39 Weeks Pregnant - what to expect
Now you're 39 weeks pregnant, this week is all about leaky nipples, the best toys for newborns and ways to feel comfortable (well, as comfortable as possible!) during labour
Watch our video to see what your baby looks like this week
Bar a few finishing flourishes in the brain and lung departments, your baby is all set for his or her grand entrance. If only someone would tell you for sure when exactly when curtain up is, eh?
And here's a 3D scan of a 39 week baby...
So what's happening to your body this week?
Uh oh, is that a wet patch on the front of your T-shirt? Yup, could be you’re leaking a little breastmilk (shock). Well, strictly speaking, it’s not actually breastmilk; it’s colostrum – a kind of thin, yellowy pre-milk that’s packed with antibodies to boost your baby’s immune system. Only you haven’t had your baby yet so your breasts are (embarrassingly) jumping the gun.
It happens to loads of us (sometimes from quite early on in pregnancy) and has no bearing on how much milk we end up having as a new mum.
Put a tissue or a breast pad (find them in any pharmacy) in your bra and notch it up as yet another dignity-demolishing by-product of late pregnancy.
Our MFMer's 39-week bump of the week
Are you taking pics of your changing bump in these late stages? Check out other MFMers' belfies in our 39 week bump gallery.
More like this
Did you know? Your baby's now the length of... 2.5 Victoria sandwiches
This week, your baby measures 50.7cm - about the same length as 2 Victoria sponge cakes side by side... yum!
And is around the weight of... a small cat (yep, you read that right)
Your baby now weighs around 7lb 4oz (3.3kg)!
4 things you might need to know this week
- Why do waters tend to break at night?
- Yikes... is this the strangest way ever to induce labour?
- 9 ways to feel more comfy in labour (well, as much as you possibly can be!)
- 10 best toys for newborns
MFMers' tip of the week from our forum
“Don't worry/panic about giving birth. Strange as it sounds, when the time comes, your body knows what to do!” - Toya#3
Want to share your pregnancy with others going through the same as you? There's a birth club for your due date - take a look...
Is it normal... to worry about how my baby's moving?
You'll probably have been told a few times how important it is to be aware of your baby's movements at this final furlong. But try not to worry (and yes it is normal to worry).
The important thing to know is that your baby's movements should NOT slow down or become less frequent, even at this end stage. Your baby in week 39 should be moving as often as you experienced in around week 32. That said, the way you feel your baby move may seem a little different, but your baby shouldn't be moving any less.
If you do notice a change, then call your midwife or maternity unit. Even if you're not sure, but are feeling uneasy, ring. No one will mind. At all. Maternity units are manned 24 hours a day.
Our preg recipe for week 39 - Watermelon and herb salad with grilled halloumi
Why watermelon is great for your baby
Ounce for ounce, watermelon is richer than tomatoes in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to all sorts of health benefits but, most interesting for us heavily pregnant types, to a lower risk of developing preeclampsia (a high-blood-pressure-related pregnancy complication that can sometimes be quite serious).
It also tastes blinkin’ fresh and lovely – especially if you’re feeling uncomfortably large and impossibly hot.
See the full recipe and get cooking...
Baby namer - what do you think of these work-inspired names?
Your baby could arrive any day now. Even if you think you've settled on a name, you might change your mind once you see your baby. Perhaps one of these two vocational names feel like a good fit?
Piper
This musical name means pipe or flute player and is an old English occupational name. Recently made famous by the unlikely hero of the Netflix prison-based series Orange is the New Black.
Celeb baby-name-check: Gillian Anderson named her first daughter Piper.
Booker
Booker is an old English name that means scribe - so it would be great to inspire a young writer. It's also a fitting tribute to Booker T. Washington - an African-American who was born into slavery and became an important political advisor to the president.
Celeb baby-name-check: Thandie Newton named her 1st son Booker.
For some last-minute inspiration, check out our Baby Names section.
So that's plenty for this week, want to take a peek at what lies ahead (not long now!) - or look back at last week?
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