Pregnancy Week by Week Calendar - 39 weeksNow you are 39 weeks pregnant you are coming to the business end of your pregnancy. It is time to make sure you’re happy with your birth plan!

39 weeks pregnant – development guide

Your body

Time to review your birth plan and  make sure you’re happy with your choices. This is your birth experience so it is important that you’re comfortable with the choices you’ve made and have discussed your preferences should alternative actions need to be considered.

Pregnant woman with visible uterus and fetus week 39As your baby gets ready for labour, you may experience your fundus dropping slightly as your baby sits lower in your body, closer to the birth canal. Your cervix is starting to soften in preparation.

Your baby

Your baby is approximately 50cm long, but remember that the size range varies based on your and your partner’s genes. Your baby weighs approximately 3.2kg but again this can vary between 2.5kg and 4.5kg.

Weekly development of a human fetus - week 39Your baby is starting to lose the lanugo hair but the majority of the vernix that has protectively coated them for most of the pregnancy remains. This aids in delivery and post birth. Usually, it is left on the baby after the birth for as long as possible.

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3 things to do now you’re 39 weeks pregnant

Read up on the first few days of breastfeeding

This article – Breastfeeding – A Guide to the First Few Days – is a good one to bookmark. Have a read now so you know what to expect and come back after baby is born because there are just some things you need to learn ‘on the job’.

Talk about labour with your birth partner

Now is a good time to look over your birth plan and make sure your birth partner is on board. Why not share this funny article with your partner – it is a list of things you should not say to a woman in labour and is worth a read! There are real-life example but also some tips on what you SHOULD say too!

Ask advice about birth-pain management

There are many ways to help reduce pain during labour. From a warm bath to an epidural and everything in between. If you’re looking for some tips why not chat to forum members about birth-pain management.

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This content is meant as a guide only. If you find anything worrying or unsettling, or experience any bleeding or spotting, contact your local GP, obstetrician or an emergency healthcare provider immediately.

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