Week 39 of pregnancy
What's Happening with Baby During Week 39 of Pregnancy
You and your baby have made it to 39 weeks! This is great news, as your baby is now considered full term. They are likely too big to do many flips or rolls, so many mothers find that their babies move less at this time. However, you should still feel them kick and stretch.
Your baby now weighs about 7 1/4 pounds and measures 20 inches long (the size of a mini watermelon). Try to count your baby's movements; if you can count at least 10 to 15 during the day, that's a good sign. Your little one will let you know when they are ready to be born!
What You Might Experience During Week 39 of Pregnancy
You may notice that the baby has descended into your lower abdomen (a process called "lightening"). The good news is that you will likely be able to breathe better, but the trade-off is that you will probably have to urinate more often as the baby puts pressure on your bladder.
As your ligaments continue to stretch and loosen in preparation for birth, walking, even short distances, can become increasingly uncomfortable. It is normal for you to feel a lot of discomfort because of the pressure and weight of the baby. The best thing you can do for yourself now is to rest as much as possible.
Key Things to Keep in Mind During Week 39 of Pregnancy
It's natural to be thinking about how you will manage the pains of childbirth. It's a great idea to learn about the techniques most often used to relieve pain. These can include breathing techniques (like those taught in Lamaze or psychoprophylactic courses), injectable pain relief medications, and epidural anesthesia, where an anesthetic is given through a catheter in your lower back.
The more you know about your options, the better you can talk to your doctor about your preferences. And remember, call your provider when you think you're in labor.
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