Pregnancy Week 39: Baby is coming soon! What's happening this week?

Congratulations! You are now in the 39th week of your pregnancy. It's hard to believe how quickly time has flown by. In just a few more days, you will be able to hold your little one in your arms. These days, you must be feeling a little anxious, a little scared, and a lot of joy, right? That's perfectly normal, right? Let's see what happens in this important week.

How is your baby's development this week?

The little one in your womb is very playful and is now almost ready to come into the world. Let's take a look at some of his details.

Let's learn about the Umbilical Cord.

Think of it this way: your baby's umbilical cord is like a little bridge that carries life and nourishment to your baby. It's the one that carries oxygen and nutrients from you to your baby.

• The umbilical cord is usually 22 inches (about 55 centimeters) long and about half an inch (about 1-2 centimeters) thick .
• Sometimes, this umbilical cord can wrap around the baby's neck. Although it may sound a little scary to hear this, most of the time this is not a problem . Doctors are very careful about this.
• However, if during delivery, the umbilical cord becomes tight and the baby becomes uncomfortable due to this wrapping, you may need to undergo a Caesarean Section (C-section) . This is a decision that doctors make based on the maximum safety of you and your baby.
• A true knot in the umbilical cord is very rare, occurring in about 1% of pregnancies.

The skin is smooth.

The white, thick cream-like layer called ``Vernix Caseosa'' that covered your baby's skin, and the very fine hair-like layer called ``Lanugo'', are now largely gone.

• This ``Vernix Caseosa`` protected the baby's skin while it was in the womb, in the watery fluid ``Amniotic Fluid``.
• The baby's body has a fine layer of hair called ``Lanugo'' that helps keep it warm. Now that the baby's body fat is well-stored, it is less needed.

Antibodies for the little protector

This is an amazing thing! The baby has received antibodies from your body, through the placenta.

• These antibodies help the baby's immune system.
• These antibodies help protect your baby from various diseases and infections for the first 6 to 12 months after birth. It's like the first protective shield you give your baby.

Other small preparations for the baby

• Size and weight: By this week, your baby should weigh between 2.7 and 3.5 kilograms (about 6-7.5 pounds). He or she should be 48-52 centimeters (about 19-21 inches) long. However, these are just averages and will vary from baby to baby.
• Lungs: The baby's lungs are usually fully developed by this time, ready to breathe in the outside world.
• Brain: The baby's brain is still developing rapidly. This development continues even after birth.
• Fat: More fat is deposited to retain body heat. This makes the baby look a little plump and cute.
• Breathing Practice: The baby is probably practicing breathing movements from time to time while still in the womb.
• Lightening: Often, the baby's head drops into your pelvis, preparing for birth. This is also called lightening. This will make it easier for you to breathe because the pressure on your lungs will be reduced. However, you will need to go to the bathroom more often because the pressure on your bladder will increase.

How are you feeling this week?

You're probably feeling a lot of things now, aren't you? Because your stomach is so big, it's not without some minor discomforts.

• Pressure in the lower abdomen and pelvic area: It is normal to feel this pressure and heaviness because the baby is low.
• Back pain: The weight of the stomach can also cause some pain in the back.
• Frequent urination: This is quite a habit now, isn't it?
• Insomnia: You may not be able to sleep properly on one side. Try to find a comfortable position with pillows.
• Edema: Some people may experience slight swelling in their hands, feet, and ankles. If this is excessive, or if it also affects their face, you should tell your doctor .
• Braxton Hicks Contractions: These are contractions that feel like your body is preparing for labor. They may feel a little more intense now, a little more intense. But aren't these real labor pains? Real pains are continuous, gradually getting stronger, and closer together.
• 'Nesting Instinct': Don't you feel a strong desire to clean the house, prepare the baby's things, and tidy up the room? This is called the 'nesting instinct'.
• Emotional changes: It's very common to feel very happy at one time, and a little scared or impatient at another. Your hormones are largely responsible for this.

May you have the strength to endure everything you are feeling and all the difficulties you are going through at this time! There are only a few days left.

Now the baby is coming! What are these signs?

There are several signs that indicate that the baby is coming soon. It is very important to be aware of these.

• Regular, Stronger, Closer Contractions:
• This is the main symptom. It starts out as a sharp pain that starts every 10-15 minutes, then every 5 minutes, and lasts for about 1 minute .
• This pain does not decrease when walking or changing positions, it increases.
• Rupture of Membranes:
• A watery fluid may come out of the vagina suddenly or gradually. This is often a colorless, odorless fluid.
• If that happens, you should go to the hospital immediately , because there is a high chance that the baby will develop an infection.
• Bloody Show / Mucus Plug:
• When the mucous membrane of the cervix (which protects the uterus from infection) is shed, a discharge that is pink, brown, or mixed with a little blood may be released.
• This means that delivery can occur within a few hours or a few days.
• Constant lower abdominal and back pain: Some people may experience ongoing pain similar to menstrual cramps.
• Diarrhea: Some people may experience diarrhea in the days leading up to labor. This is also a way for the body to prepare for labor.

When you need to talk to the doctor/doctor

In a situation like this, you should definitely talk to your doctor, or should you go to the hospital immediately?

• If your water breaks (you should also mention the color of the fluid that comes out – especially if it's green or brown, as this could mean that the baby has passed meconium in the womb).
• When the pain comes regularly and intensely (for example, once every 5 minutes, if one pain lasts for about a minute, then for about an hour).
• If you have vaginal bleeding (not just a little ``spotting'', but a little more, like during menstruation).
• If your baby's movements suddenly seem to have decreased significantly (the doctor will have told you how many times your baby moves per day, if you notice a significant decrease).
• Sudden severe headache, vision changes (blurred vision, seeing dots outside), severe swelling of the face, limbs (these can be signs of a dangerous condition called ``Preeclampsia'').
• Fever (over 38 Celsius / 100.4 Fahrenheit), if the body feels cold.
• If you have any other doubts or concerns , never hesitate to talk to your doctor .

Remember this at the last minute.

Now that the baby could come at any time, it's a good idea to have these things ready.

• Hospital bag: Keep everything you need for you and your baby, including clothes, toiletries, and important documents (like your clinic book and ID card), in one bag.
• Transportation: Have a vehicle ready to take you to the hospital. Discuss who will drive you. Keep a contact number handy in case of an emergency at night.
• Other children (if any): If you have other children at home, arrange for someone to take care of them while you are in the hospital.
• Rest: Get as much rest as possible. Try to get a good night's sleep. This is a time when the body needs energy.
• Food and water: Eat light, nutritious meals. Drink plenty of water.
• Relaxation techniques: Practice breathing exercises and relaxation techniques (meditation, listening to music). These can help you cope with labor pain.

What do you do if the baby is late?

Sometimes babies arrive 40 days late. That's normal, don't worry too much about it.

• Your doctor will closely monitor you and your baby. They will check things like your baby's heart rate, movements, and amniotic fluid levels.
• If you are a week or two late, or if there is a risk to you or your baby, your doctor may suggest an induction of labor to speed up the delivery .
• Remember that everything is done for the good and safety of both of you.

A final message to ponder

You've come a long way on this journey. You're a very strong mother. Trust your body and your doctors. Everything will be fine.

In a few days, your little one will be in your arms. That moment will be so beautiful, it will be a moment you will never forget. Try to stay as calm, happy, and positive as possible. We wish you the best of luck with your delivery!

` Pregnancy Week 39, Pregnancy Week 39, Childbirth, Umbilical Cord, Birth Signs, Baby's Development, Labour Signs