Pregnancy Week 39
Your baby has reached full term and is ready for life outside the womb. The brain and lungs continue their final stages of development, your baby is gaining more body fat, and the body is making the final preparations for birth.
Your Baby This Week
Full Term
At week 39, your pregnancy has reached full term.
Your baby is well developed and ready for life outside the womb, although important maturation continues, especially in the brain and nervous system.
Brain Development Continues
Your baby’s brain continues growing and developing rapidly.
The nervous system is becoming increasingly coordinated, supporting important functions such as breathing, feeding, movement, and temperature regulation after birth.
Mature Lungs
Your baby’s lungs continue preparing for breathing independently after birth.
Surfactant production helps prepare the tiny air sacs in the lungs to remain open when your baby takes the first breaths.
More Body Fat
Your baby continues storing fat beneath the skin.
This gives the body a fuller appearance and provides energy that will help your baby adapt to life outside the womb.
Full Term & Ready
Your baby is about the size of a small watermelon. Your baby is fully developed and continues gaining fat while the brain and lungs complete important stages of maturation.
Your Body This Week
Your body is now very close to the end of pregnancy and may show more signs of preparing for labor.
Pelvic Pressure
Your baby may be positioned lower in the pelvis, increasing pressure around your pelvis, hips, and bladder.
Frequent Urination
The baby's position can place additional pressure on your bladder, making frequent trips to the bathroom common.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions may become stronger or more frequent. Unlike true labor, they generally remain irregular and do not consistently become stronger and closer together.
Signs of Labor
As labor approaches, you may notice regular contractions, changes in vaginal discharge, or your water breaking. If you think labor has started, contact your maternity care team for guidance.
Tips for week 39
- Continue taking your prenatal vitamin every day.
- Eat balanced meals containing protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Continue including iron-rich foods.
- Choose calcium-rich foods to support your baby's bones.
- Include healthy sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat fiber-rich foods to support digestion.
- Rest whenever you feel tired.
- Continue gentle activity if approved by your healthcare professional.
- Keep your prenatal appointments.
- Keep your hospital or birth-center bag ready.
- Make sure transportation arrangements are available.
- Keep important contact numbers easily accessible.
- Review your birth preferences with your healthcare team.
- Know when and how to contact your maternity care team.
- Continue monitoring your baby's usual movement pattern.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs.
- Limit caffeine to 200 mg or less per day.
Nutrition This Week
Even at full term, your baby’s brain and body continue developing while your body prepares for birth.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Iron Rich Foods
Calcium Sources
Protein Rich Foods
Folate Rich Foods
Healthy Fats
Fruits & Vegetables
Whole Grains
Stay Hydrated
Nutrition Tip
Keep your meals balanced and easy to digest. Focus on nutrient-dense foods and regular hydration rather than trying to increase your food intake significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my baby full-term at Week 39?
Yes. Week 39 marks the beginning of the full-term period, which continues through 40 weeks and 6 days.
How big is my baby at Week 39?
Your baby is approximately the size of a small watermelon. Actual length and weight vary from baby to baby.
What is developing during Week 39?
Your baby is fully developed for birth, while the brain, nervous system, and lungs continue important maturation. Your baby also continues gaining body fat.
Is my baby ready to be born?
Yes. At 39 weeks, your baby is considered full term and is generally well prepared for life outside the womb.
Should my baby's movements decrease?
No. Although there is less room, your baby should continue moving according to their usual pattern.
If you notice a significant decrease or unusual change in movement, contact your healthcare professional promptly.
How can I tell if I'm in labor?
True labor contractions typically become regular, stronger, longer, and closer together.
Other possible signs include your water breaking or changes in vaginal discharge.
Contact your maternity care team if you think labor has started or if your water breaks.
Can my baby still change position?
Most babies are head-down by this stage, and there is less room for major position changes. Your healthcare professional can confirm your baby’s position.
What happens if I go past my due date?
A due date is an estimate, and many healthy pregnancies continue beyond it. Your healthcare professional may monitor you and your baby more closely as the pregnancy progresses and discuss options if needed.
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