39 Weeks Pregnant

Mothers can come under a lot of stress, anxiety and worry when they are 39 weeks pregnant. You are so close to your due date, and your baby could be here any day now. Of course, you could also be one of those who goes over your due date. You’re looking out for any sign that your baby wants to be born.

It’s important to try not to get too agitated during this time. Be patient. Your baby will be out when he or she is ready—not when you say so!

Your Baby at Pregnancy 39 Weeks

Your baby probably isn’t growing much now, but he or she will still be gaining weight. The average baby weighs between seven and eight pounds right now, but remember that all babies and all pregnancies are different. Boys generally weigh more than girls, but if you’ve seen the news lately of the 14lb girl, you know that isn’t always the case!

The development has finished now. All your baby needs to do now is keep gaining weight. The good news is that if you go into labor right now, 99.9% of the time your baby will survive outside the womb with no need for other medical care. In fact, if you have had difficulties during pregnancy or previous c-sections, you may be booked in for a c-section during 39 weeks pregnant because doctors are happy that your baby can survive.

Changes in Your at 39 Weeks Pregnant

The worst part (speaking from experience) of this stage is the size and weight of the bump. You may find it difficult to sleep, and may be out of breathe a lot. Changing wise, very little will happen to your body. The only change you may see if the bump dropping lower down. This is nothing to worry about, and is known as “lightening.” It’s a sign that your baby is ready to come out.

Start dreaming about your little one. He or she will be here very very soon.

You will have had weekly appointments up until now. Some midwives will want to see you more often from this point onwards. This just helps to determine the position of your little one, and whether a c-section will be preferred over a natural birth. It’s also the time to ask all your questions about giving birth if you haven’t done already.

Checks on your cervix are also common at this stage. These checks will help to make sure the area is ripening properly, and can even help to bring on labor if you are getting very close to your due date with no sign of baby wanting to be born.

Symptoms at Pregnancy 39 Weeks

Movement is still common at this stage. The flips and kicks are more likely to be replaced with slight movements as your little one tries to deal with the lack of space inside. However, if you suddenly feel a decrease in movement, it’s important to talk to your midwife or go to the hospital.

Feelings of worry and anxiety are perfectly normal at this stage, especially if this is your first pregnancy. Very soon you will have a baby in your arms; someone who constantly needs your protection and guidance. Being inside you is so much safer, right?

You may suffer from some flu like symptoms from 39 weeks pregnant. Diarrhea could also be experience. This is your body trying to get rid of all the toxins in your body to get you ready for labor. There may also be a small amount of vaginal discharge and you may see something known as “the show.” This is a mixture of mucus and blood some of the time, and is nothing to worry about. It is your mucus plug leaving your body as your baby gets ready to make his or her way out. Your mucus plug can form back up though, so it doesn’t necessarily mean labor is going to happen right away.

Make sure you’re ready for your little one. Have the hospital bag packed and ready, and have your birthing plan organized. At 39 weeks pregnant, you really don’t have much time left.

Copyright Alexandria Ingham, 2014. All rights reserved.