You’re in the middle of the tenth and final month of pregnancy—so your baby could arrive any day now. Most babies aren’t born exactly on their due date but within a window of about four weeks around it. In this guide, you’ll learn what typically happens in week 39 of pregnancy and how you can prepare for labor and birth.
How Big Is Your Baby at 39 Weeks?
At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a pumpkin. They measure around 34 centimeters from head to bottom, with a crown-to-heel length of about 49 centimeters.
39 Weeks Pregnant: What’s Changing for You
At this stage, waiting is often the hardest part. Your baby bump may make you less mobile, and there’s not much left to do except rest and prepare mentally for birth. Many pregnant women feel a mix of anticipation, excitement, and impatience during this time. Your body is also getting ready for labor. Braxton Hicks contractions may happen more often, helping your baby move further toward the cervix. Early labor symptoms can also include diarrhea, stomach cramps, or nausea. Some women experience a sudden burst of energy shortly before birth, often known as the nesting instinct. If you suddenly feel the urge to organize cupboards or clean the house, that’s completely normal. Still, it’s a good idea to take it easy and let your partner handle the bigger tasks. Gentle walks can feel good, but rest whenever your body asks for it.
39 Weeks Pregnant: Your Baby’s Development
Most babies now weigh between 3,200 and 3,300 grams and are ready for life outside the womb. However, weight and size can vary because babies develop more individually toward the end of pregnancy. By this week, the vernix (the creamy protective coating) and the fine lanugo hair have usually disappeared. Together with shed skin cells, they are now in the amniotic fluid, which may appear milky rather than clear. Your baby may move less than before. There’s simply less space in the uterus, and your baby is also conserving energy for birth. When labor begins, your baby releases stress hormones that help them adapt to life outside your body. The first few days after birth require a lot of energy, which is why your baby continues building fat reserves in the final weeks. After birth, babies usually lose some weight, so these reserves are important.
The First Days With Your Baby: What to Expect
You may already be imagining the moment you finally see your baby, hold them in your arms, and breathe in that unmistakable newborn scent. Many parents also wonder what the first days together will actually be like. Once you’re home, the whole family usually needs a little time to settle in and adjust. Those first days are often calm and full of closeness, but your baby will also bring a completely new daily—and nightly—rhythm. Even if it sometimes feels like you’re mostly feeding, changing diapers, and comforting your baby, an incredible amount is happening during this time. If you’d like to learn more about what really matters in those early days and how to enjoy them as much as possible, take a look at our article “The First Days With Your Baby.”
Important Signs to Watch for at 39 Weeks
You should head to the hospital when contractions occur regularly every three to six minutes and require your full attention. If you’re unsure whether labor has started, it’s best to call your midwife or the hospital first. A simple test can also help: if your contractions ease in a warm bath, it may not be time just yet. Increased discharge or light spotting can also occur this week. This may indicate that your cervix is beginning to open and that the mucus plug is loosening. Sometimes it contains small traces of blood, while in other cases it appears as thick, whitish mucus. Some pregnant women don’t notice the mucus plug passing at all. When you’re alone at home with your newborn for the first time, it’s normal to worry about handling such a tiny, delicate person. But babies love closeness and gentle touch.
Our pregnancy calendar is designed to guide you through this exciting time and provide helpful information along the way, developed together with LILLYDOO experts. However, the advice shared here can never replace personal guidance from your doctor or midwife. If you have questions or need medical support, always reach out to a qualified healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
What happens in the 39th week of pregnancy?
What happens in the 39th week of pregnancy?
In week 39 of pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions are occurring more frequently, pushing the baby further towards the cervix. The early contractions can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, or nausea. The vernix caseosa and lanugo hair of the baby are now completely gone. It moves very little now, as space has become tight, but also to conserve energy for the birth.
How can I tell if it is labor pains?
How can I tell if it is labor pains?
A way to determine whether it is false or true labor is the "bathtub test." If the contractions of the pregnant woman subside when she immerses herself in warm water, it is false labor. If they do not subside or even become stronger, it is likely true labor.
When should I leave for the hospital during labor?
When should I leave for the hospital during labor?
In the 39th week of pregnancy, labor can start at any time. Especially with the first child, it can take hours from the first contractions to actual birth. The pregnant woman should go to the hospital when the contractions come regularly every three to six minutes and require her full attention. If she is unsure whether it is already time, it is advisable to call the midwife or the hospital to hear their assessment.
In which month does the 39th week of pregnancy fall?
In which month does the 39th week of pregnancy fall?
The 39th week of pregnancy falls in the 10th month of pregnancy.
