If you confirm that you are now at 39 weeks pregnant, then it’s sure that you are still pregnant. Is this your first baby? Chances are that you’ll not deliver right on the due date. Maybe, it seems to go a little overdue. Even though you ensure 100% of your dates, there is no guarantee that you will give birth in the exact time. At that time, try to have your mind opened as well as believing that the little one will know when it is ready to be born. The truth is that every baby usually takes their own time to grow and be ready for the extra uterine life. While most of you may feel increasingly impatient and eager to welcome your angels, try not to wish this time away. Since your baby is still in your uterus, it is better to cater for all of his/her needs. This ensures that your workload will not be as high as it will be.
This week can be your last week of pregnancy. Sometimes, let’s prepare your mind that the angel is ready to join you in the world any time! Keep reading to find out what is truly happening to both of your body and baby at 39 weeks’ pregnant.
Get more information Your Pregnancy: 39 Weeks at What To Expect.
39 Weeks Pregnant – Changes in your body
At 39 weeks pregnant development, your body is often looking more of the same. Some moms-to-be still experience the sign of swelling in their feet and ankles, particularly if the weather is warm. Furthermore, you can be also feeling tired and cranky that is ready to welcome the little angel to the world. Sometimes, aches and pains can bother you too, especially in the pelvis and lower back since the baby settles lower.
Chances are you suffer from stronger and more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions. Eventually, every little twinge and ache can make you wonder “Is the labor coming?” Actually, Braxton Hicks contractions tend to be irregular and stop after a while. However, do not feel too disappointed! That’s because they can be a sign that your body is preparing for labour. There is no doubt that you will not get pregnant forever!
Many first-time mothers can even experience pre-labour during that time. Often, this is known as the warm up phase. That means your body begins getting ready for the real thing. Generally, pre-labour may make you tired and exhausted if it goes on for a few days or longer. In that case, try to relax, have a deep rest, and prepare for the big day with open mind!
It is highly advisable to visit your doctor weekly at this stage. During the appointments, the doctor will surely check your stomach so as to look at your baby’s growth and development. Don’t go into labour on your own? Then, the labour will be induced between 1 and 2 weeks overdue, or even sooner. While waiting, you should keep focusing on his/her movements every day. Don’t forget to let your doctor or midwife know right after these seem to decrease. The reason is that the baby should remain active until the birth. Therefore, any noticeable sign of slowing down movement may be a problem.
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39 Weeks Pregnant – Symptoms of pregnancy
Some symptoms are likely to go away at 39 weeks pregnant. However, there are some women who still suffer from these signs till the delivery. If this is your case, try to calm your mind that everything will be okay after seeing the little angel smiling. So, what you can experience around that time? Here are:
- Water breaking
- Hemorrhoids
- Heartburn
39 Weeks Pregnant – Your baby development
My baby at 39 weeks is about 50-53 centimeters in length and weighs around 3.5 to 4 kilograms, and equal to around the size of a watermelon. Sometimes, this can be your final week of pregnancy. However, most of the little kids usually go past their due dates. Hence, don’t expect a prompt arrival, particularly if this is your first child.
Some expectant mothers can dread the crying of the kids in the middle of night after they are born. However, just take a look at his/her face when he/she lets out such first beautiful sob. In fact, your angel’s tear ducts will not be totally ready to work for about a month after the first. Hence, such first few weeks of midnight wailing may not be accompanied by any tiny tears.
This week, your baby continues practicing breathing and gaining more fat. His/her lungs will also keep producing surfactant. This busy brain still lays down nerve connections. It is a good idea to spend time talking and singing to the angel, as well as letting him/her know that you are ready to meet him/her.
Interestingly, the little one is also ideally squeezable in preparation for many cuddles. Of course, a thick fat layer has been greatly deposited over his/her blood vessels, which makes his/her body extra huggable! Believe it or not, that fat layer helps to control his/her body temperature after birth, too.
What should you do?
Although it could be a terrifying thought, 39 weeks pregnant is indeed a perfect time to start understanding what can happen at each stage of labour. Surely, this helps you to prepare yourself for the upcoming day with ease and confidence. There are the 3 stages of labour in a nutshell:
- The lengthiest part is usually the first stage. Moms will often experience the contractions to open up as well as dilating their cervix. It can generally take between 6 and 12 hours for the first pregnancy.
- You are considered the stage two, once your cervix is fully dilated (about 10 centimeters). During this phase, you must help to push the baby through the vagina with your contractions.
- After a lot of time and effort, your baby will be safely and warmly in your arms by stage three. At that time, the only thing left for your body to do is actually for your womb to contract and then push the placenta out. You are doing the laboring work nicely and wonderfully!
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