39 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Belly Size & Ultrasound

39 weeks pregnant is a milestone to celebrate and savor. Find out what to expect when you’re 39 weeks pregnant, find out whether you can feel baby yet and what your uterus looks like. What size is a 12-week-pregnant uterus? What are the 8th week symptoms? When does baby start to move?

Your baby at week 39 of pregnancy

In most cases, your baby will be positioned with his bottom facing your ribs and his head facing down. When you have your first baby, your baby may “drop” a few days to a couple of weeks before delivery. “Dropping” simply means your baby moves further down into your pelvis, preparing for birth.

There are some babies who prefer to be head up. In this position, called breech, your baby is at risk for health problems during delivery. There are times when healthcare providers recommend you have a Cesarean section even if you are able to deliver vaginally.

39 weeks pregnant is how many months?

When you are 39 weeks pregnant, you are officially in 9 months of your pregnancy, only a few weeks left to go! Congratulations, your almost there momma!

How big is your baby at 39 weeks pregnant?

At 39 weeks, the average baby weighs around 6 t0 8 pounds and measures about 16 to 21 inches long from crown to rump, making it about the size of a of cephalic.

39 weeks pregnant baby position

It is most likely that your baby is already head-down. If not, your caregiver may suggest scheduling an external cephalic version, in which pressure is applied to your abdomen to induce a headdown position for your baby.

39 weeks pregnant: baby’s development

39-42 weeks baby developments

As the baby develops in the womb, it becomes quite active. During the last month before birth, the fetus drinks between half a liter and a liter of amniotic fluid every day.

It takes about a month after birth for a baby’s tear ducts to open. That means that infants cry without tears for the first month of their lives. It is estimated that the fetal heart pumps 2,000 quarts of blood per day during birth! Compared to an adult heart, which pumps about 6,000 quarts of blood daily.

Newborns have limited vision. Until the cones in her retina finish developing, they will have a vision of about 20/640, and she will not be able to perceive the colors. A newborn can identify his mother’s milk simply by its smell. Despite the fact that he cannot see her face, they can recognize theit mother by her smell, her voice, or a silent video.

It is unclear exactly how labor begins, but research suggests that the fetus sends hormonal signals to the mother’s uterus. It takes powerful contractions to push the baby out of the womb. The soft plates in his skull squeeze together and overlap to allow his large head to move through the birth canal.

Your body and your baby at 39 weeks pregnant

Several weeks or even days before delivery, most women lose their mucus plugs (though for others, it doesn’t happen until right before delivery). It is called the “bloody show” if the mucus is pink or streaked with blood and usually indicates labor will begin the next day.

A week to go — although doctors already consider you full-term, so your baby could arrive at any time. You have little room for your full-sized baby to move around in your uterus because your uterus is stretched tight. Due to the lack of space, your baby may not kick as much. Not only is your baby scrunched, but your internal organs are confined as well. As your lungs have less space, breathing will become more labored, and your stomach has less room too, so expect to eat several smaller meals throughout the day.

Your First Meeting with Baby:

It’s likely that you’ve thought about the day you’ll meet your baby-even dreamed of it. You may be surprised at your newborn’s appearance if you’re picturing the perfect, pudgy babies you’ve seen in books and magazines. Having a child isn’t just a workout for you; it’s a workout for your baby too. His appearance will most likely be a reflection of his time in the cramped birth canal.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Your baby’s face

Your baby’s face may be swollen after a tight squeeze through the cervix. In some cases, you may see bruising on her face and other parts of her body as well.

Your baby’s head

Your baby’s skull bones, which are more pliable than his other bones, will move to accommodate his passage down the birth canal. If this happens, your kid may have a “cone-head” appearance for a few weeks, but his or her skull bones will realign and return to their usual positions after that.

Your baby’s skin

Your unborn child was protected from the harsh conditions of your uterus by the amniotic sac and fluid. Your unborn child was coated with vernix to protect her skin from the harsh conditions of her aquatic environment. Your baby’s skin will shed its cheesy-looking layer as your due date approaches, but you may spot some remnants in the folds of their skin. In the event of a preterm birth, more of this protective layer will remain on your child’s body.

Your baby’s hair

Soft, little hairs that coated your unborn child’s body earlier in development served as an anchor for the formation of her skin. These hairs start to diminish as your baby gets closer to birth day, however you might still notice a few on your newborn. Your newborn will have hair on her head as well.

Babies have various amounts of hair, but the hair your baby has at birth will look significantly different from the hair she will have when she is only a few weeks old. Don’t assume that just because your baby’s hair was that color at birth that she will always have that hue of hair.

Your baby’s eyes

Despite the fact that your baby’s eyes may have been one hue at birth, this does not guarantee that they will remain that way. The University of Michigan Health System states that it may take a baby as long as six months to show their natural eye color. It might not be as simple as comparing your baby’s eyes to those of your partner and yourself to determine their true eye color.

While brown is still the most common eye color, research from Oregon State University suggests that there are various genetic markers that contribute to your baby’s particular eye color.

Regardless of how your baby seems immediately after birth, you will know he is the most gorgeous thing you have ever seen. And just as it will take you a few days to recuperate after giving birth, it will also take time for your kid to heal.

39 weeks pregnant tips and advice

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated is important. Your body uses more water during your pregnancy to fuel your increased blood supply (necessary to get your baby-to-be plenty of nutrients) and other body functions. Taken to extremes, dehydration can lead to preterm labor pains. So bring a water bottle to work with you—and drink it.

Use the bathroom—often

Drinking more water means more trips to the bathroom. Add to that, your kidneys are working overtime to filter impurities from your increased blood supply. To avoid stares from coworkers, plan discrete potty breaks. Go when you first get to the office and take a break on the way from meetings or other times when you’re already up so your trips will be less noticeable. Putting off a trip to the bathroom is a bad idea—it makes you uncomfortable and puts stress on your bladder, which can lead to bladder infections.

Bring light snacks

Food may not be appealing, especially if you’re experiencing nausea. Skip a full-blown lunch and opt for lighter fare throughout the day. Keep in mind that some pregnancy comfort foods are dead giveaways, such as crackers. If you’re trying to keep your pregnancy a secret, try less notorious foods that still comfort nausea but that don’t shout, “I’m pregnant!” Opt for foods high in protein, such as string cheese, almonds, or milk.

Wear comfortable clothes

You’ve probably packed away your tight-fitting pants already. If you haven’t, now’s probably the time to say goodbye to your hip-hugging ensembles until after your baby’s arrival. Avoiding tight clothes isn’t just about hiding your baby bump. Your body may be retaining water to fuel your increased blood supply, and constricting clothes are not only tight on your skin, but the blood that’s trying to flow underneath.

Watch your posture

Take time to get off your feet and walk around. Staying in the same position for too long allows the blood to pool in the lower part of your body, potentially making you light-headed. Put your feet up whenever possible to keep your blood flowing properly.

Having Trouble Sleeping at 39 weeks Pregnant

Having difficulties sleeping is a common pregnant symptom, and it’s especially common in the second and third trimesters, when other pregnancy symptoms peak and a growing belly makes it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.

When you’re 39 weeks pregnant, it could hurt to sleep on your stomach, but studies indicates that lying on your back puts more strain on the vena cava, the main blood vessel that returns blood to the heart.

Your blood circulation will increase if you sleep on your left side, which will also be good for your uterus, kidneys, and fetus. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, try placing a pillow between your knees and another under your stomach. If the problem persists, consult your doctor.

39 weeks Pregnant: Wellness and Nutrition

What should you avoid during pregnancy? Doctors agree that you should avoid the following:

Activities that may cause you to fall, or that place pressure or force on your belly
Intense, overly vigorous exercise – if you’re too out of breath to talk, you’re probably exercising too hard.
Drinking alcohol, smoking, and caffeine (ask your doctor how much caffeine you should consume each day)
Sweeteners such as saccharine and herbal sweeteners (ask your doctor if artificial sweeteners are appropriate)

Prescription and over-the-counter medications (check with your doctor about what’s safe during pregnancy)
Paint, cleaning products, and solvents can expose you to chemicals and fumes. Acrylic and latex paints are generally considered safe. However, you should consult your doctor before helping around the house or in the nursery.
Saunas and hot tubs
Chemical treatments for your hair, such as dye and perms

39 weeks pregnancy symptoms

Your body undergoes many changes to give your baby-to-be enough room to grow. Some of these changes are comforting—your rounded belly and your full breasts, for example—while other signs can be troubling. Keep in mind that many of these physical changes will last only until your baby arrives.

Upper abdominal pain

The uterus is growing rapidly, putting pressure on organs like the bladder, intestines, and stomach. This can cause mild pain in the upper abdomen that may extend to the lower abdomen or sides of your stomach. The pressure on your abdomen can also cause pain when you cough or sneeze.

Lower abdominal pain

The uterus is growing rapidly and putting pressure on your bladder, intestines, and stomach. This can cause lower abdominal pain that may feel like mild cramping or a dull ache in the pelvic region. Back pain. The growing weight of your uterus on your spine can cause back pain that typically becomes worse as pregnancy progresses.

Leg cramps

The weight of your uterus can put pressure on your veins and cause leg cramps or swelling. You may also experience varicose veins in your legs due to increased blood flow. Neck pain. As the baby grows, it puts more pressure on the spinal cord, which runs down through your neck and back. This can cause mild pain in the neck area that may extend into your shoulders and arms.

Back pain

Your growing uterus can put pressure on your spine and cause back pain. The weight of the baby can also cause sciatica, which is when pain shoots down the back of one leg due to compression in the spinal cord. Backache. Your growing uterus may cause you to experience mild to moderate lower back pain or stiffness in your lower abdomen around this time.

Leaky breasts

It can be alarming, especially if you aren’t expecting it! But rest assured, this is not usually a cause for concern. Breast milk production begins when the hormone prolactin rises in response to pregnancy. Prolactin stimulates the cells of the mammary glands that produce milk and causes them to grow and multiply.

Sleeping difficulties

You may find it harder to get comfortable when you’re pregnant. Your growing abdomen can make it more difficult for you to find a position that feels good, and your joints may be sore from carrying extra weight. You might also experience restless leg syndrome, which is when you feel like your legs are moving even though they aren’t. This happens because the joints in the body release chemicals that cause itching or tingling sensations when they are irritated by things like pregnancy hormones.

Swollen Ankels

You may be experiencing swollen ankles, which is common during pregnancy. This happens because the increased levels of hormones in your body cause fluid to accumulate in your tissues, including those that line the walls of your veins and arteries. It’s usually not a cause for concern unless you have swelling in both legs or it lasts longer than two weeks.

Fatigue (constant tiredness or weakness)

One of the most typical symptoms of early pregnancy is fatigue, which frequently starts at this point. Although there are many causes of exhaustion during pregnancy (including changes in hormone levels), some research indicates that inadequate sleep brought on by nighttime awakenings from unpleasant sleeping positions may also be a role.

Heartburn or gas

There may be a rise in heartburn and flatulence during the 39th week of pregnancy. This is because progesterone produces a decrease in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle, which typically prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. This can cause heartburn and discomfort by allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Try spreading your meals out more, staying away from items that are known to cause heartburn (such spicy foods), and drinking lots of water.

Mood swings and crying spells

The 39th week of pregnancy is a vulnerable time for women, when they are more likely to experience mood swings and crying spells. Until your hormone levels settle, this will have an impact on your mental and emotional well-being. This is a common occurrence for pregnant women; one study indicated that 75% of women felt emotional shifts like irritability or depression in the first trimester.

Indigestion, or constipation

During the 39th week of pregnancy, you may suffer gastrointestinal issues like indigestion or constipation. Pregnancy hormones like progesterone and estrogen might increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal issues including indigestion. These hormones slow down digestion by relaxing the digestive tract, preventing food from being swallowed whole. You can reduce the frequency and severity of indigestion during pregnancy by cutting out on high-fat and sugary foods and eating more often, smaller meals (like sweets or fried foods).

Swelling (edema)

Your body retains water to provide the necessary fluids for your growing baby-to-be. You can prevent much of this swelling from drinking plenty of fluids and keeping your legs up. You may also want to purchase socks designed to improve the circulation in your feet.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a very common and often overlooked symptom of pregnancy. It happens when there isn’t enough oxygen in your body or when your blood flow is constricted. This can make it difficult to do even the smallest things like walk across the room or climb stairs.

You may feel like you need to take deeper breaths than usual or that it takes longer than normal for your breathing rate to return to normal after an activity such as climbing stairs.

Symptoms to be aware of

Please share any concerns you may have with your doctor or midwife. Don’t worry about whether or not you’re repeating yourself or wasting anyone’s time by bringing up an old topic. This pregnancy is yours, so listen to your body if you suspect something is wrong.

Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver problem. It slows or stops the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder. This causes itching and yellowing of your skin, eyes, and mucous membranes (jaundice). Cholestasis sometimes starts in early pregnancy. But it is more common in the second and third trimesters. It most often goes away within a few days after delivery. The high levels of bile may cause serious problems for your developing baby (fetus).

39 weeks pregnant belly

At 39 weeks pregnant, you may notice that your tummy appears to have “dropped,” or sagged down towards your pelvis. The shifting location of the fetus inside the uterus is responsible for this new form.

39 weeks pregnant belly size

By week 39, your belly will have expanded and protruded considerably. You might have trouble seeing where you’re walking. There is a 26-35 cm range for fundal height (10.2-13.8 in). Around 9 cm (3.5 inches) above your belly button is where you’ll notice a significant increase in amniotic fluid.

Some women may measure smaller and some larger than this, but this is a good general guide for how big your belly will be at this point in pregnancy. Of course, being 39 weeks pregnant with twins makes you feel heavier than other pregnant women your age.

Measuring pregnant belly at 39 weeks

If you’re measuring your belly at home, use a tape measure and measure around the widest part of your abdomen. Measurement is usually taken above the navel or below it, depending on what’s more comfortable for you. Be sure to stand up straight and relax as much as possible while taking your measurement—it should be taken at the same time every day so that you can monitor how quickly or slowly your belly is growing.

If you are measuring your belly at the top of your pubic bone, expect to see an increase of about two inches per month. If you’re measuring this lower, around your navel and below, it can be as much as three inches per month. The average weight gain during pregnancy is between 25 and 35 pounds and usually occurs in the last trimester (after week 28).

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Braxton Hicks at 39 weeks Pregnant

At 39 weeks pregnant, you may find that your Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming more frequent and intense. You may feel them in your back or lower abdomen, and they may last anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes. If you’re having regular contractions, it’s important to talk with your doctor about any pain or discomfort you experience during them.

Braxton Hicks are common during the third trimester. You may not even notice them because they feel like mild discomfort or a dull ache in your lower abdomen. They’re also called practice contractions because they prepare your body for real labor by getting it ready to push out a baby when the time comes.

39 weeks pregnant ultrasound

According to a study published in the journal PLOS Medicine, a routine ultrasound at 39 weeks might assist identify babies who are in the breech position, which can cause problems during labor. The breech position is when a baby is in the womb with its feet or bottom facing down.

The importance of prenatal vitamins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you need a greater amount of folic acid and iron. Why? Here are some reasons:

Folic acid prevents neural tube defects

These defects affect the fetal brain and spinal cord in a significant way. Preferably, you should begin taking extra folic acid three months before you become pregnant.

The placenta and baby require iron to develop

The body uses iron to make blood to supply oxygen to the baby. Additionally, iron helps prevent anemia, a condition in which the blood lacks healthy red blood cells

It’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to find out which are the best prenatal vitamins to take before pregnancy, and how to calculate your expected delivery date.