At 39 weeks pregnant you are probably ready for your baby to come out. The extra weight may be slowing you down and the discomfort common in late pregnancy may have you ready to deliver the child inside of you. At 39 weeks pregnant your baby is almost fully developed and you may have your baby a little earlier than you expected. This is an important time in your baby’s development and this week of pregnancy provides you with the final opportunity to finalize your plans.
Your Baby’s Development
Your baby is nearing complete development. Some characteristics of your baby at this point in time include:
- Your baby is likely between 19 and 21 inches when you are 39 weeks pregnant
- Your baby likely weighs between 6 and 8 pounds
- Your baby is building a layer of fat to regulate his body temperature
- Your baby is forming new skin to prepare for his exposure outside the womb
- Your baby’s respiratory system is almost fully developed
Necessary Information To Know
At this point, you have probably been following your pregnancy week by week. You have likely noticed changes in your body.
This week your body will make the final preparations to adjust for the impending birth. Your vaginal wall will begin to soften. Your vaginal discharged may be slightly tinted red due to the cervix dilating. The mucus plug may also fall out, a sign that labor will occur within the next few days. The amniotic sac may break, but this is less common and usually occurs while the pregnant woman is already at the hospital.
Your baby will likely be moving less as the space is now more cramped than ever before. You may also have issues with bowel movements and need frequent bathroom breaks as the baby applies pressure to your bladder and rectum.
Many women experience Braxton Hicks contractions. Many false contractions are common. When the contractions begin to come at consistent intervals that decrease in the number of minutes as time goes by, you are likely in labor. Plan to go to the hospital when your contractions are five minutes apart.
Plans to Make When You Are 39 Weeks Pregnant
You have little time to prepare for your delivery and bringing your child home by the time that you are 39 weeks pregnant. However, this week can provide you with the chance to make final preparations before you go into labor.
Make any changes to your birthing plan and provide a copy to your doctor and the hospital where you plan to visit. Talk to any older children about the changes that will occur after the baby is born.
Finish decorating the nursery, but avoid any toxic fumes from paint. Stock up on necessary supplies, including diapers, wipes, bottles, burping cloths and nursing pads. Finalize arrangements for child care when you go into labor.
Make final arrangements regarding your maternity leave if you will be returning to work. Talk to the hospital personnel about any requests that you have if you will be delivering via C-section.
Practice breathing methods and stress control according to classes you took. Plan a few meals ahead of time and freeze them so that you can concentrate on the new baby when you return home.
Items to Pack
Being this close to your delivery date, it is important to have an emergency bag prepared so that when you go into labor you will be able to leave quickly with all of the supplies you need. Some supplies you should pack include:
- Baby’s clothes
- Camera
- Video camera
- Car seat
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Baby blanket
- Keepsake item
- Toiletries
- Makeup
- Comfortable clothing
- Baby book to write down your first impressions
- Medical records or birthing plan to give to the hospital personnel
Being 39 weeks pregnant means that you are nearing the finishing line of your pregnancy. Make your final preparations by preparing the nursery, your family and your workplace for the delivery of your baby. Be aware of the signs of labor, but be sure that you do not overreact at every discomfort that you experience. Your baby is growing and his or her space inside your womb is limited. This week of pregnancy can help you get ready to welcome your new baby.
Now that you have made it to 39 weeks pregnant, find out what to expect when you are 40 weeks pregnant.
