By 39 weeks pregnant there is a chance you have had your baby by now. If not let’s see what is happening this week with your and baby!
39 Weeks Pregnant
You are officially 39 weeks pregnant! Can you believe you have made it this far? From conception to morning sickness to growing a baby over the last 39 weeks you have done amazing!
It hasn’t been easy with all the pregnancy symptoms, but it will sure be worth it.
How Big Is Baby at 39 Weeks Pregnant?
At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby is now the size of a small pumpkin weighing almost 7 and a half pounds and stretching between 19 and 21 inches.
How Is My 39 Week Fetus Developing?
At 39 weeks pregnant your baby is considered full-term.
Your baby isn’t growing any bigger but their brain continues to grow.
Their brain has increased in size 30 percent bigger than it was a month ago. Their skin is no longer pink and has started turning a grayish-white.
39 Weeks Pregnant Belly
Your 39 weeks pregnant belly is continuing to stretch even if you feel like there is no more room for it to stretch.
You are probably living in a constant state of discomfort as you are constantly feeling pressure on your pelvis and with the added weight.
Your uterus is now weighing 2 ½ pounds if you can imagine!
39 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
Nesting
Hello wanting to clean everything. At 39’weeks pregnant you have reached the sudden urge to clean and organize anything and everything. The fridge was my go-to. When I started deep cleaning my husband knew it was time for each child.
Pelvic Pressure
39 weeks pregnant there is no denying the baby is all ready to come out very soon. You are having increased pressure in your pelvic area. As the baby hangs out waiting for its descend in the birth canal you will feel the pressure and be uncomfortable but the good news is it’s almost over.
Lightning crotch
Lightning crotch is always a fun pregnancy symptom at the end. At 39 weeks pregnant you will definitely feel lightning crotch. This is when your baby suddenly moves and hits some nerve.
A sharp shooting pain will shoot through your body… It does not feel good. And you might feel like you are going to die, but you will be fine once the baby moves.
Signs of Labor
With labor quickly approaching you will want to know the signs of labor. By being prepared and knowing the signs it will help you to know when to go to the hospital.
There are beginning signs of labor or what is known as Early Signs of Labor and then Active Labor.
Early Signs of Labor Include:
- Morning Sickness Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Mucus Plug
Active Labor Includes:
- Water breaking
- Regular Consistent Contractions
- Back Pain
Birth Positions
When in labor there are many different birth positions to choose from. In the olden days of our moms giving birth, there was one birth position, on your back.
Thank goodness modern medicine has figured out that there is more than one way.
With my last baby, I was laboring on my back. For a good hour, I was stuck at an 8. Being stuck at an 8 wit a natural birth is not fun. I became super uncomfortable and decided to opt to roll onto my side…
Guess what? It hurt like you know what, but almost immediately I went from an 8 to a 10… The baby was essentially just stuck there until I rolled.
So changing up birthing positions can a. Make you feel more comfortable or b. Speed up labor. So try different positions throughout labor to see what works best for you.
Different Birth Positions to Try:
Standing Supported/ Squat
This position helps by opening up your pelvic and allows gravity to be used in your favor.
Sitting
This can be done sitting in a chair, on the toilet, or on an exercise ball.
Walking
Being able to walk while in labor is known to some to help speed up labor. When walking it helps relieve the backaches that come with labor and helps encourage your baby to descend into the birth canal.
Side-Lying
This position helps oxygen get to the baby and a great resting position and works well with an epidural
How Many Months Is 39 Weeks Pregnant?
At 39 weeks pregnant you are well into your 8th month of pregnancy. Your due date is just around the corner.
What to Do at 39 Weeks Pregnant?
Postpartum Depression
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a temporary depression that moms suffer after their baby is born.
Women who have miscarriages also can experience postpartum depression as well.
Postpartum Depression does not end after a couple of days, that is known as baby blues.
Postpartum depression lasts a lot longer and may require you to visit with your doctor for help.
The cause of Postpartum depression is actually because your emotions are trying to stabilize.
If you are suffering from postpartum depression there is nothing wrong with you. In fact, you are so brave for recognizing the fact that you are not feeling like yourself and are seeking help.
Signs of Postpartum Depression
People that are suffering from postpartum depression have reported these signs:
- Feeling of emptiness
- Feelings of Being Overwhelmed
- Non Attachment to your baby
- Feeling Anger a lot
- Feeling Irritated
- Sadness
- Problems Concentrating
- Thoughts of Harming you or your Baby
If you are suffering or think you are suffering from postpartum depression seek help from your doctor. They can help you get the help you need so that you can enjoy your sweet bundle of joy.
Prep for Breastfeeding
It’s time to start prepping your body and your home for breastfeeding.
Make sure you have invested in some good supportive nursing bras.
You will also want to get some nipple cream for your nipples because they will start cracking the first few days of breastfeeding.
Breast pads on hand is a must. These will help with your leaky boobs because when your milk comes in you won’t want to leak through your bra and shirt.
You will probably need to wear these through most of your breastfeeding days.
Our pregnancy calendar is researched & written by our Pregnancy Editor, Dara Duff-Bergeron. Although she rocks, she is not a health care professional. It’s just for entertainment purposes and any recommendations or information provided should not be used as a substitute for the real deal – a trained medical professional.
Wow , This Article remembers me my past experiences !!