39 weeks pregnant
At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a small watermelon: around 50.7 cm head to heel and 3.29 kg. Full term. The brain is still growing fast.
Your baby at 39 weeks
Full term. The brain is still growing fast.
| Size | About the size of a small watermelon |
|---|---|
| Length | 50.7 cm head to heel |
| Weight | 3.29 kg |
Your baby is now full term. The brain is still growing and will keep growing rapidly after birth. The skin has turned from red to pink, and your baby continues to receive antibodies from you. Your baby weighs about 3.3 kg and is ready to meet you.
How far along are you at 39 weeks?
At 39 weeks pregnant you are in the ninth month of your pregnancy and the third trimester. You have about 1 week to go until your due date. Doctors count pregnancy from the first day of your last period, not from conception, so at 39 weeks your baby has been growing for about 37 weeks. Not sure of your dates? Use our due date calculator.
Your body at 39 weeks
You may feel pelvic pressure and a burst of nesting energy. Learn the signs of labour and when to call.
Common symptoms at 39 weeks
Every pregnancy is different, and you may have some, all or none of these.
- Strong Braxton Hicks. Some may feel like the start of labour.
- Losing your mucus plug. A sign your cervix is changing.
- Diarrhoea or nausea. Some women have these as labour approaches.
- Backache. A dull ache that may come and go.
- Pelvic pressure. Your baby is low in your pelvis.
- Impatience. Waiting is hard; try to keep busy.
Your checklist for week 39
- Keep your phone charged and your bag in the car.
- Rest, eat regular meals and drink well to build up energy for labour.
- Talk to your doctor about a membrane sweep and when they would offer induction.
- Keep tracking your baby's movements daily.
- Plan some calm activities to pass the time.
Tip of the week: Coping with early labour at home
Early labour can last many hours, especially with a first baby. Stay at home while contractions are still irregular. Rest when you can, eat light snacks, drink water, take a warm shower, walk around and use breathing techniques. Paracetamol is fine if you need it. Time your contractions with our contraction timer and call your unit when they become regular.
For your partner
You're on call now.
- Keep your phone charged and the tank full
- Time contractions with the app
- Stay calm and keep her company
When to call your doctor at 39 weeks
Contact your doctor, midwife or maternity unit the same day if you have:
- Your waters break, any bleeding, or constant, severe pain.
- Your baby is moving less than usual.
Call your doctor or hospital straight away for bleeding, severe pain, fluid leaking, severe headache or vision changes, or fewer baby movements.
Questions about 39 weeks pregnant
What happens if I go past my due date?
Only around 1 in 20 babies arrive on their due date, and going past it is very common, especially in a first pregnancy. You'll be offered extra monitoring, a membrane sweep and, usually between 41 and 42 weeks, an induction of labour.
What is a membrane sweep?
During a vaginal examination, your doctor or midwife sweeps a finger around your cervix to separate the membranes from it. This releases hormones that can start labour within 48 hours. It can be uncomfortable and may cause some spotting.
Is it safe to have sex at 39 weeks?
If your waters haven't broken and you have no bleeding or placenta problems, sex is safe. It isn't proven to bring on labour, but it won't harm your baby.