39 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby this week

Your baby is now full term, weighing about 7.3 pounds and measuring around 20 inches long. The brain and lungs are continuing their final stages of maturation — research shows that babies born at 39 weeks have better outcomes than those born even one or two weeks earlier. Baby is adding about half an ounce of fat per day, building the energy reserves needed for birth and the transition to feeding. The chest is becoming more prominent as baby builds the muscles needed for breathing. Baby's reflexes are coordinated — turning toward sounds, blinking, closing eyes, grasping, and responding to light.

How you may feel

Intense pelvic pressure makes walking and sitting uncomfortable. You may feel a mix of emotions — excitement about meeting your baby, anxiety about labor, impatience for it all to begin. Your cervix may be dilating and effacing in preparation for labor. You might experience loose stools or diarrhea, which can be an early sign that labor is approaching. The mucus plug may have already been lost, and you might notice an increase in vaginal discharge. Energy levels fluctuate — some days you feel bursts of energy, other days you're utterly exhausted.

Common symptoms

• You may feel "lightning crotch" — sharp pains in the cervix as baby drops lower.
• Cervix may be dilating and effacing — your provider can check at appointments.
• Intense pressure in your pelvis makes walking and sitting uncomfortable.
• Emotional fluctuations between excitement, anxiety, and impatience are normal.

This week's tips

Stay calm and practice your breathing techniques. Head to the hospital when contractions follow the 5-1-1 rule: every 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. If your water breaks, go to the hospital even if contractions haven't started yet. Try natural methods to stay comfortable such as walking, bouncing on a birth ball, or taking warm baths. Eat easily digestible foods and stay well-hydrated — you'll need the energy. Avoid the temptation to try unproven labor induction methods without your provider's guidance.

Eating well

• Eat nutrient-dense meals but keep them light — you don't want a full stomach in labor.
• Pack labor snacks: honey sticks, applesauce pouches, electrolyte drinks.
• Continue eating dates and staying hydrated for optimal labor readiness.

Nutrition focus

• Continue all supplements — your body needs optimal nutrition for delivery and recovery.
• Red raspberry leaf tea (from week 32+) may help tone the uterus — ask your provider.

Everyday wellbeing

• Practice your breathing: slow breathing for early labor, patterned breathing for active labor.
• Do things that bring you joy and calm — watch movies, cook, spend time with loved ones.
• Confirm your hospital bag has everything: documents, outfits, toiletries, car seat installed.

For your partner

Be her calm anchor during this intense waiting period. Remind her that she is strong, prepared, and capable. Help distract her with activities she enjoys — watching a movie, going for a slow walk, or cooking a nice meal together. When labor begins, stay calm, time the contractions, and follow the plan you've prepared. Remember that your calm presence is one of the most powerful forms of support you can offer.

Signs to mention to your provider

• Reduced fetal movement at any point — don't wait, call your provider immediately.
• Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour) — go to the emergency room.
• Contractions less than 5 minutes apart, lasting 60 seconds, for over an hour — head to hospital.
• Signs of infection: fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge — seek care immediately.

Disclaimer: BabyBerry is for general information and self-tracking. It is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

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