re about to have your baby, but it can be a hint.

You might also get diarrhea as your body releases chemicals called prostaglandins to prepare for labor. These also cause loose stool. 8

Regular contractions

Another sign that you’re going into labor is when you get painful contractions. Many women mistake Braxton Hicks contractions for the real thing, but there are a few differences.

Check out the table below to see how you can differentiate between the two: 9

Differences between true labor contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions

You can try timing your contractions with a pregnancy tracker app to figure out if they’re the real deal.

Labor is just around the corner, so now’s the time to consider whether or not you’ll want to use a pain relief option like an epidural. Some moms are eager to opt for this, whereas others have a preference for giving birth in a completely natural way.

If you’re in the latter camp, you may find that non-pharmacological methods like breathing techniques and massage are helpful for pain relief. 10

At home, light nesting activities can help you feel more ready for your baby’s arrival. Set up the nursery, stock your pantry with easy-to-prepare meals, and double-check that your car seat is properly installed. Then, pack your hospital bag and stock up on postpartum supplies.

What to pack in your hospital bag

• Comfortable clothes and underwear
• Books, magazines, or an iPad to pass the time during the duller moments of labor
• Slippers or non-slip socks
• Phone charger
• Snacks and drinks
• Toiletries, including maxi pads for post-delivery
• Going-home outfit for baby

Postpartum supplies to buy before delivery

• Maxi pads
• Nipple cream
• Nursing bras
• Postpartum underwear

Your doctor will keep a close eye on you and your baby throughout labor and delivery to make sure everything progresses well. They may use a fetal monitoring band to track your baby’s heart rate and keep an eye out for signs of distress.

Though you’ll be more than a little preoccupied, here’s what you should do during labor and delivery:

• Have skin-to-skin contact: Placing your baby on your chest immediately after birth helps regulate their temperature and breathing and strengthens your bond with your baby. 11 Prioritize this moment, even after a C-section.
• Eat: Light snacks like broth or applesauce can help you stay energized and shorten your labor. Be sure to check with your doctor before eating, as some situations, like a C-section, may require fasting. 12
• Personalize your C-section: You can still personalize your birth experience if you need a C-section. Using a mirror to see your baby, playing music, or having your birth partner cut the cord can help you feel more connected during this type of birth.

What if you don’t make it to the hospital in time?

This is pretty unlikely, but in the rare scenario that you don’t get to the hospital in time, try to stay calm. If you have to deliver at home or in the car, call 911 and keep the operator on the line—they’ll walk you through the process.

In an emergency delivery, keep your baby warm, ensure he’s breathing, and give him that all-important skin-on-skin contact. If he’s crying, that’s a good sign that he’s breathing well. Don’t worry about cutting the umbilical cord yet; leave it attached and seek medical care immediately.

At 39 weeks, you’re only slightly over full term. It isn’t routine practice to induce labor at 39 weeks.

This is especially true as it’s easy to miscalculate your estimated due date. This could happen if you used a due date calculator to learn when you’re expecting based on the date of your last menstrual period (LMP). If you got the date of your LMP wrong, your due date could be incorrect.

However, in rare cases, waiting for labor to start naturally isn’t possible, and medical induction is the safest option. Some reasons for medical induction at 39 weeks are: 13

• Medical complications: Conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, uterine infection, or a heart condition may cause your doctor to induce labor. 5
• Placental problems: These include placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall), placental insufficiency (not enough oxygen and nutrients getting to your baby), or placenta previa (placenta blocking the cervix), each of which can put your baby at risk. 14 15 16
• Carrying multiples: Having twins, triplets, or more? Your doctor could induce labor to give your body the boost it needs.
• Ruptured membranes: If your water breaks but labor doesn’t start on its own, your doctor may induce to reduce the risk of infection.

An elective induction may be a good idea if you are 39 weeks or more, live far from the hospital, or are experiencing mild complications that your doctor feels could benefit from a planned delivery. 17

How does a medical induction work?

When labor needs a little help to get started, these are the typical methods used: 18

• Prostaglandin medication: Gel or a vaginal suppository containing prostaglandins can soften the cervix, preparing it for labor—often the first step to an induction.
• Stripping membranes: During a cervical exam, your doctor can use a gloved finger to gently separate the amniotic sac from the uterine wall. This process releases hormones called prostaglandins, which can kickstart labor.
• Pitocin: This synthetic form of oxytocin is administered through an IV to stimulate contractions.
• Cervical ripening balloon: A small balloon catheter can be inserted to open your cervix if it’s not dilated enough for active labor.
• Breaking your water (amniotomy): If your cervix is already partially dilated, your provider might use a small, pointed instrument to break the amniotic sac to intensify your contractions and speed up labor.

The methods your doctor will try will be carefully chosen based on your medical history and labor progression. Medical induction is a safe and common procedure, but it’s often unexpected and can be overwhelming. Try not to be scared if it becomes necessary. Your doctor will walk you through the process.

Natural induction methods

If your doctor doesn’t suggest a medical induction, then it’s best to let labor start naturally.

That said, some people believe there are things you can do to start your own labor. If your doctor gives you the OK, you can try some of these, but be aware there isn’t a whole lot of evidence to back them up.

To reiterate, you should only experiment with natural induction methods after checking with your doctor.

Walking

You may have heard that walking and light activity can help induce labor. It’s claimed that light exercise encourages your baby to move lower into the pelvis, potentially stimulating labor.

There’s very limited data to support this. Walking is good for you in general, though, so if you feel like taking a light stroll, by all means do so.

Acupuncture or acupressure

This ancient practice is alleged to improve blood flow to prime your cervix for birth. The data on this is also limited, although some studies suggest there might be at least something to it. 19

Sex

Many people claim that sex can induce labor. The idea is that orgasms produce oxytocin—the same chemical doctors use to trigger labor.

Moreover, prostaglandins—a hormone that promotes cervical ripening—are present in semen, which is alleged to trigger contractions. 7 Again, the research done into the role prostaglandins from sperm play in labor induction is inconclusive.

Here again, sex during pregnancy is generally safe, including at 39 weeks. If you’re in the mood, go nuts; just keep your expectations modest as far as its potential to induce labor goes.

So that you’re not caught off-guard, it’s important to learn what to expect during postpartum recovery.

• A longer hospital stay: If you give birth naturally, you’ll probably need to stay for around two nights in the hospital. If you have a C-section without complications, you’ll usually stay 2–4 nights. 20 Any complications with you or your baby will likely mean you have to stay a little while longer.
• Postpartum belly: It’s normal to still look pregnant after delivery, with your tummy still quite pronounced. Don’t be dismayed. Your belly will most likely go back to normal in about 2 months. 21 Having loose clothing and comfy underwear can help make the transition smoother.
• Postpartum depression: Many women get the “baby blues” not long after birth. Know that you’re not alone, and it’s completely normal to feel a little down. If you find your moodiness or lethargy don’t right themselves after a few days, you may have postpartum depression. Be sure to let your doctor know if you’re struggling with your mental health post-delivery.

These last weeks of pregnancy can be demanding—physically and emotionally—but remember, it’s all temporary. Focus on your self-care and do things to help you relax, like taking a warm bath, getting a prenatal massage, or going for a walk with your loved ones.

It’s OK to step away from stressors like social media or anything else that feels too overwhelming right now to give yourself the space to focus on your well-being.

At 39 weeks, you’re so close to meeting your baby. Trust your body, listen to your doctor, and get as much rest as you can. The end is near, and a whole new chapter is about to begin!