Calculating My Baby& 39

As your pregnancy approaches the 39th week, you're likely feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. This is the final stretch before your baby arrives, and it's important to understand what's happening with your little one during this critical time. Our calculator helps you track your due date and understand fetal development at this stage.

What is 39 Weeks Pregnancy?

The 39th week of pregnancy is typically considered the last full week before the expected due date. This stage marks the beginning of the final months of pregnancy, during which your baby is rapidly growing and preparing for life outside the womb. The 39th week is often referred to as the "term" of pregnancy, which is generally considered to be 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.

Note: The exact timing of pregnancy can vary. Some healthcare providers consider 39 weeks to be the beginning of the final month, while others may use 40 weeks as the standard term.

At 39 weeks, your baby is now about the size of a small watermelon, weighing approximately 6-7 pounds. The baby's lungs are nearly fully developed and capable of producing surfactant, a substance that helps keep the lungs inflated. The baby's bones are now hard and dense, and the baby is practicing breathing movements in preparation for life outside the womb.

Key Milestones at 39 Weeks

Baby's weight: 6-7 pounds
Length: About 19-20 inches
Head circumference: Around 33-34 cm
Lung development: Nearly fully mature
Bone development: Fully calcified

Fetal Development at 39 Weeks

At 39 weeks, your baby is in the final stages of preparation for birth. The baby's systems are fully developed and functioning, and the baby is practicing breathing movements in preparation for life outside the womb. The baby's skin is now covered with a protective layer of vernix caseosa, a waxy substance that helps protect the baby's skin from amniotic fluid.

The baby's brain is now fully developed and capable of regulating body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. The baby's eyes are open and can see light, and the baby is practicing blinking and squinting. The baby's ears are fully formed and capable of hearing sounds from outside the womb.

Baby's approximate size at 39 weeks:

Length: 19-20 inches

Weight: 6-7 pounds

Head circumference: 33-34 cm

What Your Baby Can Do at 39 Weeks

Breathing movements: The baby is practicing breathing movements in preparation for life outside the womb.
Eye movements: The baby's eyes are open and can see light, and the baby is practicing blinking and squinting.
Hearing: The baby's ears are fully formed and capable of hearing sounds from outside the womb.
Temperature regulation: The baby's brain is now fully developed and capable of regulating body temperature.
Heart rate: The baby's heart rate is now fully developed and capable of regulating blood flow throughout the body.

Preparing for Birth

As your pregnancy approaches the 39th week, it's important to start preparing for the birth of your baby. This includes making sure you have a birth plan, packing your hospital bag, and discussing your birth options with your healthcare provider.

Creating a Birth Plan

A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for your labor and delivery. It can include information about your preferred birth location, pain management options, and any special requests you may have. Your birth plan can help you communicate your preferences to your healthcare provider and ensure that your birth experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Packing Your Hospital Bag

Packing your hospital bag can be a daunting task, but it's important to have everything you need on hand when the time comes. Some essential items to include in your hospital bag include:

Comfortable clothing
Toiletries
Snacks and drinks
Change of clothes
Comfortable shoes
Birth plan
Identification
Payment information

Discussing Your Birth Options

It's important to discuss your birth options with your healthcare provider. This includes discussing your preferred birth location, pain management options, and any special requests you may have. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your options and make an informed decision about your birth experience.

Common Concerns

As your pregnancy approaches the 39th week, you may have a number of concerns about the birth process. Some common concerns include:

When Will Labor Start?

Labor can start at any time, and there is no way to predict exactly when it will begin. Some women go into labor within a few hours of their baby's due date, while others may go into labor several days or even weeks after their due date. It's important to remember that every pregnancy is different, and there is no way to know for sure when labor will start.

What Should I Eat During Labor?

During labor, it's important to eat small, frequent snacks to help maintain your energy levels. Some good options for labor snacks include:

Bananas
Applesauce
Crackers
Graham crackers
Rice cakes
Pretzels
Hard-boiled eggs
Peanut butter packets

What Should I Do If I Go Into Labor Early?

If you go into labor early, it's important to contact your healthcare provider right away. Your healthcare provider can help you prepare for labor and delivery and ensure that you have a safe and comfortable birth experience. It's important to remember that early labor is not necessarily a bad thing, and it's important to trust your body and your healthcare provider.

FAQ

When is the 39th week of pregnancy considered full term?

The 39th week of pregnancy is typically considered the last full week before the expected due date. Some healthcare providers consider 39 weeks to be the beginning of the final month, while others may use 40 weeks as the standard term.

What is the average weight of a baby at 39 weeks?

The average weight of a baby at 39 weeks is approximately 6-7 pounds. This can vary depending on the baby's individual growth and development.

What should I expect during the 39th week of pregnancy?

During the 39th week of pregnancy, you may experience some discomfort as your baby moves into position for birth. You may also notice that your baby is practicing breathing movements in preparation for life outside the womb. It's important to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet during this time.

What should I do if I go into labor early?

What should I eat during labor?

During labor, it's important to eat small, frequent snacks to help maintain your energy levels. Some good options for labor snacks include bananas, applesauce, crackers, graham crackers, rice cakes, pretzels, hard-boiled eggs, and peanut butter packets.