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39 Weeks Pregnant | Pregnancy

Pregnancy normally lasts around 40 weeks and most women will go into labour a week either side of their due date. That means any day now.

What's happening in my body?

You might be getting a lot more discharge in your pants than usual. This should be thin, white and not smell of very much. If you spot a slimy blob of mucus that's yellow or bloody, then that's called a "show". This sticky stuff used to plug up your cervix and when it comes out, it can be one of the first signs that your baby's on the way. However don't grab your hospital bag just yet, as you could still have days to wait.

You may be getting back pain as your baby moves down your pelvis and starts head butting your spine. You'll probably feel increased pressure at the bottom of your bump now.

You could also be getting sudden bursts of energy and urgently want to fold baby clothes or tidy drawers that you haven't opened for years. That's your nesting instinct kicking in.

If you get any of the following signs, then treat it as an emergency and call your midwife, doctor or NHS 111:

• bleeding from your vagina
• brown or pink discharge
• severe itching, particularly at night
• a terrible headache that won't go away
• vision problems (blurring, light sensitivity, seeing spots or flashing lights)
• pain just below the ribs
• extreme swelling of the feet, ankles, hands and face
• persistent stomach pains
• a high temperature (above 37. 5 degrees C) with no other flu or cold symptoms

7 things you might not expect when your baby's born

1. Babies don't usually come out wailing, like they do in the films. It could take a few seconds before they cry or splutter to clear their airways.

2. Your baby will be checked out within a minute of being born. You might not be aware of it, as you'll be meeting your baby at the same time. Your baby will be rated on the Apgar scale for their heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, responsiveness and skin colour. This will be rechecked at 5 minutes.

3. Your baby's hands and feet might be blue, as their circulation is still a work in progress. The rest of their skin will be dark red or purple, then turn a brighter red when they take their first breath. It can take weeks before their true skin colour is revealed. If your baby's rubbed vigorously with a towel, this doesn't mean that there's a problem, it's probably just to help the blood flow.

4. It can take a few minutes before your baby's breathing regularly. They tend to do lots of fast breaths, then lots of slow breaths. The gap between breaths can be as long as 5 seconds. They're just learning to breathe, so this is normal.

5. Boys can be born with large testicles – that's just temporary, caused by hormones and water retention. They will settle down and look more in proportion soon.

6. It's not always love at first sight. Give yourself time to bond with your baby and ask for help if you need it.

7. It can take 6 weeks for your womb to go back to the size it was. Breastfeeding can speed this process up as it makes your womb contract. Find out more about your body after the birth on the NHS website.

Find out more about what happens when your baby is born on the NHS website.

3rd trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 39 weeks)

You could be getting a lot of practice contractions, but if they start getting painful, then they could be the real deal. Read 5 signs that baby's on the way on week 37's page.

Phone your hospital or midwife when your contractions last for at least 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes – or call any time if you're worried that something is wrong, such as if your baby stops moving or if you're losing blood.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
• sleeping problems (week 19 has information about feeling tired)
• stretch marks (read about stretch marks on week 17's page)
• swollen and bleeding gums (week 13 has information about gum health during pregnancy)
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb ("round ligament pains")
• piles (read about piles on week 22's page)
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn (week 25 talks about digestive problems)
• bloating and constipation (read about bloating on week 16's page)
• leg cramps (week 20 explains how to deal with cramp)
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections (see week 15 for vaginal health)
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy"
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair

You may also experience symptoms from earlier weeks, such as:

• mood swings (week 8's page has information on mood swings)
• morning sickness (read about dealing with morning sickness on week 6's page)
• weird pregnancy cravings (read about pregnancy cravings on week 5's page)
• a heightened sense of smell
• sore or leaky breasts (read about breast pain on week 14's page)
• a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.

What does my baby look like?

Your baby, or foetus, is around 50.7cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 3.3kg. That's approximately the length of 5 courgettes and the weight of a mini watermelon.

A few weeks ago, your baby's skin was almost transparent but now they're growing a tougher new layer that's looks more solid. This is better at protecting their internal organs and helping with temperature control.

The skin will be coated in a white, waxy substance called "vernix", which means varnish in Latin. This creamy layer helps to protect their skin and eases your baby down the birth canal. Your baby might be covered in it when they are born, or it could be mostly gone.

Action stations

Be on full alert in case your waters break, as this could happen at any time. Don't expect a tidal wave, as it could be just a trickle. If you think it's started, then call your midwife or doctor and ask for advice. You might have just wet yourself, but if your waters have broken, then your labour may need to be induced as your baby will be at a greater risk of infection.

This week you could also...

You're probably on leave now. Find out how much maternity leave and pay you're entitled to.

It's a good time to tone up your pelvic floor muscles. Gentle pelvic floor exercises can help to prevent leakage when you laugh, sneeze or cough. Get the muscles going by pretending that you're having a wee and then stopping midflow.

To keep bones and muscles healthy, we need vitamin D. From late March/early April to the end of September, most people make enough vitamin D from sunlight on their skin. However, between October and early March, you should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement because we cannot make enough from sunlight.

Some people should take a vitamin D supplement all year round, find out if this applies to you on the NHS website. You just need 10 micrograms (it's the same for grown-ups and kids). Check if you're entitled to free vitamins.

It's recommended that you do 150 minutes of exercise while pregnant. You could start off with just 10 minutes of daily exercise - perhaps take a brisk walk outside. Check out Sport England's #StayInWorkOut online exercises (scroll to the pregnancy section). Listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

There's no need to eat for 2. Now you're in the 3rd trimester, you may need an extra 200 calories a day, but that's not much. It's about the same as 2 slices of wholemeal toast and margarine.

Try to eat healthily, with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and avoid processed, fatty and salty foods. You may be able to get free milk, fruit and veg through the Healthy Start scheme.

How are you today? If you're feeling anxious or low, then talk to your midwife or doctor who can point you in the right direction to get all the support that you need. You could also discuss your worries with your partner, friends and family.

You may be worried about your relationship, or money, or having somewhere permanent to live. Don't keep it to yourself. It's important that you ask for help if you need it.

Having another baby is probably the last thing on your mind. However now is a good time to start planning what type of contraception you would like to use after your baby is born.

Getting pregnant again could happen sooner than you realise and too short a gap between babies is known to cause problems. Talk to your GP or midwife to help you decide.

You and your family should follow the government and NHS guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19):

To find out about about COVID-19 and pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, have a look at advice on the:

This week's treat

Spend some time in nature. Go and kick leaves in the park, walk in the woods, water your garden or plant some seeds (use gloves to avoid the risk of infection). This is good exercise and will encourage your brain to release 'feel good' chemicals.

Go back to week 38

Go to week 40

whatever you wanted to ask

The baby is already fully developed, he is already fully term. He is fully viable. All organs and systems work in full force. Perhaps this week will be the last, and you will be able to see your baby.

The baby is not growing as fast as before, but is gradually gaining weight. Now it can weigh about 3,250 g and reach 48 cm in length. The baby receives all the necessary substances and oxygen through the umbilical cord and placenta. In the stomach, enzymes are produced to break down food; in the intestines, the villi can absorb nutrients. The lungs can now breathe on their own.

Developed reflexes, especially sucking and grasping. The central nervous system is still unevenly developed, it will continue to form after childbirth. Sensitive analyzers, the spinal cord, glial tissue, part of the facial nerve are now developed.

The baby can focus his eyes at a distance of 20-30 cm, so he will see the mother's face during feeding. His brain distinguishes three-dimensional objects, distinguishes colors and movements. He has developed sensitivity to contrast and brightness of colors.

Outwardly, the baby is no different from a newborn. The hairs can reach a length of 4-5 cm. The fluff has already disappeared from the body. There is no primordial lubrication on the body anymore, a little of it can remain in deep folds. The nails have already grown, they are longer than the fingers. The baby's skin color is pale pink.

At this time, the expectant mother feels movements less often, because the baby does not have enough space for movements and somersaults. The volume of amniotic fluid also decreases. The baby is building up strength for the upcoming birth.

Most of the time the child sleeps. When he is awake, he reacts to stimuli such as loud noise.

To determine the type of birth, you need to know the location of the baby. If the baby has taken the correct position: head presentation and crossed arms and legs, then there may be a natural birth. If the child is not positioned correctly, then you will have to do a caesarean section.

Since there is not enough space in the uterus, what position the baby takes at the thirty-ninth week, it will remain so. It is unlikely that he will be able to completely change his position.

How does the expectant mother feel

A woman is already looking forward to the moment when she can finally take her baby in her arms, hug her, look at her small face. On the other hand, childbirth scares her. She is tired of pregnancy, she wants to retire and relax, so that no one bothers.

Readiness of the uterus

The woman's body is actively preparing for the upcoming labor activity. The uterus is shortened, its neck softens so that the baby does not get injured during passage through the birth canal. The bones will separate during childbirth. Periodically there are false contractions, training before childbirth.

What portends about the approaching birth:

- false or training contractions

These contractions are similar to contractions during menstruation, but of greater intensity. If you can't tell if contractions are real or practice, walk around the room. Training contractions stop with activity, and real contractions will not only not stop, but will intensify.

- the stomach goes down

The stomach goes down, and it becomes easier for the woman to breathe, shortness of breath, heartburn go away. The head of the baby or his buttocks are pressed against the entrance to the small pelvis. The baby is ready to go.

- the waters break

The waters can break in a sharp stream, or they can pour out little by little. In any case, you need to call an ambulance and get ready for the hospital, labor will begin soon.

- mucus plug waste

Don't be alarmed when you see a discharge that is white, pinkish or yellowish with red streaks. This leaves the mucous plug that protected the fetus from infections. It can go away a few weeks before the birth, or maybe shortly before them.

- colostrum secretion

Shortly before birth, colostrum is secreted, which is very useful for the baby. He will eat them the first days after birth. Colostrum contains a large amount of proteins. To prevent it from leaving marks on clothes, put special linings.

- weight loss

During pregnancy, the woman gradually gained weight, and now it can fall a little - up to 2 kg. The body prepares for childbirth and gets rid of excess so that it does not interfere with childbirth.

Contractions

The start of labor is indicated by contractions. A few days before the birth, false contractions appear, gradually they become regular and come at regular intervals - real contractions come.

If contractions are suspect, record their frequency. If they happen every five minutes, take everything you need and go to the hospital. Don't forget about proper breathing.

Proper breathing will help you endure the pain of contractions. When contractions occur, it is better to stand than to lie or sit. Save your strength.

Painful sensations

At the thirty-ninth week, the following pains may occur:

- cramping and pulling pains in the lower abdomen. They are associated with training bouts. The abdomen can become like a stone;

- Heaviness in the legs, especially after a long walk;

- numbness of hands and feet;

- constipation;

- exacerbation of diseases;

- Drawing pain in the lumbar region and perineum due to fetal pressure;

- shooting pains may appear in the pelvic area. This happens when the baby is trying to find a place for himself in the birth canal and presses on the pelvic bones.

Discharge at this time

The discharge should remain colorless, without a strong odor. If green, yellow discharge or a strong smell appear, then you need to consult a doctor, as such discharge indicates the presence of an infection.

If there is thick blood-streaked mucus, don't worry, it's the mucus plug. Amniotic fluid may break at any time. They can pour out little by little or pour out in a large stream. You need to urgently go to the hospital, as the birth will begin soon.

If there is blood, this is a very bad sign. She can talk about placental abruption, which is very dangerous for the baby, so contact your doctor.

Examinations at this time

If the pregnancy goes well, there will be no additional examinations. Before visiting a gynecologist, you need to pass urine tests, undergo cardiotocography. This procedure will record the baby's heartbeat, body movements and the frequency of uterine contractions. Ultrasound is done only with multiple pregnancies, or if there is a suspicion of cord entanglement.

During the visit, the gynecologist measures blood pressure, body weight, fundal height and abdominal circumference. The doctor can feel to check the location of the crumbs.

Discuss childbirth with the doctor, ask him any questions. When you leave the house, take an exchange card with you, in case the birth starts outside the home.

If a caesarean section is due, it can be done this week or on the fortieth.

Risks at thirty-ninth week of pregnancy

Placental abruption may occur at this time. In this case, there are sharp pains in the abdomen, spotting. The woman does not feel well. It is urgent to call an ambulance, placental abruption is very dangerous for the baby.

Baby may not get enough oxygen. Oxygen starvation occurs when the child is wrapped around the umbilical cord, there may be other reasons. A woman should be under the constant supervision of a doctor. If the baby is not positioned correctly, a caesarean section may be done.

Preeclampsia may occur. Its main indicators are an increased level of protein in the urine, high blood pressure. It must be treated immediately when symptoms appear, otherwise late toxicosis will turn into eclampsia, which causes convulsions, fainting.

Any infection that occurs in a woman's body can infect a child. An infectious disease can affect the health of the crumbs after childbirth. In order not to get infected, do not be in crowded places, follow the rules of personal hygiene.

Sexual life

If you have no contraindications, if the cork has not come off, if you feel well, you can continue to lead an intimate life. The main thing is not to put pressure on the stomach. Intimacy should give you pleasure. Remember that sexual intercourse can induce labor.

Advice for an expectant mother at the thirty-ninth week of pregnancy

- prepare for childbirth, including emotionally. Check that you have prepared all the necessary things for the maternity hospital and documents. Put everything in a bag, as bags are usually not accepted at the hospital. Before collecting things, you can talk with familiar mothers, they will tell you which things were useful to them in the hospital and which were not;

- stick to proper nutrition. Eat little but often. The main products of your diet should be fish, meat, cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products. Try not to use or eat less fried, salty, smoked, spicy, sweet and starchy foods;

- try to rest. It is difficult to lie down comfortably, try to sleep during the day. You will need strength during childbirth;

- get used to the idea that there will be more of you soon. Let your household distribute responsibilities among themselves, you will need their help;

- if the husband is present at the birth, let him prepare tests and fluorography results;

- apply a special cream for stretch marks or olive oil on the skin of the chest, abdomen, thighs;

- learn how childbirth goes, how to behave at different stages of labor, how to reduce pain. Read the literature on how to care for your baby, how to breastfeed properly, etc.

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