39th Week Pregnancy: Signs, Baby Development & Fetal Movement

Image: Shutterstock

How Many Months Pregnant Are You At 39 Weeks?

At 39 weeks, you are eight months and three weeks pregnant. The baby is considered full-term now, and the next week might be your due date.

In this post, Momjunction tells about fetal development, physical changes, and other aspects of maternal health that you will experience this week and shares prenatal care tips to stay healthy and happy.

How Big Is The Baby At 39 Weeks?

The baby is about the size of a mini watermelon (1). Babies usually measure 18 to 20 inches in length and around seven pounds in weight (2).

Baby Development At 39 weeks

The baby is fully developed by this week of pregnancy.

The baby is almost grown by this week. As you are just a few days away from your due date, the baby prepares itself for labor by attaining the right position inside the womb. Here is a general overview of fetal position and movements during the 39th week.

Fetal Movements And Position At 39 Weeks

Baby’s Movements:

As the baby is fully grown now, there will not be sufficient space for proper movements. You may notice a reduction in the number of movements. However, if the movements reduce more than normal, check with your healthcare provider (2).

Position: The baby attains the head-down position with its face toward your spine. This is the optimal position for childbirth. If the baby attains a head-down position facing your abdomen, then it is called the occiput posterior position. This position can prolong the labor and make childbirth difficult (2).

Image: Shutterstock

In some cases, the baby may be in a breech position, wherein it lies in a head-up and bottom-down position. Sometimes the baby may turn to the correct birthing position just before the onset of labor, but, in some cases, it may not happen and childbirth usually requires obstetric intervention.

The symptoms you experience this week are more or less the same as those you have been experiencing in the last few weeks of the third trimester.

What Symptoms Would You Experience In The 39th Week?

Here are the symptoms you may notice during this week of pregnancy (7):

1. Braxton Hicks contractions: Cramping and tightening of the uterus are common in this week. It’s irregular and less painful and is the body’s way to prepare for labor and delivery (4).

2. Pelvic pressure: As the baby drops down into the pelvis, some amount of pressure and pain are felt in the pelvic area.

3. Lightning crotch: The baby’s head or shoulders can put pressure on the sensitive nerve, making you feel a sharp pain in the pelvis.

4. Vaginal discharge: Thick and mucus-like discharge from the vagina indicates cervical dilationⁱOpening of the cervix, allowing the baby to pass through the birth canal .

5. Trouble sleeping: Third-trimester pregnancy discomforts, maternal fatigue, aches, and restlessness make your sleep difficult. As per a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, the prevalence of insomnia symptoms was higher in the third trimester (39.7%).

Image: Shutterstock

6. Bloody show: You might have vaginal discharge tinged pink or brown, called a bloody show. The blood results from small ruptures of cervical blood vessels during effacement and dilation.

7. Heartburn: The expanding uterus pushes the gastric acids upwards, towards the esophagus, causing heartburn.

8. Frequent urination: The urge to urinate increases due to the pressure put by the uterus on the bladder.

9. Diarrhea: Hormonal fluctuations could be a reason for diarrhea.

10. Hemorrhoids: The pressure put by the enlarging uterus and increased blood flow towards the pelvic area cause the veins in the rectal region to swell.

11. Backaches: The extra pressure that the baby puts on the lower back can cause a backache.

12. Colostrum: The breast starts leaking the milk, called colostrum, the first milk that your baby will feed on.

The physical and emotional changes take a toll on you during this week, and you may be looking forward to ending this journey as soon as possible.

Changes In The Body At 39 Weeks

Physical changes

• The belly looks bigger and lower as the baby has attained full growth by this time and will be deep in the pelvis.

• The breasts are enlarged and the areola becomes darker.

• The skin is sensitive and itchy. Applying a moisturizer can help relieve the itchiness to some extent (7).

Emotional changes

• Anxiety, as you could be thinking about the imminent delivery and the well-being of the baby.

• Mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations.

• The postpartum planning and nesting instincts develop as you begin preparations for welcoming the new member (8).

Julia Goolia, a mother of three, expresses her anticipation and anxiety during her third pregnancy. She remembers, “Lots of really scary things can happen in labor and delivery. The anxiety and fear are creeping in just a smidge now that we are so close to D-day. I don’t like that panicky feeling, FYI … ‘Today could be the day’ is the most annoying thought in the entire world, and yet I can’t seem to stop it from overtaking my brain. Every. Day (i).”

Since you are closer to the due date, you might experience symptoms of labor. Know how to identify them.

Signs Of Labor In The 39^th Week

Here are the signs of labor you must look out for during this week (7):

• Lightening, when you feel the baby drop down into the pelvis.
• Water breaking, with a constant water leak or a gush of amniotic fluid.
• Painful and frequent contractions at regular intervals.
• Discharge of a thick mucus plug from the vagina.
• Bloody show, an increased vaginal discharge tinged pink or bloody in color.
• Low, dull backache.

Image: Shutterstock

• Cramps with or without diarrhea.

In any case of medical conditions like gestational diabetesⁱA condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to hormonal and physical changes in pregnancy , preeclampsiaⁱA severe pregnancy condition of high blood pressure and protein in the urine , problems with the placenta, or uterine infections, the doctor may suggest labor induction this week.

When To Call The Doctor?

Call the healthcare provider right away if you notice any unusual symptoms like (8):

• Bleeding, as you would during a menstrual period
• Reduced movement of the baby
• Slowed fetal movement for 24 hours
• Waters break (also called rupture of membranes)
• Regular or stronger contractions
• Fever
• Blurred vision
• Fainting or dizziness
• Pain in the belly or chest
• Sudden puffiness of hands or face
• Sudden onset of a headache

If there have been no signs of labor, then there is no need to worry. However, make sure to closely monitor the changes in your health, and do not miss your regular doctor’s appointment for the week.

Be watchful

Contact a doctor immediately if you experience brown or pink discharge and intense itching, especially at night (2).

Your OB/GYN Visit

During your visit, the doctor will:

• Check your weight and blood pressure.
• Advise a urine test to check the sugar and protein level.
• Measure the height of the uterus to ascertain your baby’s growth.
• Check the fetal heart rate.
• Perform an ultrasound to check the fetal position in the womb. In the case of twin pregnancy, the ultrasound will be done to check the well-being of the babies (9).
• Ask questions regarding the fetal movements, C-section, labor induction, health issues, and about VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean, if it is not your first delivery).

Take care of yourself and your health.

Tips To Follow

Here’s what you can do to stay healthy and comfortable this week. 

• Moderate exercises like walking help you stay active and energetic. Kegel exercises and squatting are great to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
• Get enough rest.
• Consume additional 450 calories daily to meet increased energy needs during the third trimester (10). Incorporating nutrient-dense foods such as leafy greens, whole grains, and lean proteins can further support your health and your baby’s growth.
• Stay calm and keep stress at bay.
• Practice breathing exercises.
• Spend quality time with your partner, family, and friends and seek help from them.

Image: Shutterstock

• Wear comfortable and loose clothes.
• Wear flats and slippers.
• Sleep on your side and avoid sleeping on your back.

Just as you are, your partner must also be anxious about the delivery of the child. Next, we look at how he can support you in labor preparation and lessen the anxiety.

Quick tip

Make a list of shows to stream, buy or borrow magazines and novels, or sign up for fresh podcasts to stock up on light entertainment. You could require a distraction throughout the long early labor hours.

Tips For Dad-To-Be

Here are some tips for the dad-to-be to follow this week (13):

• Keep all the important documents like insurance ready before your partner goes into labor.
• Listen to the doctor’s instructions and act wisely as she enters labor.
• Try to understand her preferences regarding delivery.
• Inquire about the hospital policies and the way they address patients.
• Make sure that the maternity bag has all the essential items.
• Make a list of emergency contact numbers of friends and family. It can help her reach out to them in your absence.

Make a list of emergency contact numbers of friends and family. It can help her reach out to them in your absence.

Quick tip

Install the baby’s car seat if you haven’t already, and complete any task in the nursery. To make your life easier once the baby is born, you may also prepare some simple recipes to freeze (turkey meatballs, vegetarian chili, chicken soups, muffins).

Infographic: When To Call A Doctor During 39th Week Of Pregnancy?

As you enter the 39th week of pregnancy, your baby is attaining full-term, so it is essential to know when to seek medical care. In this infographic, we’ve provided certain signs and conditions that warrant you to call a doctor or visit a hospital. Knowing these signs will help you to have a safe pregnancy and childbirth.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: 39th Week Pregnancy: Signs Baby Development & Fetal Movement

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

As you prepare for the arrival of your little bundle of joy, consider watching this video on what to expect as you reach 39 weeks of pregnancy. Equip yourself with all the required things and start making your journey toward the delivery room.

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Jacky Bloemraad-de BoerDoula

Jacky Bloemraad-de Boer is a certified professional midwife, traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, doula, nutritionist and herbalist with over 20 years of experience. In 2012 she began JJ Doula Training in Amsterdam and has trained more than 200 doulas.

Read full bio of Jacky Bloemraad-de Boer

shreeja pillaiMSc

Shreeja holds a postgraduate degree in Chemistry and diploma in Drug Regulatory Affairs from the University of Mumbai. Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a research analyst with a leading multinational pharmaceutical company.

Read full bio of shreeja pillai

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz