At 39 weeks pregnant, you may be feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. You may be experiencing a range of emotions as you prepare for the big day. Physically, you may be feeling more uncomfortable as your body prepares for labor. Your baby is now full-term and ready to witness the new world so soon.
You may start to feel contractions as your body begins to dilate and efface in preparation for labor. Your baby's head is most likely in the birth canal, and your baby may be moving down in preparation for delivery. Sometimes, you may feel extra pressure in your lower abdomen and back as your baby descend.
The doctor or midwife will likely be checking your dilation and effacement at each visit as because it’s important to take care of yourself during this time. Make sure you are getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, and staying hydrated. Now, time to ensure some more happenings and body changes this week.
Fetal Development at Week 39
At this point, your baby is continuing to gain weight and prepare for delivery. The lungs are now mature and your baby is practicing breathing. The baby's head is most likely in the birth canal, and you may start to feel an increased pressure in your lower abdomen and back as your baby descends. Your baby's skull is also beginning to compress, allowing it to fit through the birth canal. Your baby's organs are now fully developed and functioning and your baby is ready to be born. Make sure you are getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, and staying hydrated.
Your Body at Week 39
The cervix is beginning to soften and thin out in preparation for labor. You may start to feel contractions as your body prepares to give birth. It's quite normal that the baby beginning to move lower in your abdomen as your uterus gets ready for delivery. A Woman may begin to feel more pressure in her pelvis and back, and the baby's head may start to show. These are all signs that labor is progressing and a baby is getting ready to be born.
Hormonal Changes at Week 39
At this stage, your body is also producing hormones to help with labor. Oxytocin and prostaglandins are two hormones that will help your cervix to dilate, making it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal. Other hormones that are released during labor will help your uterus contract more powerfully and efficiently, helping your baby to be born. As labor progresses, your body will continue to produce these hormones to help with the delivery process. It is highly healthy only in case of severe symptoms, you should visit the health care specialists.
Week 39 Pregnancy Symptoms
Some of the common pregnancy symptoms of 39 weeks are listed below. Ensure the body changes and symptoms are given below for your knowledge.
Fatigue: You may experience extreme fatigue as your body prepares for labor. This is normal, and you may need to take naps or go to bed earlier than usual.
Backache: Backache is very common in the third trimester, and it may become more intense as labor draws nearer.
Cramps: You may experience cramps in your lower abdomen as the uterus contracts.
Increased Braxton Hicks contractions: Braxton Hicks contractions are common in the third trimester, and they may become stronger and more frequent as labor approaches.
Loose joints: Your body's hormone levels increase during pregnancy to help relax your joints and ligaments. This can make you feel a bit "loose" and wobbly.
Bloody show: As the cervix begins to dilate, you may notice a discharge that is pink or tinged with a little bit of blood. This is known as a "bloody show" and is a sign that labor is approaching.
Week 39 Pregnancy Checklist
Some of the checklists that are highly helpful for pregnant women in 39 weeks are listed below. Ensure all the things given below to prepare you perfectly.
• Check with your doctor to make sure your baby is still in the head-down position.
• Monitor your baby's movements closely.
• Start gathering items that is highly useful in your hospital bag.
• Start timing your contractions if you feel them.
• Talk to your doctor regarding labor inductionif essential
• Make sure you have your birthing plan in place.
• Talk to your doctor about all the queries to clear your mind
Winding Up!
Hence, listed all the things and body changes that happen during the 39th week of pregnancy. Ensure overall things here probably to get better knowledge about your health. So, you should make use of this for a happy pregnancy journey.
