{"id":10230,"date":"2021-04-15T07:16:35","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T11:16:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10230\/week-39-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2024-07-10T15:53:36","modified_gmt":"2024-07-10T19:53:36","slug":"week-39-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10230\/week-39-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"39 weeks pregnant"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For more information about week 39 in a twin or multiple pregnancy, tap here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Your little one has now reached a major milestone \u2014 they are full-term! And since <\/span>Baby<\/span> is just about ready for their birthday, now is the time to make sure that you are too.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How\u2019s Baby<\/span>?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Baby<\/span> is now ready to be born and just waiting for the right time to arrive. Baby<\/span> is probably between 19-21 inches (48.3-53.3 cm) tall and 7-8 pounds (3.2-3.6 kg), about the size of a small pumpkin. Baby<\/span> knows your voice by now, and their brain is still developing every day, as it will continue to do outside the womb. By this time, the protective coating that\u2019s been covering their skin, called vernix caseosa, is coming off. And Baby<\/span>\u2019s fingernails might even be so long they need a little trim!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When Baby<\/span> does finally arrive, you\u2019ll want to be extra attentive to their cries because until your little one learns how to talk, crying is your baby\u2019s only way to tell you they need your help. And in these final days when you\u2019re still waiting for Baby<\/span> to arrive, you\u2019ll want to apply that same sort of care to noticing their movements. Your baby should keep up with their normal movements or kick counts, and if they suddenly start to move less, it could be a sign of a problem. So if you notice this, you should let your healthcare provider know right away.<\/span><\/p>\n

What’s new with you?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

It’s time for you and your home to be ready for Baby<\/span>\u2019s arrival as best you can because that day will be right around the corner. You\u2019ll definitely want to have your bag packed and ready to go to the hospital or birthing center, know who you want to be there to support you during labor, and be sure you have all of the necessities and care supplies that you\u2019ll need for yourself and baby once you both get home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Signs of approaching labor will be able to give you a better idea of when Baby<\/span> is coming, but at the end of the day, birth is unpredictable. Even with a scheduled Cesarean or induction, labor can pop up before you planned! Because of this, you should know signs of labor, and be prepared to make a hospital trip at any time in the coming few weeks. On the flip side, labor may not start by your due date or when you\u2019d hoped. Baby<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/span>could decide they\u2019re plenty comfortable where they are, so don\u2019t worry if you haven\u2019t had any contractions yet. Mentally and physically, it can be tough to wait for things to happen, but trust us when we say that they\u2019ll happen sometime soon!<\/span><\/p>\n

As the big day approaches, remember that your little one entering your life is going to be a big change \u2014 there will probably be tender moments and tough moments \u2014 but you\u2019ll learn as you go, as all parents do, and Baby<\/span> is already so lucky to have you!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/h5>\n
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