Week 39: Your Baby Is Ready for Birth
Your baby is now about the size of a pumpkin.
Avg. Length: 50.7 cm
(Crown to Heel)
Your Baby This Week
Your baby is now full-term! More body fat forms all over, and their chest is bigger. A tougher new skin layer protects their organs and helps control temperature. Vernix, a creamy white coating, may still cover their skin at birth, or could be mostly gone.
Your Body This Week
You might notice more discharge or a 'show' – a yellow or bloody mucus plug. Back pain, pelvic pressure, and sudden nesting urges are all normal as labor nears. Labor could happen soon or still be a week away.
Tips for Your Partner
Stay alert for signs of labor, like contractions or the 'show'. Your partner might feel anxious, so offer plenty of comfort, support, and positive affirmations. Your encouraging words are especially powerful right now as you wait for the big day.
References
[1]
Fetal development: The third trimester - Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997
[2]
39 weeks pregnant guide - Best Start in Life - NHShttps://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/3rd-trimester/week-39/
[3]
Your Pregnancy Week by Week: Weeks 35-40 - WebMDhttps://www.webmd.com/baby/your-pregnancy-week-by-week-weeks-35-40#091e9c5e8013445b-1-1
[4]
How to Tell When Labor Begins - ACOGhttps://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-to-tell-when-labor-begins