How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 39 Weeks?
At 39 weeks, you are eight months and three weeks pregnant. The baby is considered full-term now, and the next week might be your due date. In this post, Momjunction tells about the baby’s development and physical changes that you will experience in this week and shares a few tips to stay healthy and happy.
How Big Is The Baby At 39 Weeks?
The baby is about the size of a mini watermelon (1). Babies usually measure 18 to 20 inches in length and around seven pounds in weight (2).
Baby Development At 39 weeks
The baby is fully developed by this week of pregnancy. The baby is almost grown by this week. As you are just a few days away from your due date, the baby prepares itself for labor by attaining the right position inside the womb. Here is a general overview of fetal position and movements during the 39th week.
Fetal Movements And Position At 39 Weeks
Movements: As the baby is fully grown now, there will not be sufficient space for proper movements. You may notice a reduction in the number of movements. However, if the movements reduce more than normal, check with your healthcare provider (2). Position: The baby attains the head-down position with its face toward your spine. This is the optimal position for childbirth. If the baby attains a head-down position facing your abdomen, then it is called occiput posterior position. This position can prolong the labor and make childbirth difficult (2). In some cases, the baby may be in a breech position, wherein it lies in a head-up and bottom-down position. Sometimes the baby may turn to the correct birthing position just before the onset of labor, but, in some cases, it may not happen and childbirth usually requires obstetric intervention. The symptoms you experience this week are more or less the same as those you have been experiencing in the last few weeks of the third trimester.
What Symptoms Would You Experience In The 39th Week?
Here are the symptoms you may notice during this week of pregnancy (7): The physical and emotional changes take a toll on you during this week, and you may be looking forward to ending this journey as soon as possible.
Changes In The Body At 39 Weeks
Physical changes
The belly looks bigger and lower as the baby has attained full growth by this time and will be deep in the pelvis.
The breasts are enlarged and the areola becomes darker.
The skin is sensitive and itchy. Applying a moisturizer can help relieve the itchiness to some extent (7).
Emotional changes
Anxiety, as you could be thinking about the imminent delivery and the well being of the baby.
Mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations.
The nesting instincts develop as you begin preparations for welcoming the new member (8).
Since you are closer to the due date, you might experience symptoms of labor. Know how to identify them.
Signs Of Labor In The 39th Week
Here are the signs of labor you must look out for during this week (7):
Lightening, when you feel the baby drop down into the pelvis. Water breaking, with a constant water leak or a gush of fluids. Painful and frequent contractions at regular intervals. Discharge of a thick mucus plug from the vagina. Bloody show, an increased vaginal discharge tinged pink or bloody in color. Low, dull backache.
Cramps with or without diarrhea.
In any case of medical conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, placental problems, or uterine infections, the doctor may suggest labor induction in this week.
When To Call The Doctor?
Call the healthcare provider right away if you notice any unusual symptoms like (8):
Bleeding, as you would during a menstrual period Reduced movement of the baby Slowed fetal movement for 24 hours Waters break (also called rupture of membranes) Regular or stronger contractions Fever Blurred vision Fainting or dizziness Pain in the belly or chest Sudden puffiness of hands or face Sudden onset of a headache
If there have been no signs of labor, then there is no need to worry. However, make sure to closely monitor the changes in your health, and do not miss your regular doctor’s appointment for the week.
Your OB/GYN Visit
During your visit, the doctor will:
Check your weight and blood pressure. Advise a urine test to check the sugar and protein level. Measure the height of the uterus to ascertain your baby’s growth. Check the fetal heart rate. Perform an ultrasound to check the fetal position in the womb. In the case of twin pregnancy, the ultrasound will be done to check the well-being of the babies (9). Ask questions regarding the fetal movements, C-section, labor induction, health issues, and about VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean, if it is not your first delivery).
Take care of yourself and your health.
Tips To Follow
Here’s what you can do to stay healthy and comfortable this week.
Moderate exercises like walking help you stay active and energetic. Kegel exercises and squatting are great to strengthen the pelvic muscles. Get enough rest. The total calorie intake during the third trimester should be 450 calories/day (10). Stay calm and keep stress at bay. Practice breathing exercises. Spend quality time with your partner, family, and friends and seek help from them.
Wear comfortable and loose clothes. Wear flats and slippers. Sleep on your side and avoid sleeping on your back.
Just as you are, your partner must also be anxious about the delivery of the child. Next, we look at how he can support you and lessen the anxiety.
Tips For Dad-To-Be
Here are some tips for the dad-to-be to follow this week (13): Keep all the important documents like insurance ready before your partner goes into labor. Listen to the doctor’s instructions and act wisely as she enters labor. Try to understand her preferences regarding delivery. Inquire about the hospital policies and the way they address patients. Make sure that the maternity bag has all the essential items. Make a list of emergency contact numbers of friends and family. It can help her reach out to them in your absence.
Medical ripening: Medicines such as misoprostol, vaginal inserts, and endocervical gels Mechanical ripening: Use of foley catheter or fingers Natural ripening: Acupuncture, castor oil, sexual intercourse, and herbal supplements
Remember to consult your Ob/Gyn about the safety of the above procedures before proceeding with it.
