Pregnancy week 39

Your baby’s development

With week 39 you enter "full term" (39–40+6). Your baby is about the size of a mini watermelon: roughly 50.7 cm long and 3288 g. The organs are ready for life after birth, and most babies born from this week on adapt comfortably. The brain is still developing and will continue for years after birth. The layer of fat under the skin helps your baby stay warm after birth. The immune system is supported by antibodies from you. Even now, the placenta keeps carrying nutrients and oxygen to your baby. As space is tight, movements may feel different, but they should continue regularly. After birth, your touch, your smell and your voice will already be familiar. Whatever kind of birth you have, you are the arms your baby knows best. The baby's head is flexible enough to change shape so it can fit the birth canal as well as possible.

Changes in the mother

Entering full term brings relief on the one hand and calls for patience on the other. Many people feel both ready and worn out. At appointments your provider may check changes in the cervix, though these do not reliably predict when labour will start. Physically, back pain, frequent urination, pelvic pressure, sleep problems and irregular contractions may continue. If you feel anxious, light movement, breathing and a warm shower can help. Wondering when labour will start is natural; everyone's timing is different and your baby will arrive when ready. Trust yourself and your body. If your schedule is clear, fill these days with time with loved ones, gentle activity and calm moments. Reach out to your doctor, midwife or close ones to share any worries.

To do this week

• Talk with your provider about follow-up and birth planning after week 40.
• Review the 5-1-1 rule and your own threshold for going to hospital.
• Keep paying attention to your baby's movements each day.
• Prepare the baby's first things (clothes, nappies, blanket).

Tip for the partner

Choosing small things for the baby's first days together, such as the first outfit, is a lovely way to share the excitement.

Nutrition tip

Filling but light meals, plenty of water and enough fibre help you feel well in these last days.