Baby development – ​​39 weeks gestation

At 39 weeks of gestation, the baby’s organs are fully formed, but the lungs and brain continue to develop, and the baby’s immune system is stronger as the woman’s antibodies are transferred across the placenta.

During this week, the woman may continue to have symptoms of Braxton-Hicks contractions, vaginal discharge or excessive tiredness. Additionally, some women may feel anxious as labor approaches.

From the 39th week of pregnancy and until the 40th week and 6 days, the birth of the baby is considered a full-term birth.

Baby development

The main milestones in the baby’s development in the 39th week of pregnancy are:

• The organs are fully formed and able to function normally outside the womb, however, the brain and lungs continue to develop;
• The baby is chubbier, with a healthy layer of fat, and his skin is soft;
• Your toenails now reach the tips of your fingers;
• The amount of hair you have varies from baby to baby. While some are born with a lot of hair, others are born bald or with little hair.

Furthermore, the baby’s immune system is stronger as the woman’s antibodies pass to the baby through the placenta, which occurs from the 13th week of pregnancy.

However, most antibodies are transferred to the baby in the last few weeks of pregnancy and are important in helping the baby protect itself from illness and infection.

Baby size and weight

The size of the fetus at 39 weeks of gestation is about 52 centimeters measured from head to toe and about 35.4 centimeters from head to butt, being equivalent to the size of a watermelon.

The baby’s weight this week is around 3.6 kg.

Changes in a woman’s body

In the 39th week of pregnancy, the baby is likely to be in the birth position, head down, putting pressure on the cervix, which allows the cervix to soften, shorten and become thinner, preparing for the future childbirth.

For some women, this softening and shortening of the cervix occurs slowly and continuously, but for other women it can occur very quickly during labor.

In this week of pregnancy, a woman may experience vaginal discharge with specks of blood, called a mucous plug, which has a gelatinous consistency and the color can vary from transparent to reddish brown.

The exit of the mucous plug is considered normal and its exit may indicate that childbirth is closer. Understand better what a mucous plug is and how to identify the signs of labor.

Additionally, the woman may experience symptoms such as Braxton-Hicks contractions, diarrhea and excessive tiredness, and some women may feel anxious as the birth is approaching.

Read too: 17 discomforts during pregnancy (and when to see a doctor)

Care during the 39th week

In the 39th week of pregnancy, some precautions are important to help alleviate discomfort that may arise, such as:

• Vaginal discharge (mucus plug): You should notify your doctor when you experience this type of vaginal discharge. If the bleeding is severe, the woman experiences frequent and regular contractions, the amniotic sac breaks, or there is a decrease or absence of fetal movements, you should contact your doctor immediately and go to the nearest hospital. Know how to identify the signs of labor;
• Braxton-Hicks contractions: move the body, changing position, taking a light walk, or resting if the woman was very active when the contractions started. However, if the contraction is strong, very frequent or accompanied by other symptoms such as back pain, vaginal bleeding or liquid discharge, medical help should be sought immediately, as the woman may have gone into labor;
• Diarrhea: drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your body hydrated, prefer cooked or grilled foods such as rice with carrots or chicken, cooked and unpeeled fruits such as apples, pears or bananas. However, if the diarrhea is severe, or if there are other symptoms such as severe vomiting and fever, you should contact your doctor immediately and go to the nearest hospital;
• Excessive tiredness: resting during the day, if possible, going to bed a little earlier at night, can help reduce tiredness and increase mood;
• Anxiety: getting some sleep and rest, finding ways to relax, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises or listening to relaxing music, can help reduce anxiety.

During this week of pregnancy, you should continue following the obstetrician’s instructions, attend prenatal consultations, and continue taking folic acid or supplements recommended by your doctor.

In addition, you should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and eat a nutritious and balanced diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables, to ensure the supply of essential nutrients for the baby’s development. See what nutrition should be like during pregnancy.

Read too: 13 warning signs for pregnant women to go to the hospital

Main exams

In the 39th week of pregnancy, the woman must have another prenatal consultation so that the obstetrician can assess the woman’s blood pressure, weight, uterus height, baby’s position, heartbeat and fetal movements, for example . She understands better how prenatal care is carried out.

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