Table of Contents
You might be ready to hand over an eviction notice to your little baby, but he/she is sort of the boss at this point.
In fact, your baby will keep growing until delivery day. Here’s what’s on the agenda this week!
How Big Is Baby at 39 Weeks?
At 20 inches from head-to-feet and weighing about 7.3 pounds, your baby is as big as a pumpkin.
Tips for A Healthy Pregnancy at 39 Weeks
Preparation – Many women feel so uncomfortable at this point in pregnancy that any worries or fears about labor and delivery fade away.
This might be nature’s way of helping women face the epic feat of giving birth.
If you’re starting to get antsy and looking forward to the relief of no longer having to carry around a baby in your womb, then know that you’re among a large group of women who have felt the same way.
Fear – If you’re not in the group listed above and you still have some reservations about giving birth then it’s a good time to explore those feelings.
Each woman approaches birth differently, but there’s a good chance that whatever you most fear about birth has already been feared before you.
Take comfort in knowing that your fears are natural, but it’s always good to talk with those who have been there before you.
Read as many inspirational birth stories as you can. This in itself can help you face those fears.
Inducing Labor – No matter how you feel about labor and delivery, you might just be ready to get that baby out of you.
There are numerous ways to try to induce labor naturally. Though, the bottom line is that your baby will come out when he/she chooses to come out.
Although you’d love to be in control of this entire situation, you’re going to have to resolve to tag-teaming it with your new addition.
How Many Months is 39 Weeks?
You are officially nine months and one week, mama!
Ultrasound at 39 Weeks
Your baby is ultra crowded right now, but he/she will continue to grow until you give birth.
With less space to move around, your baby will look tightly cramped in an ultrasound.
Take note of this tucked up posture your baby poses in the womb because he/she will likely find comfort when swaddled in a similar tucked position.
39 Weeks Pregnant: Your Belly
You might be getting super tired of the same maternity clothes that you’ve been sporting for months on end.
Well, it’s almost time to get out of those clothes and wear something different for a change.
Keep supporting your baby bump with a belly band or full coverage maternity pants, for now.
39 Weeks Pregnant: Changes in Your Body
Lower Back Pain – You’ve probably been dealing with back pain throughout the bigger part of your pregnancy, so it’s no stranger to you.
But, back pain that moves forward through your body to your pelvis is a sign that you’re in the early stages of labor. Although you’re used to back pain, be a little more vigilant in monitoring it when it starts to bug you.
Lightning Crotch – Although lightning crotch is a very odd name to give anything, it can take on a very real meaning during the last few days and weeks of pregnancy.
Because your baby is likely sitting very deep in your pelvis, he/she could be pressing on nerves that reside down there.
What this means for you is that you could feel a sudden electric-like twinge or pain for a brief moment.
Most of the time, this feeling hits at random moments and subsides quickly.
Pelvic Pain – As well as experience nerve pain or twinges, your joints and ligaments could also be screaming at you during these final days.
The pressure they’re under is enormous as your baby descends into your pelvis. All of this pressure could make your pelvis feel achy and painful.
Pelvic pain is also an early sign of labor, so don’t power through this symptom, mama.
39 Weeks Pregnant: With Twins
Consider yourself a superhero for carrying twins or multiples for 39 weeks of your life. We all bow down and give you the praise you deserve!
No matter if you are waiting on the early signs of labor to start or simply waiting on your doctor to get back from Jamaica to perform a scheduled C-section, you don’t have more than a few days to go.
39 Weeks Pregnant: A Checklist
- Make a list of people to contact once baby arrives.
- Keep reading birthing stories.
- Input important emergency phone numbers into your phone.
- Look into a postpartum girdle.