Pregnancy Week 39

What does my baby look like now?

Your baby is now about the size of a mini watermelon.

A few weeks ago your baby's skin looked thinner and more transparent, but now it has become thicker and more protective. The skin may be covered with a white, waxy, creamy layer called vernix. This layer both protects the skin and can help ease the passage through the birth canal.

Some babies are born noticeably coated in vernix, while in others most of the vernix has disappeared by the time labor arrives.

Brain and organs

This week your baby's organs are largely ready for life in the outside world. Body growth has slowed, but brain development continues.

Your baby's brain is still growing rapidly in these final weeks—it may have grown by about 30% in the last 4 weeks alone. This growth continues after birth as well.

Movements should continue

With so little room left in the womb, your baby's movements may feel more like stretching, curling, and rolling than sharp kicks. Even so, the movements should continue on a regular basis.

If you notice a clear decrease in your baby's movements, contact your healthcare provider right away.

What's happening in my body?

This week you may notice a clear increase in vaginal discharge. Healthy discharge is usually thin, white, and odorless.

If you see a yellowish or blood-tinged, mucus-like piece, this may be the "bloody show." It can be a sign that labor is approaching, but it doesn't guarantee that labor will start the same day.

As your baby drops down toward your pelvis:

• back pain may increase,
• you may feel more pressure in your lower abdomen,
• frequent urination may become more noticeable.

Braxton Hicks vs. real labor

Braxton Hicks contractions may feel more intense this week. These are your uterus's practice contractions.

True labor contractions, on the other hand, usually have these features:

• they come at regular intervals,
• they grow closer together over time,
• they get progressively stronger,
• the pain becomes more pronounced,
• they don't go away with movement or rest.

If your contractions last about 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes, contact the hospital or your doctor. That said, the right timing for you may vary based on your doctor's advice.

Your water breaking

Your water breaking can come as a big gush or be noticed as just a small trickle. In either case, you need to let your healthcare provider know.

If the fluid is green or brown, it may suggest that the baby has passed meconium in the womb, and closer evaluation is needed.

Signs that shouldn't be ignored

During this period, some signs call for urgent evaluation. These include:

• vaginal bleeding,
• severe itching that won't go away,
• a very intense headache that won't go away,
• vision problems,
• pain just below the ribs,
• sudden, severe swelling in the hands, feet, or face,
• high fever.

Symptoms you might experience this week include:

• Braxton Hicks contractions
• the start of true labor contractions
• insomnia
• frequent urination
• diarrhea or nausea
• swelling in the feet and ankles
• itching
• losing the mucus plug
• bloody show
• colostrum leaking from the breasts
• back pain
• pressure in the lower abdomen
• a sudden burst of energy or, conversely, exhaustion

Your appetite may decrease during this period. Choosing smaller, lighter meals can feel more comfortable. If you have diarrhea, pay attention to your fluid intake.

• Watch carefully for signs that your water has broken.
• Don't wait if you notice decreased movement, bleeding, or severe symptoms.
• Keep your hospital bag somewhere easy to reach.
• Choose short, gentle walks over anything too tiring.
• If sleep is getting harder, try lying on your side with pillow support.
• Sort out your plan with whoever will be with you when labor begins.
• Make time to rest and calm yourself.

What might happen when the baby is born?

Right after birth, your baby's hands and feet may look bluish. Their breathing may be irregular in the first few minutes. Some babies don't cry right away; within a few seconds a steady breathing pattern settles in.

At one minute and again at 5 minutes after birth, the baby is checked with the Apgar assessment for heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, response to stimulation, and skin color.

Bonding may not always be instant

It can be perfectly normal not to feel an overwhelming wave of love the moment you see your baby. Sometimes the bond grows right away, and sometimes it strengthens over days or weeks. This does not make you a bad parent.

How breastfeeding affects the mother

Breastfeeding is beneficial not only for the baby but for the mother too. In particular, the hormones oxytocin and prolactin can help the uterus recover, reduce postpartum bleeding, and support feelings of relaxation and bonding.