By week 39, your pregnancy is considered full term, and you are very close to meeting your baby. Many parents feel a mix of excitement, impatience, and anxiety at this stage. This guide explains what is happening with your baby and your body, what early labor may look like, and how you can prepare in a practical, calm way.
How Developed Is Your Baby at 39 Weeks?
By the end of week 39, your baby’s organs and body systems are essentially ready for life outside the womb, although brain and lung development will continue after birth.
| Aspect | What’s Typical at 39 Weeks |
|---|---|
| Size | Often around 18–20.5 inches (45–52 cm) long and about 6.5–8 pounds (2.9–3.6 kg), though healthy babies can be a bit smaller or larger. |
| Gestational age | Considered full term; baby’s body is structurally complete and focused on final growth and fat storage. |
| Fat and temperature control | Baby is building fat under the skin, which helps with warmth and blood sugar stability after birth. |
| Lungs | Lungs are close to fully mature and are preparing to take over breathing after delivery. |
| Brain | Brain is rapidly developing and will keep growing quickly through the first few years of life. |
Body Features and Movement
Inside the uterus, space is tight but your baby is still active.
- Movements: You are more likely to feel rolling, stretching, or squirms instead of big kicks because there is less room.
- Muscle tone: Limbs are usually flexed toward the body, and many babies practice gripping and sucking movements.
- Skin and fat: The skin is thicker and less translucent, and fat gives your baby a rounder face and fuller body.
If you notice a clear decrease in movement compared with your baby’s usual pattern, contact your healthcare provider promptly, as monitoring reduced movement can be important for safety.
What Your Body May Feel Like in Week 39
As your body prepares for birth, changes in your cervix, hormones, and the baby’s position can produce a variety of sensations. Some are uncomfortable but normal; others can signal that labor is near.
Common Physical Symptoms
- Pelvic pressure: If your baby has moved down into the pelvis, you may feel heaviness or pressure in your lower abdomen and groin.
- Back discomfort: Extra weight and the baby’s position can increase lower back pain, especially at the end of the day.
- Frequent urination: The baby’s head pressing on the bladder can make you need to urinate more often.
- Vaginal discharge: An increase in discharge is common, and you may notice a thick or blood-tinged mucus plug releasing as the cervix begins to open.
- Irregular contractions: You might feel “practice” contractions (Braxton Hicks) that are usually mild, irregular, and do not steadily get stronger or closer together.
Cervical Changes and Effacement
Your cervix is getting ready for labor through a process known as effacement, which means thinning and softening of the cervix.
- Effacement: The cervix becomes shorter, softer, and thinner to allow it to open during labor.
- Dilation: Gradual opening of the cervix from 0 to 10 centimeters. Some people begin dilating days or weeks before active labor; others may dilate quickly once labor starts.
Your provider may check your cervix during prenatal visits, but how dilated or effaced you are does not always predict exactly when labor will start.
Signs That Labor May Be Approaching
Many people at 39 weeks wonder how they will know when labor is truly starting. There is a difference between early signs that your body is preparing and clear signs that you are in active labor.
Early Signs of Labor Preparation
- “Lightening” or dropping: Your baby may settle lower into the pelvis, allowing you to breathe a little easier but increasing pelvic pressure and urination.
- Mucus plug or “bloody show”: Thick mucus, sometimes streaked with blood, may come out as the cervix begins to open.
- More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions: Irregular tightening that may become stronger but does not follow a predictable pattern.
- Loose stools: Hormonal changes can affect your bowels, and some people report looser stools shortly before labor.
When It’s Likely True Labor
True labor contractions tend to:
- Become regular and closer together over time
- Increase in intensity and do not go away with rest, hydration, or position changes
- Are usually felt in the lower abdomen and back, often radiating forward
Other important signs include:
- Rupture of membranes: A gush or steady trickle of fluid from the vagina may mean your water has broken. Contact your provider for advice on when to come in.
- Intense pelvic or rectal pressure: Some people feel strong pressure as the baby descends and the cervix dilates.
If you are unsure whether you are in labor, it is always appropriate to call your maternity unit or provider for guidance.
Medical Checkups and Monitoring at 39 Weeks
Most prenatal care plans include weekly visits during the last month of pregnancy. These visits help your provider make sure both you and your baby are doing well as you approach delivery.
What Your Provider May Check
- Blood pressure and urine: To screen for conditions such as preeclampsia.
- Baby’s heart rate: Usually measured with a handheld Doppler device.
- Fundal height and baby’s position: To estimate growth and confirm that the baby’s head is down.
- Cervical status: In some cases, a pelvic exam is done to check dilation and effacement.
- Questions about movement: You may be asked whether the baby is moving as usual, because consistent movement is a reassuring sign.
Discussion About Induction and Due Dates
While 39 weeks is full term, many pregnancies naturally continue to 40 or even 41 weeks.
- Your provider may review your estimated due date and explain that it is an approximation based on your last menstrual period and early ultrasound measurements.
- Induction of labor at or after 39 weeks may be offered or recommended in some medical situations (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or concerns about baby’s well-being). Decisions are typically made based on your individual health and preferences.
Practical Preparation in the Final Days
While you wait for labor to begin, focusing on preparation can help you feel more calm and organized.
Things to Finalize at Home
- Hospital or birth center bag: Pack comfortable clothing, toiletries, items for labor comfort (such as lip balm or a favorite pillow), and going-home outfits for you and the baby.
- Baby supplies: Have diapers, wipes, a safe sleeping space, and basic clothing ready.
- Car seat: Install the infant car seat according to manufacturer instructions and, if available, consider having it checked by a certified technician.
- Support arrangements: Plan who will accompany you to the birth, who will look after older children or pets, and how you will get to the hospital or birth center.
Self-Care and Comfort Strategies
- Rest: Try to sleep when you can and use pillows to support your belly and legs.
- Gentle movement: Short walks or stretching can relieve stiffness and support mood, as long as your provider has not advised against it.
- Hydration and nutrition: Small, frequent meals and plenty of fluids may reduce heartburn and help keep your energy steady.
- Emotional support: Talking with your partner, a trusted friend, or your healthcare team about any fears or questions you have can reduce anxiety.
Emotional Well-Being in the Last Week(s)
Emotional changes are common near the end of pregnancy, driven by hormones, physical discomfort, and anticipation of birth.
- You may feel impatient or restless, especially if you are eager for the pregnancy to end.
- Some people experience a burst of energy and the urge to clean or organize, often called “nesting.”
- Anxiety about labor, pain, or parenting is also normal. Asking questions and reviewing your birth preferences with your provider can help you feel more prepared.
If you notice persistent sadness, loss of interest in usual activities, or frequent feelings of hopelessness, tell your provider. Mental health support during and after pregnancy is an important part of overall care.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider Right Away
Although most pregnancies at 39 weeks progress safely, there are certain symptoms that need prompt medical attention.
- Vaginal bleeding that is more than light spotting or looks like a period.
- Severe or persistent headache, vision changes, or sudden swelling of the face or hands, which can signal high blood pressure problems.
- Sudden or significant decrease in baby’s movements compared with your normal pattern.
- Persistent, severe abdominal pain that does not improve with rest.
- High fever or signs of infection, such as burning during urination or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Fluid leakage from the vagina that could indicate your water has broken, especially if the fluid is greenish or brownish.
If any of these occur, contact your healthcare provider or labor unit immediately for advice on what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Week 39 of Pregnancy
Is it safe for my baby to be born at 39 weeks?
By 39 weeks, pregnancy is considered full term, and most babies born at this stage are healthy and ready to live outside the womb. Their major organs are formed and functioning, and they are focused on gaining fat and finishing brain and lung development.
What if I have no signs of labor yet?
It is common for early signs of labor to appear later than 39 weeks, especially in first pregnancies. Many people go into spontaneous labor around 40–41 weeks. Your provider can explain when they might discuss induction and how they will monitor you and the baby while you wait.
Should my baby still be moving a lot at 39 weeks?
Yes, your baby should still move regularly, even though the movements may feel different because of the limited space. The pattern may change from strong kicks to more rolling or stretching, but you should still feel frequent movements. If you notice a clear reduction in movement, contact your provider promptly.
Can I do anything to naturally bring on labor?
Many home methods are discussed anecdotally, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited, and some can be unsafe. It is important to talk with your provider before trying anything intended to start labor. In many cases, the safest approach is to let labor begin on its own unless there is a medical reason to consider induction.
How can I manage anxiety about giving birth?
Understanding what to expect, creating a birth preference plan, practicing relaxation or breathing techniques, and talking openly with your provider or a childbirth educator can reduce anxiety. Support from your partner, family, or a doula can also help you feel more confident and informed.
References
- Pregnancy at week 39 — Pregnancy, Birth and Baby (Australian Government). 2023-04-01. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/pregnancy-at-week-39
- 39 Weeks Pregnant — American Pregnancy Association. 2022-06-15. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/week-by-week/39-weeks-pregnant/
- Fetal development: The third trimester — Mayo Clinic. 2023-10-03. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997
- Fetal Development: Stages of Growth — Cleveland Clinic. 2023-08-01. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
- Third Trimester: Weeks 37 to 40 — Kaiser Permanente. 2022-11-10. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/maternity/third-trimester/weeks-37-40
