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Your Pregnancy at Week 39

This week, your baby is as big as a pumpkin.

Explore your pregnancy at Week 39

Week 35
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Week 38
Week 39
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1 Weeks to go!

The following information was reviewed by Dr. Chor, Michael

At A Glance

Week-39

Continue to pay attention to fetal movement

Continue to watch your baby's movements and notify your attending obstetrician or midwife immediately if the movement decreases. Although kicking will have decreased as the space in your uterus decreases, the baby should still be active until delivery. A marked decrease in fetal movement could be a sign of a problem. If you experience fewer than 10 fetal movements within 2 hours, seek medical attention to be on the safe side.

Labour contractions

When you feel that the uterus is getting denser and you are getting more regular contractions, you might be in labour. Typically labour contractions will last about 1 minute and occur every 5 minutes. This will become more regular the closer you get to delivery. At this stage you should activate your labour and delivery plan and start making your way to the hospital. Good luck!

Waters breaking?

You can pop at any time! When you find amniotic fluid passing, even if only a small amount, you should go to the hospital or contact your obstetrician as soon as possible.

Baby Development at 39 Weeks

Brain-Development

Brain development

When babies are full-term, they don't change much in size. Although it seems to have reached a peak of growth, there are still some internal developments. Your baby's brain is developing at a very rapid rate, about 30% larger than it was in the first month, and will continue to grow at an alarming rate until the age of 3.

Skin-Thicken

Skin thickening

Your baby's skin becomes thicker and fairer as new skin replaces the outer skin cells.

Testicles-Descend

Full descent of the testicles into the scrotum

If you're having a boy, his testicles should be fully descended into his scrotum. 

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Your Pregnancy Symptoms at Week 39

Thinning of the cervix

Your cervix thins in preparation for labour. It will gradually soften and spread out until it is about 10cm wide.

Mucus Plug

Your mucus plug is a collection of mucus that forms in the cervical canal in early pregnancy. Losing your mucus plug is when you notice brown, pink, or blood-red mucus in your underwear or toilet bowl.

Back pain

You may experience back pain as your baby moves down your pelvis.

Advice from OT&P Obstetricians

Pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks, and most women will deliver within a week of their due date. You should pay attention to the signs of labour, including labour pains, mucus in your underwear or amniotic fluid passing. These three signs will not come in a particular sequence so as soon as any of them happen you should grab your hospital bag, all your obstetrician and head to hospital.

Labour Pains

The feeling of labour pain is a bit like menstrual pain at first. Gradually, pregnant women will feel more intense, regular contractions. For example, contractions that are about 1 minute long occur every 5 minutes and last for 1 hour.

Losing your mucus plug

A small amount of brown, pink, or blood-red mucus comes out of the vagina. You normally notice it in your underwear or in the loo. 

Wear Amniotic Fluid

When the amniotic sac is pierced, amniotic fluid flows out. This can be a lot or a little but you should go to the hospital as soon as possible when it happens. 

 

Tips for 39 Weeks Pregnant

  • If you plan to breastfeed, now is the time to remember to buy breastfeeding friendly clothing such as nursing bras
  • With your big day coming up, you can learn more about the admission and delivery process from your obstetrician
  • Plan your meals for the days and weeks after giving birth. You can ask a nutritionist for advice on postpartum nutrition and create a meal plan for you
  • If you are feeling anxious or depressed, discuss your concerns with your midwife, obstetrician, therapist, partner, friends or family
  • Learn how to relax, stay calm and deep labor breathing techniques to reduce labor pain 
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