39 Weeks Pregnant

At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby is completely ready to come into the world! At this stage, they are just gaining weight and may reach 4.0 kg and measure about 50 cm¹. They move less, and when they do, mom feels it very intensely, sharply marking the belly. If you go for a long time without feeling them, we recommend seeing your doctor for a cardiotocography.

Now in the final stretch, at 39 weeks, your baby may give signs that they are ready and labor can start at any moment². It’s important to pay attention to your body and notice indications such as the loss of the mucus plug, contractions even if mild but regular, and any vaginal bleeding, as well as water breaking.

Even though your baby is already ready to be born at 39 weeks, they can remain in the uterus until 41 weeks of pregnancy. Their immune system is still very sensitive and needs the mother’s antibodies to protect against viruses, bacteria, and possible infections, which is why breastfeeding is so important in the baby’s first 6 months of life. It’s through breast milk that the mother passes her antibodies on to the baby.

At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby’s body is quite chubby and has a lot of fat to help control and withstand temperature outside the womb. Their pinkish skin is soft, covered with a thin layer of vernix that will remain until delivery day.

Their hair is growing more each day, as are their finger and toenails—so don’t be surprised if your baby has long nails at birth. Kicks can be powerful! Some days the baby will be quieter, others more agitated, and movements may bother mom, as they’re really vigorous due to the baby’s size.

How Mom is Feeling…

Moms, I can assure you there is no more magical, beautiful, or eagerly awaited moment! These last 3 weeks of pregnancy, all discomfort and anxiety will soon be rewarded! At 39 weeks, some moms may still fear childbirth, but I can tell you, courage will come! No matter which type of birth you choose, the moment is unique! Although delivery may usually happen between weeks 37 and 41, it’s most common during these three weeks.

Cesarean, vaginal, humanized, water birth, squatting birth, dim-lit birth… There are many options and it depends on your preference, physical condition and your doctor’s guidance³. The time is very near! Some moms prefer to schedule delivery for convenience, while others let nature take its course. Birth is democratic: each woman chooses the experience she wants, and if anything unplanned occurs, don’t feel bad. Some things are beyond our control, and your doctor will certainly do what’s best for you and the baby.

At 39 weeks, one of the biggest concerns for moms is the anesthesia, which is often used even in vaginal births to relieve pain. Don’t worry, in general anesthesia doesn’t hurt more than a regular shot. I usually say the scary part isn’t the anesthesia itself but the gel catheter that goes into your vein! Lol. But even so, it’s not the end of the world.

Signs of Labor do you know what they are? The mucus plug may come out and scare you, but know that this is normal and can come out up to a week before birth, without issues. Do you know your baby’s position in the womb? It can affect what type of birth you’ll have! If the baby is head-down and engaged, it’s a great start for a vaginal birth. The same nature that helped with all fetal development will now help with the arrival of your baby.

External Factors…

The only focus now is waiting for the exact moment to rush to the maternity hospital—unless you’ve already booked your cesarean, of course!! This phase is full of anxiety and butterflies in your stomach, after all, in no time you’ll meet the love of your life!!! Maternity bag ready, pregnancy card in hand, just wait!!

Photo: Vir argentina