At 39 weeks pregnant, you are in the third trimester and usually considered full term. This week follows 38 weeks pregnant, and the next page is 40 weeks pregnant.
Your baby may be around 50 cm long and weigh about 3.5 kg, though birth weights vary widely. The baby is still gaining weight slowly, practising breathing-like movements, swallowing, passing urine and preparing for the first breath after birth.
Lanugo has mostly disappeared, but some babies are born with a little fine hair or vernix on the skin. Baby movements may feel more like stretches, rolls or pressure because space is tight, but they should not stop or clearly reduce.
Your cervix may soften, shorten and begin to open before labour. You might notice pelvic pressure, tingling, period-like cramps, lower backache, loose stools or more Braxton Hicks contractions.
Labour does not always start with a dramatic gush of waters. Fluid may trickle, leak slowly or break during active labour. If you think your waters have broken, contact your maternity unit or clinician and describe the colour, smell, amount and whether your baby is moving normally.
Call promptly if contractions become regular and stronger, you have bleeding, green or brown fluid, fever, severe pain, reduced baby movements, or you feel something is not right.
Full term usually means pregnancy has reached 39 weeks to 40 weeks and 6 days.
Mucus plug is thick mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy. It may come away before labour, sometimes with blood-streaked discharge.
Waters breaking means the amniotic sac has released fluid. The fluid may gush or trickle, and your maternity team should advise you what to do next.
39 weeks pregnant is often described as about 9 months pregnant. Pregnancy months are approximate because they do not match calendar months exactly.
Yes. In many guidelines, 39 weeks is full term. Your baby is still gaining weight and preparing for birth.
Size varies, but a baby at 39 weeks may be around 50 cm long and weigh about 3.5 kg. Your provider will use clinical measurements if growth needs review.
Labour signs can include regular contractions that get stronger and closer together, waters breaking, a mucus plug or bloody show, lower back pressure and pelvic pressure.
Contact your maternity unit or clinician for local advice. Call urgently if the fluid is green or brown, smells bad, you have bleeding, fever, or your baby is moving less.
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