At 39 weeks of pregnancy, you are doing great, because you have coped with all the difficulties that come with carrying a child. But there is no time to relax, because the most important, touching and at the same time difficult moment is ahead of you – the birth.
We will not remind you of what you have already experienced, and what symptoms to experience. But we will try to give you as much detail as possible about all the possible signs and sensations that you may experience during this term. Also, be sure to describe how your baby is doing. But that’s not all you can learn from the guide we offer.
What happens in the 39th week of pregnancy?
In general, the events of pregnancy in the 39th week are no different from what happened the day before. However, there are still some changes, and if more specifically, it is worth noting the following:
- Vaginal discharge at 39 weeks of pregnancy becomes more liquid and abundant – this can be explained by the gradual withdrawal of amniotic fluid. Such secretions may be colored white or yellowish, there is usually no obvious or unpleasant odor. The water is mostly released at 37-39 weeks, it is not accompanied by pain or great discomfort;
- Regular and strong enough training contractions – this process is quite normal. Surely you have learned to count contractions, which will tell you when you should go to the doctor;
- Increased pressure of the fetal head on the cervix – this can bring a lot of discomfort, but the process is not accompanied by pain.
Antecedents of labor at 39 weeks of pregnancy
At the term of 39 weeks of pregnancy heralds of labor can appear in stages or a single moment, but most often women observe certain signs. Such harbingers include the following sensations and phenomena:
- Detachment of the mucous plug, which previously protected the entrance to the cervix;
- Diarrhea – at 39 weeks of pregnancy, this sign does not seem unexpected;
- Increased training contractions;
- Gradual weight loss due to the withdrawal of amniotic fluid;
- Lowering of the abdomen.
It is worth noting that for women who are not carrying their firstborn under their heart, these signs indicate an early delivery. For first-born women, these feelings and signs symbolize the active preparation of the body for the impending birth of the baby.
The 39th week of pregnancy: how the baby is developing
In the 39th week of pregnancy, the baby’s movements have become less intense, because it is cramped in the amniotic membrane. Such behavior of the fetus is considered quite normal, so you should not worry.
All parts of the fetal body are developed and functioning normally. The brain and lungs continue their development – this will continue even after the birth of the baby. All reflexes are working well, and the gastrointestinal tract is producing and accumulating enzymes that will help the baby to digest mother’s breast milk after birth.
Fetal size at 39 weeks of pregnancy
The baby at 39 weeks of pregnancy has usually already acquired its prenatal size and weight. The numbers can vary significantly, but there are certain norms. The baby may be 50-53 centimeters tall and weigh from 2,500 grams. However, the weight can be slightly different, as the index can be much higher.
39 weeks of pregnancy: feelings
You probably will not be surprised that the 39th week of pregnancy pulls the lower abdomen – this is quite normal. As a rule, painful sensations go to the lower back and sacrum, which makes it difficult to move, lie down and sit. To these sensations are added pain in the pelvic bones and pubic area, because the bones are displaced.
You won’t be left with frequent urination in the 39th week of pregnancy either. However, some women do not feel much discomfort, because you already have a habit of frequent trips to the bathroom. And you may also notice that cervical discharge at 39 weeks of pregnancy became more profuse and liquid, which should not be considered something dangerous.
You may also notice that your breasts have become somewhat heavier – this may make life a little more difficult for a woman. The appearance (sometimes abundant) colostrum may also appear.
You should not be surprised if insomnia in the 39th week of pregnancy has become quite frequent. This is partly due to a large belly, pulling sensations in the muscles and other “bonuses”. There may also be a problem with sleep due to nervousness associated with the impending birth.
Do not be surprised if you have heartburn during the 39th week of pregnancy. Such a feeling may stay with you for weeks. You will not be able to avoid such a “bonus”, but you can reduce the discomfort by following some rules about food intake, activity, etc.
Ultrasound at 39 weeks of pregnancy
At 39 weeks of pregnancy ultrasound is not carried out. However, if there are indications, concerns about abnormalities or the desire of the pregnant woman herself. As in the diagnosis during the first and second trimester, the specialist evaluates the indicators of child development and condition of the woman.
However, a woman has to visit a gynecologist and undergo some obligatory tests. During the doctor’s examination, the woman’s physical sensations, her weight and other things are evaluated. It is worth noting that at 39 weeks of pregnancy, it is not recommended for a woman to neglect scheduled visits to the doctor for check-ups.
What happens to the body of the mother in the 39th week of pregnancy?
In addition to the fact that the lower abdomen is pulled at 39 weeks of pregnancy, it is very large. Although the lowering of the abdomen has caused more free breathing – this is a definite plus. Because of the large belly and painful sensations, moving around becomes very problematic, so the woman prefers to spend more time in a horizontal position.
Also swollen feet in 39 weeks of pregnancy, which is manifested by some thickening of the foot. However, this is not a necessary symptom, because not everyone suffers from edema. Some pregnant women observe swelling on the face.
The 39th week of pregnancy: what you need to discuss with your doctor
What is pre-eclampsia – this question is worth asking preferably in the second trimester, but sometimes only in the third woman learned about this complication. If nausea at 39 weeks of pregnancy has become more frequent, it may indicate this very complication. It is also worth paying close attention to blood pressure readings.
Find out what a cold at 39 weeks of pregnancy is dangerous – it is also worth asking in a timely manner. You should carefully monitor the body temperature readings to prevent a significant increase. What to take pills and carry out procedures is worth checking with your doctor.
It is also not superfluous to clarify why there are no contractions at 39 weeks of pregnancy. Most often, women begin to worry if they do not have the typical harbingers of labor. However, only a doctor can tell more accurately whether there are objective prerequisites for the beginning of active action to induce labor.
You may be concerned at the 39th week of pregnancy – the baby is very active. As a rule, the baby is cramped, so it moves very rarely. However, sometimes the fetus can very clearly remind you of itself, which should be considered a body workout. The baby may move to prepare the arms and legs for the upcoming birth. These sensations may cause a woman some discomfort, but there is no problem.
What to do if there is blood in 39 weeks of pregnancy – this question is also worth asking your specialist. However, it is wise to go immediately to the ambulance, as such a sign does not bode well.
If the pelvic bones hurt in 39 weeks of pregnancy – it is quite normal, but there are several reasons for which you should immediately consult a doctor. Such reasons should be considered vomiting in 39 weeks of pregnancy, thrush, infectious diseases and some others. You usually already know about all the reasons for going to the doctor immediately in case of an exacerbation from the experience of past examinations.
When the lower abdomen is pulled at 39 weeks of pregnancy, but obvious pre-pregnancy symptoms are no longer observed. You in this question, you should ask whether there is a need for stimulation of labor – this question should also be addressed to your doctor at the next checkup. Recall that it is extremely unsafe to engage in folk practices.
The 39th week of pregnancy: tips
The baby in the 39th week of pregnancy is ready for its birth. In view of this, many doctors and consultants, relatives and girlfriends can give you these recommendations:
- Avoid long and long journeys;
- Spend more time on vacation;
- Try not to worry and not to stress;
- Do not hide your maternity baggage far away;
- Eat often and in small portions;
- Try to move around and go for walks in the fresh air.
It is important to maintain a balance between activity and rest. You may feel considerably energized in your last week of pregnancy – this may be a deceptive feeling. Still, you should not be active; it is better to prepare for the future birth.
Speaking of childbirth, which is worth learning a little more about. You may have heard about partnered births, that is, when the father of the child is present during the birth. It’s wise to think about it a couple or three weeks earlier, because a happy, but probably very excited father needs to be prepared for such an event.
The 39th week of pregnancy: Questions and answers
Is it possible to give birth at 39 weeks of pregnancy?
Not even “can”, but it is necessary, because the term has already approached and the baby is ready to make its first term. Medical experts say that this period is ideal for the emergence of the baby. The woman’s body is also ready to give birth, as evidenced by the pain in the pelvis due to the expansion of bones and ligaments.
How many months – 39 weeks of pregnancy?
At the 39th obstetric week of pregnancy, the third trimester is the end of the period of carrying the baby. Regarding the monthly calculation, this week marks the end of the long-awaited ninth month, which means the birth of the baby is just around the corner.
What should be feared in the 39th week of pregnancy?
The main danger for a pregnant woman at this term is not following some of the rules. For example, taking a hot bath or excessive physical exertion. The main thing that a woman should remember is to constantly monitor her sensations.
Is it possible to take a bath during pregnancy at 39 weeks?
There is no acute ban, but it is worth remembering – you can not take a hot bath, because it can provoke labor. In general, there is nothing dangerous from such a ritual, and the baby is approaching, but it is better to prepare for the birth under the supervision of specialists. It is also worth noting that the water temperature should not be high (it is recommended not higher than 37 degrees) and you should not use some essential oils, which may affect the tone of the uterus.
Is it possible to have sex in 39 weeks of pregnancy?
As a rule, sex in the 39th week of pregnancy for a woman is no longer meaningful. Many experts emphasize the danger of sexual intimacy at such a considerable term. However, there is an opinion that sex can induce labor and many people practice it – an opinion that is very doubtful, so we advise you to trust your doctor and not take the risk.
39 weeks of pregnancy – how to induce labor?
This question alarms many specialists. As a rule, women are looking for folk methods to open the cervix (sex, hot baths, physical activity, and so on). Any methods, other than medically sound, of inducing labor are considered unsafe. If you feel anxious about this, it is better to ask your doctor’s opinion about it.
