Week 39 of Pregnancy

Pregnancy Week 39 marks the arrival of full term, as your baby completes the final stages of preparation for birth. Healthcare providers calculate pregnancy from the first day of your last menstrual period, and by week 39 your baby is often compared to the size of a mini watermelon or a small pumpkin.

Understanding week 39 of pregnancy can help you know what is happening in your body as you wait for labour to begin naturally.

What Happens During Week 39 of Pregnancy?

During week 39, your baby's brain and lungs continue maturing right up until birth, and most of the protective vernix and lanugo have now disappeared. Your baby continues practising sucking and swallowing, important skills for feeding after birth.

As you reach full term, your baby is considered ready for life outside the womb, though the exact timing of labour varies for each pregnancy.

What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy in Week 39?

Pregnancy symptoms in week 39 often reflect a growing bump and the close approach of labour.

• Strong Pelvic Pressure

As your baby settles fully into position, pelvic pressure often becomes especially noticeable.

• Intensifying Braxton Hicks Contractions

Mild, irregular tightening of the uterus can continue to increase in frequency and intensity.

• Backache

As your bump continues to sit lower, mild back discomfort can persist.

• Bloody Show

Some people notice a small amount of blood-tinged discharge, known as bloody show, which can be an early sign of labour approaching.

• Water Breaking

For some people, the amniotic sac may rupture, known as the water breaking, signalling that labour is beginning or near.

Baby Development in Week 39

• Brain and Lungs Continue Maturing

Your baby's brain and lungs continue maturing right up until the moment of birth.

• Vernix and Lanugo Mostly Gone

Most of the protective vernix coating and lanugo hair have now disappeared.

• Sucking and Swallowing Practice Continues

Your baby continues practising the sucking and swallowing reflexes needed for feeding after birth.

How Does Your Body Change During Week 39?

Week 39 is mainly characterised by ongoing cervical changes as your body prepares for labour.

• Cervix Continues Dilating and Effacing

Your cervix may continue gradually dilating and thinning in preparation for labour.

• Baby Fully Settled

Your baby is often fully settled into position by this stage, typically head-down for most pregnancies.

• Weight Gain Stabilises

Weight gain often stabilises or slows further during this final week before your due date.

What Should You Eat During Week 39 of Pregnancy?

A nutrient-dense diet remains important in week 39, especially as your baby completes final preparations for birth.

• Choose Energy-Sustaining Foods

Whole grains and balanced meals can help maintain energy for labour and delivery.

• Include Protein in Your Diet

Protein continues supporting your baby's development. Eggs, fish, chicken, paneer, tofu, beans and lentils are useful sources.

• Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals

Smaller meals can help ease pressure on the stomach as your bump continues to sit lower.

• Choose Iron-Rich Foods

Iron continues supporting your blood volume ahead of labour and delivery.

• Stay Hydrated

Adequate water intake supports overall health and energy as you approach labour.

What Foods and Substances Should You Avoid?

As your baby completes final preparations for birth, avoiding certain substances and foods remains an important part of a healthy pregnancy.

• Alcohol and Tobacco

Avoid alcohol and smoking completely, as they can affect your baby's developing brain and organs.

• Excessive Caffeine

Keep caffeine intake within the limits recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Raw or Undercooked Foods

Choose properly cooked foods and follow good food-safety practices, avoiding raw or undercooked meat, eggs, unpasteurised dairy and high-mercury fish.

• Highly Processed Foods

Limit foods high in added sugars, excess salt and unhealthy fats, and focus instead on a varied, nutrient-rich diet.

Exercise During Week 39 of Pregnancy

Gentle movement can help ease pelvic pressure and support overall comfort, though it is important to listen to your body and rest when needed.

Choose activities that are comfortable for your fitness level, and avoid suddenly starting strenuous exercise without appropriate guidance.

• Walking and Gentle Exercise

Walking is a simple, low-impact way to stay active and may support labour readiness.

• Stretching and Yoga

Gentle stretching and suitable prenatal yoga practices can support flexibility, relaxation and help ease pelvic pressure.

How Can You Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy?

Week 39 is a good time to stay alert for the signs of labour and keep your support system informed.

• Watch for Signs of Labour - Pay close attention to regular contractions, bloody show or your water breaking as signs that labour may be beginning.

• Continue Prenatal Vitamins - Keep taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid as recommended by your doctor.

• Keep Your Support Person Informed - Make sure your support person knows your plans and can be reached easily.

• Track Fetal Movement - Continue monitoring your baby's regular patterns of movement, and contact your provider with any concerns.

• Manage Stress - Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, gentle yoga or deep breathing.

What Tests and Checkups Are Useful During Week 39?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of tests around this stage to confirm your baby's development and monitor your health.

• Weekly Prenatal Check-Ups

Prenatal visits typically continue weekly to closely monitor you and your baby.

• Cervical Check

Your provider may continue checking for signs of cervical dilation and effacement.

• Non-Stress Test (If Recommended)

Your provider may recommend a non-stress test to monitor your baby's heart rate and wellbeing.

Week 39 Pregnancy Care Tips

A few simple habits can help you manage symptoms and prepare for labour this week:

• Continue taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid.

• Eat smaller, frequent meals to ease pressure on your stomach.

• Stay well hydrated throughout the day.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Avoid alcohol, smoking and unapproved medications.

• Watch closely for signs of labour.

• Manage stress with relaxation techniques.

• Avoid self-medicating without consulting your doctor.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

Some symptoms should not be dismissed without medical evaluation. Speak with a healthcare provider if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, high fever, severe dizziness or fainting, severe vomiting, regular and intensifying contractions, or your water breaking.

If you have an existing health condition or take regular medication, discussing your health with a healthcare provider is recommended as you approach labour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Week 39

• How big is my baby at week 39?

Your baby is typically about the size of a mini watermelon or small pumpkin at week 39, with most vernix and lanugo now gone.

• Is week 39 considered full term?

Yes. Week 39 is generally considered full term, meaning your baby is considered ready for life outside the womb.

• What is bloody show?

Bloody show refers to a small amount of blood-tinged discharge that can occur as the cervix begins to change in preparation for labour.

• What should I eat during Week 39?

Focus on energy-sustaining whole grains, protein and iron-rich foods, along with smaller, frequent meals to ease pressure on your stomach.

• Can I exercise during Week 39?

If you are healthy and have no medical restrictions, gentle activities such as walking and prenatal yoga can support overall fitness during this stage.

• When should I see a doctor during Week 39?

Seek medical advice for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, high fever, severe dizziness or fainting, severe vomiting, regular and intensifying contractions, or your water breaking.