Pregnancy Week 39: What to Expect as Labor Gets Closer

Congratulations on reaching pregnancy week 39! It is hard to believe how fast time has flown by, and your little one will be in your arms very soon. You might feel a mix of excitement, nervous anticipation, and impatience right now, which is completely normal. Let us look at what is happening during this important week and how you and your baby are preparing for the big day.

At 39 weeks, your baby is considered full term and is fully ready to meet the world. Your body is also working hard behind the scenes to get ready for childbirth. Whether this is your first baby or you have been down this road before, knowing what to expect can help you feel calm and confident.

Your Baby's Development in Week 39.

Your little one is very active and completely prepared to greet the world. Let us look closely at how your baby is developing right now.

Understanding the Umbilical Cord.

Think of the umbilical cord as a tiny lifeline that brings oxygen and essential nutrients from your body directly to your baby.

• The umbilical cord is usually about 22 inches long and about half an inch wide.
• Sometimes, the cord may wrap loosely around your baby's neck. While this sounds scary, it is very common and usually not a problem. Doctors and nurses monitor this closely during labor.
• If the cord becomes tight during delivery and causes distress, your doctor may suggest a Caesarean section to keep both you and your baby safe.
• A true knot in the umbilical cord is extremely rare and happens in only about 1 percent of all pregnancies.

Softer and Smoother Skin.

The thick, creamy white layer called vernix caseosa and the fine hair called lanugo that covered your baby's skin are mostly gone now.

• The vernix protected your baby's skin while floating in the watery amniotic fluid.
• The fine lanugo hair helped keep your baby warm earlier in pregnancy. Since your baby now has a healthy layer of fat underneath the skin, that extra hair is no longer needed.

Antibodies for Your Little Protector.

This is truly an amazing process! Your baby has received protective antibodies from your body through the placenta.

• These antibodies help build your baby's immune system right after birth.
• They protect your baby from various common infections and illnesses during the first 6 to 12 months of life. It acts as your baby's very first protective shield.

More Preparation Milestones for Your Baby.

• Size and Weight: By this week, your baby likely weighs between 6 and 7.5 pounds and measures about 19 to 21 inches long. Keep in mind these are just averages, and every baby grows differently.
• Lungs: Your baby's lungs are fully developed and ready to take their very first breath of outside air.
• Brain: Your baby's brain continues to grow rapidly and will keep developing long after birth.
• Body Fat: More fat is stored under the skin to help keep your baby warm. This gives your baby that sweet, chubby newborn look.
• Breathing Practice: Your baby might even practice breathing movements inside your womb.
• Lightening: Your baby's head often drops down into your pelvis to get ready for birth. This shift is called lightening. When this happens, breathing may feel easier because there is less pressure on your lungs. However, you might need to use the bathroom more often because of increased pressure on your bladder.

How Are You Feeling This Week?

You are likely feeling a wide range of physical and emotional changes right now. Your growing belly brings some normal everyday discomforts.

• Pelvic and Lower Belly Pressure: Feeling extra weight and pressure down low is completely normal as your baby moves downward.
• Backaches: The extra weight in your front can put strain on your lower back muscles.
• Frequent Urination: You are likely very familiar with this symptom by now.
• Trouble Sleeping: Finding a comfortable sleeping position can be difficult. Try using extra pillows for support between your knees and under your belly.
• Swelling (Edema): Some mild swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles is common. If the swelling becomes severe or happens suddenly in your face and hands, call your doctor right away.
• Braxton Hicks Contractions: These are practice contractions that help your body tone up for labor. They might feel stronger now, but they are not real labor. Real labor contractions get stronger, closer together, and do not go away when you rest.
• The Nesting Instinct: You might feel a sudden burst of energy to clean your home, organize baby clothes, and set up the nursery. This is known as the nesting instinct.
• Emotional Changes: Feeling excited one moment and nervous or impatient the next is very normal. Your hormones are playing a major role in these feelings.

May you find the strength to carry through every discomfort and challenge during these final days. You are almost at the finish line!

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Baby Is Almost Here! What Are the Signs of Labor?

Knowing the signs that mean labor is starting helps you stay calm and prepared.

• Regular, Stronger, and Closer Contractions:
  • This is the main sign of true labor. They might start 10 to 15 minutes apart and eventually come every 5 minutes, lasting about 1 minute each.
  • These contractions do not stop or slow down when you walk around or change positions. They only get more intense.
• Rupture of Membranes (Water Breaking):
  • You may experience a sudden gush or a slow leak of fluid from your vagina. This fluid is usually clear and odorless.
  • If your water breaks, go to the hospital right away because the risk of infection increases once the amniotic sac opens.
• Bloody Show or Mucus Plug:
  • The mucus plug that sealed your cervix to protect your uterus from infection comes out. It may look like a pinkish, brownish, or slightly bloody mucus discharge.
  • This means labor could start within a few hours or a few days.
• Persistent Lower Backache and Cramps: Some women experience continuous menstrual-like cramps in the lower back and abdomen.
• Diarrhea: Loose bowel movements before labor begin are your body's natural way of cleaning out to prepare for delivery.

Last-Minute Checklist Before Baby Arrives.

Since your baby can arrive at any moment now, keeping these final preparations ready is a great idea.

• Hospital Bag: Pack clothes for you and your baby, personal care items, and important documents like your ID and insurance card in one easy-to-grab bag.
• Transportation: Make sure your car is ready with a properly installed infant car seat, and plan who will drive you to the hospital. Keep emergency contact numbers handy.
• Childcare for Older Kids: If you have other children at home, arrange ahead of time for someone to watch them while you are at the hospital.
• Rest: Get as much rest and sleep as possible. Your body will need plenty of strength for labor.
• Food and Water: Eat light, healthy meals and drink plenty of water to keep your energy up.
• Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listening to calm music to help you manage labor pains later.

What If Your Baby Is Late?

Sometimes babies take their time and arrive past their due date. This is common, so try not to worry.

• Your doctor will monitor you and your baby closely by checking your baby's heart rate, movements, and amniotic fluid levels.
• If you go a week or two past your due date, or if there are any health concerns for you or your baby, your doctor may discuss inducing labor.
• Remember that every decision your medical team makes is designed to keep both you and your baby safe.

A Final Reassuring Note.

You have traveled a long way on this pregnancy journey, and you are an amazingly strong mother. Trust your body and your medical team, and everything will go well.