Week 39 of pregnancy: signs and preparation for birth

Mum, you are in week 39 of your pregnancy, a moment full of anticipation and emotion. Every day that passes brings you closer to the magical moment when you will be able to hold your baby in your arms and look your baby in the eye.

At Happymami, we deeply understand what you are going through: we are mums and midwives and, as well as living it ourselves, we devote ourselves to supporting women like you through this wonderful stage.

We know the joys, the challenges and the countless questions that arise at the end of pregnancy. That is why, in this article, we want to share valuable information with you, based on the latest scientific evidence, that will help you. At Happymami we are by your side, guiding and supporting you every step of the way towards the wonderful world of motherhood.

Week 39 of Pregnancy: Baby's Development

In week 39, your baby is practically ready for its big debut in the outside world. Although every day spent in the womb gives it a little more time to mature and grow stronger, its development has reached a point where it can be considered full term and ready to be born. Let's look in detail at how your little one is developing at this stage:

By now, your baby is about the size of a small watermelon. Their average weight ranges between 2.9 and 3.9 kilograms, and their length can be around 50 to 53 centimetres from head to toe.

Their brain keeps growing and developing at an impressive rate. This brain maturation is essential for all the vital functions they will perform once born, from breathing to sucking and crying.

The lanugo, that fine down that covered their body, has almost completely disappeared. The layer of vernix caseosa, that waxy substance that protected their skin, may have reduced considerably, although some may still remain at birth.

Your baby's lungs are almost fully developed and ready to breathe air once born. They have been practising breathing movements in the womb, preparing for their first breaths of air.

Their fingernails and toenails are fully formed and may have grown enough to extend slightly beyond the tips of their fingers and toes.

As for their internal organs, the liver and kidneys are fully functional. The liver can already process some waste, and the kidneys are producing urine.

As for their position, most babies will have settled head down, in the cephalic position, ready for birth. However, some babies may be in a breech or transverse position. It is important to discuss your baby's position and your birth options with your midwife or doctor.

Week 39 of Pregnancy: Symptoms

As you approach the end of your pregnancy, your body continues to send signals that it is preparing for birth. Week 39 is a stage in which many symptoms intensify, reflecting your baby's imminent arrival. Below, we describe how you might feel at this stage:

Pelvic Pressure: You may feel increased pressure in the pelvic area as your baby descends and engages even further in preparation for birth. This sensation can be more intense when walking or changing position.

Contractions: Braxton Hicks contractions, which you have experienced in previous weeks, may become more intense and regular. It is essential to keep an eye on their frequency and duration, as they could be a sign that labour is starting.

Changes in Vaginal Discharge: You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge or the loss of your mucus plug, a jelly-like substance that seals the cervix. Losing the plug can indicate that birth is approaching, although it may still be days before labour begins.

Your Waters Breaking: Some women experience their waters breaking this week. If you feel a gush or a trickle of fluid, it is essential that you contact your midwife or doctor immediately.

Difficulty Sleeping: The size of your bump, together with anxiety and physical symptoms, can make it difficult to sleep. Look for comfortable positions and consider using extra pillows to support yourself.

Reflux and Heartburn: These symptoms may persist or even intensify due to the pressure your baby puts on your stomach.

Swelling: Swelling in the hands and feet is common. However, if you notice sudden swelling in your face, hands or legs, it is important to discuss it with your midwife or gynaecologist, as it could be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

Mood Swings: The approaching birth, together with fluctuating hormones, can cause mood swings. It is natural to feel a mix of emotions, from excitement to anxiety.

Aches and Discomfort: You may experience pain in your back, hips and legs due to the weight of your baby and the changes in your body.

So it is completely understandable if you feel that this stage can be both exciting and challenging, and that is completely normal. We are here to support you and, above all, to encourage you to listen to your body, rest when you need to and seek support whenever you need it: you will soon meet the love of your life.

How Does the Mum-to-Be Feel in Week 39?

Week 39 of pregnancy is a period full of emotions, expectations and intense physical sensations. As your due date approaches, as a mum-to-be you will experience a rollercoaster of feelings and experiences. Feelings you may have at this stage:

From a physical point of view, you may feel exhausted. The weight of your baby, together with that of the placenta and the amniotic fluid, can make every movement require extra effort. Pressure in the pelvis intensifies as your baby engages, which can cause you discomfort when walking and increase your urge to urinate. This pressure can also ease any shortness of breath, allowing you to breathe a little more easily.

Contractions, whether Braxton Hicks or those that anticipate the start of labour, may be more frequent and stronger. Distinguishing between these contractions and those of true labour can cause you anxiety and doubt.

Emotionally, week 39 is a whirlwind. The excitement of meeting your baby soon is mixed with the impatience of wanting the moment to arrive and, at the same time, with nervousness and uncertainty about how your birth will go. It is common to have thoughts about motherhood and about how your life will change once your baby is here.

Anticipation can affect your sleep. Nights can be restless, interrupted by trips to the bathroom, mild contractions or simply by the difficulty of finding a comfortable position to sleep in.

You may also feel an instinctive need to prepare everything for your baby's arrival, known as “nesting”. This can translate into a desire to clean, organise and make sure everything is ready at home.

Frequently Asked Questions: Week 39 of Pregnancy

Is it possible that my baby will be born in week 39?

Yes, it is completely possible. Although the due date is only an estimate, the important thing is that it would be a suitable week to be born. Every pregnancy is unique, and the exact timing of birth varies.

Should I worry if I am not feeling regular contractions yet?

Not necessarily. Some women do not feel regular contractions until labour is well established. It is always essential to pay attention to your body's signals and to discuss any concerns with your midwife or doctor.

What should I do if my waters break at home?

If you feel that your waters have broken, it is important that you get in touch with your health centre or midwife immediately. They will give you instructions on the next steps to take, depending on your specific situation.

If your waters break, we will need to go to our referral hospital, and how urgent it is will depend mainly on two factors: one is the colour of the amniotic fluid, which is likely to be clear, and the other is whether the group B streptococcus test came back negative.

Is it safe to keep having sex in week 39?

In general, if your pregnancy has been healthy and you have no complications, sex is safe until the end of pregnancy. However, it is always advisable to check with your doctor or midwife if you have any doubts.

How can I tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and real labour contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are usually irregular, do not increase in intensity and disappear with a change of position or rest. Labour contractions are regular, become more intense and frequent over time and do not disappear with a change of position.

Should I have everything ready for the hospital already?

Yes, it is a good idea to have your hospital bag packed and ready. Make sure you include everything you need for yourself and your baby, as well as any documents or birth plan you want to take with you.

A custom-designed Happymami bottle that matches the shape of your breast can support feeding, whether you plan to breastfeed, combination-feed or use formula.

You may not know whether you will need it, but if you do, a Happymami bottle designed to match your anatomy can increase the chances of acceptance and help prevent nipple confusion in your newborn.

What happens if my baby is still in a breech position?

If your baby is in a breech position (sitting) in week 39, your doctor or midwife may consider options such as a planned caesarean section or, in some cases, an attempt at an external manoeuvre to turn the baby.