At 39 weeks pregnant, you most likely have not experienced many changes over the last week or two. You probably have not gained any weight, but there are still changes that are taking place.
39 Weeks Pregnant: what changes are occurring in your body?
As you near the end of your pregnancy, your cervix will become effaced. Effacement is the process by which the cervix prepares for giving birth. After your baby engages in the pelvis, she will gradually descend closer to the cervix. The cervix will also soften, shorten, and become thinner. You may hear your doctor use terms like “cervical ripening,” or “cervical thinning,” both of which refer to effacement.
At 39 Weeks Pregnant, How Big is Your Baby?
Your baby is now between 18 and 20 ½ inches (45.7 to 52 cm) long and around 6 ½ to 8 pounds (2.9 to 3.6 kg).
What Is Happening With Your Baby?
Your baby is continuing to develop a layer of fat underneath the skin. This is an important part of your baby’s ability to regulate body temperature. Your baby is also beginning to form new skin cells to replace older skin cells.
What Should You Plan for This Week?
Honestly, at this point, you should really plan to take it easy. Whether this is your first child or fourth, your life will not be the same once this new addition arrives. So take some time for yourself, your partner, and your family.
Tips for Making Your Pregnancy Better
Even though you will deliver your baby soon, continue monitoring your baby’s movements. Many doctors may have you continue counting movements as discussed in Week 35. You may have purchased and/or been given many gifts for your baby. You may want to wait to take the tags off of these items. You could find out that the items are not the right size, color, or even be for the wrong gender. By leaving the tags on certain items, you will save yourself a lot of trouble.
Tips for Mom’s Partner
Begin talking with your partner about who you would like to be present at the birth of your baby. Do you want to be alone, or do you want to be surrounded by friends and family? Now is a good time to ask this question. This gives you a little time to make any necessary arrangements.
Want to Know More?
- Packing for the Hospital or Birth Center
- Stage One of Labor
- Cord Blood Banking – Your Three Choices Explained
