39th Week of Pregnancy
What changes are occurring with your body?
You most likely have not experienced a lot of changes over the last week or two. You probably have not gained any weight or noticed that you are bigger, but there are still changes that are taking place.
The closer you get to the end of your pregnancy, the more you will hear about "being effaced." Effacement is the process by which the cervix prepares for delivery. After the baby has engaged in the pelvis, it gradually drops closer to the cervix; the cervix gradually softens, shortens, and becomes thinner. You may hear terms like "ripens," or "cervical thinning" which refer to effacement. *
How big is your baby?
Your baby is now between 18 and 20 ½ inches long and around 6 ½ to 8 pounds.*
What is happening with your baby?
Your baby is continuing to grow and working on the layer of fat underneath his/her skin. This is an important part of your baby’s ability to regulate it's body temperature once it is born. Your baby is also beginning to form new skin cells which will replace older skin cells.*
What should you plan for this week?
Honestly, at this point you should really plan to take it easy. Whether this is your first child or fourth, your life will not be the same once this new addition arrives. So take some time for yourself, your partner, your family, and your friends.
Tips for making your pregnancy better:
Even though the delivery of your baby is very near, continue monitoring your baby’s movements. Many doctors may have you actually counting movements as discussed in Week 35.
You may have purchased and/or been given many things for your baby. You may want to be cautious in taking off the tags. You could find out that the items are not the right size, color, or may even be for the wrong gender. While sonograms can be a good way to judge the size and gender of your baby, they are not always right. By leaving the tags on certain items, you will save yourself a lot of trouble.
Tips for mom’s partner:
Begin talking with your partner about who you would like to be present at the birth of your baby. Do you want to be alone, or do you want to be surrounded by friends and family? Now is a good time to address these concerns. This gives you a little time to make any necessary arrangements.
* The information that the American Pregnancy Association provides is used as a general guide for healthy pregnancy development, although development may vary due to the mother’s health or a miscalculation of ovulation. Each woman and pregnancy is unique and may be experienced differently. Remember that babies develop at different rates, even before they are born. The purpose of this developmental information is to give you a general idea of how your baby is growing, and you must remember that your baby’s growth may vary from that which is outlined.
