Pregnancy Week 39

At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby is continuing to gain fat and prepare for birth. The lungs are producing surfactant, the brain is still developing, and the body is getting ready for breathing, feeding and temperature control.

Antibodies continue passing from you to your baby through the placenta. This gives your baby some early protection after birth while their own immune system is still developing.

Lanugo has usually mostly disappeared by now, although patches can remain on the shoulders, back or forehead. Vernix may still cover parts of the skin, especially in folds.

Your baby’s movements may feel strong, low, stretchy or squashed, but they should still be familiar. A change in pattern, fewer movements, or movements stopping should be checked straight away.

At 39 weeks pregnant, your body may feel very close to labour, even if nothing obvious is happening yet. Braxton Hicks can feel stronger, pelvic pressure may increase, and backache or period-like cramps may come and go.

Early labour can include contractions that become gradually more regular, lower backache, a show, waters breaking, or a change in how your body feels. But some people have very few warning signs before labour starts.

Try not to use mucus plug changes, cramps or nesting energy as proof that birth is hours away. They can mean labour is approaching, but they can also happen days beforehand.

Call your maternity unit if your waters break or you think they may be leaking, even if contractions have not started. Also call for baby movements that reduce or feel different from your baby’s usual pattern, bleeding, severe pain, regular contractions according to your local advice, or if you feel worried.

Week 39 can bring a very specific kind of impatience. You may feel ready to meet your baby and also tired of analysing every sensation for clues.

Other people’s excitement can be lovely, but it can also become a lot. Repeated messages, predictions and “try this to get labour going” advice may wear thin quickly.

It is okay to keep your world smaller now. Rest, eat, move gently if it feels good, and save your energy for the main event rather than hosting a public countdown.

This week, focus on staying ready without turning waiting into a full-time job.

Useful checks this week:

If you go past your due date, your midwife will explain local options such as extra checks, membrane sweep discussions or induction timing. You do not need to decide everything this week, but it helps to know what your local service usually offers. 

Be cautious with home methods said to start labour. There are no proven ways to start labour yourself at home, and herbal supplements may not be safe. Check with your midwife before trying anything that involves supplements, herbal products or strong physical techniques.