“Your body was made for this. Trust the rhythm of birth, trust your strength, and trust that the wait is almost over.”

Welcome to Week 39 of pregnancy. You are officially full term, and at this point, your baby can arrive any day. Each passing hour brings you closer to the life-changing moment when you will meet your little one face-to-face. This week is all about readiness—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

As the anticipation builds, it’s normal to feel everything from excitement to impatience. You’ve come so far, and now your body is gently preparing for one of life’s most powerful and transformative events—childbirth. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening during this critical week of your pregnancy.

Fetal Development at 39 Weeks

Your baby is now about the size of a mini watermelon—measuring roughly 20 inches long and weighing between 7 and 8 pounds. While not growing much larger at this point, your baby is still refining vital functions and storing up fat for life outside the womb.

• Brain Development: The brain continues to grow and form critical neural connections. This development will continue intensely throughout early childhood.
• Lung Maturity: The lungs are fully developed and producing surfactant, a substance that prevents the air sacs from collapsing after the baby takes its first breath.
• Skin and Immune System: Most of the vernix (protective white coating) is gone, and the immune system is strengthening, absorbing antibodies from your body to prepare for life outside.
• Positioning: Ideally, your baby is now in the vertex (head-down) position, engaged in the pelvis and ready for delivery.

Your Changing Body at Week 39

Physically, you may feel more than ready for labor to begin. Your belly is at its peak, and the physical demands of late pregnancy can feel intense. You may be experiencing:

• Increased Pressure: As the baby drops deeper into your pelvis (lightening), you may feel heaviness in your lower body.
• Cramping and Discomfort: You might have more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions or even early labor cramping.
• Lower Back Pain: The baby’s position and weight contribute to constant pressure on your back and hips.
• Difficulty Sleeping: Frequent urination, restless legs, and general discomfort can interfere with sleep quality.
• Nesting Urge: A sudden burst of energy to clean and organize is common in the final week before delivery.

Signs That Labor is Near

Every pregnancy is different, and labor signs can vary. Some may begin labor suddenly, while others experience subtle early symptoms. Here are key signs that labor might be starting soon:

• Regular Contractions: Painful contractions that come at consistent intervals and increase in intensity and frequency could mean true labor.
• Bloody Show: A pink or bloody mucus discharge often means the cervix is dilating and labor is imminent.
• Water Breaking: This could be a sudden gush or a slow leak of amniotic fluid. Contact your provider immediately if it occurs.
• Diarrhea or Nausea: Your body may begin to clear itself out in preparation for labor.
• Back Labor: Persistent lower back pain that intensifies could be a sign of labor, especially if accompanied by contractions.

Preparing for Labor

Now is the time to finalize all labor and postpartum plans, if you haven’t already. Here are things to focus on this week:

• Hospital Bag: Double-check your essentials, including ID, birth plan, comfortable clothing, snacks, and toiletries.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep your partner, doctor, and transportation arrangements on speed dial.
• Comfort Tools: Include items like a birth ball, essential oils, heating pad, or relaxation playlists.
• Birth Plan: Review it again with your healthcare provider. Make sure your partner or doula understands your preferences.
• Home Preparation: Finalize baby gear setups, install the car seat, and prep your postpartum recovery space at home.

Emotional Readiness

The final days of pregnancy can be emotionally intense. It’s normal to feel nervous about labor, anxious about the unknown, and overwhelmed by anticipation. Here are ways to stay emotionally centered:

• Practice Mindfulness: Deep breathing, meditation, and journaling can help reduce anxiety.
• Lean on Support: Share your feelings with your partner or trusted friend. Don’t hesitate to ask for emotional reassurance.
• Limit Overload: Avoid Googling every symptom and steer clear of horror birth stories.
• Focus on the Positive: Visualize the moment you’ll meet your baby. Imagine holding them and hearing their first cry.

When to Head to the Hospital

As you wait for labor to begin, it’s important to know when to go to the hospital:

• Water Breaking: Especially if it’s a gush or green/yellow in color.
• Contractions: Following the 5-1-1 rule (contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour).
• Bleeding: Any bright red bleeding should be evaluated immediately.
• Decreased Fetal Movement: Trust your instincts—if your baby seems unusually quiet, contact your provider.

Partner’s Role This Week

Your partner’s support is essential right now. Encourage them to:

• Be on-call for when labor begins
• Take over errands and household tasks
• Practice labor comfort techniques like massage or counterpressure
• Stay emotionally present and calm

Looking Ahead

If your baby hasn’t arrived yet, know that it’s completely normal. Only 5% of babies arrive on their actual due date. As you move toward Week 40, continue to nourish yourself with rest, movement, hydration, and support. Birth is near. And you are ready.

Join us for Week 40, the final week in our pregnancy series, where we’ll guide you through the full-term birth window and explore what happens if you go past your due date.