Week 39: Full Term — Ready for the World

Your baby is officially full term! All organs are mature and ready for life outside the womb. Baby is still adding about 30 grams of fat each day, and the brain and lungs are putting on their very final touches. You're so close now!

According to WHO and ACOG, week 39–40 is the ideal period for birth. Baby is fully developed and ready for the world. Now it's about listening to your body, recognizing the signs of labor, and being ready when it starts.

Baby's Development

Organs: All organs are fully mature and ready to function independently — baby is ready for the world
Brain: Continues to develop new neural connections, but is well developed and ready for stimulation after birth
Lungs: Done with surfactant production and ready for that first cry
Fat layer: Baby is adding about 30 grams of fat per day, providing energy and helping with temperature regulation
Weight and length: Baby weighs around 3.0–3.3 kg and measures about 50 cm
Reflexes: Over 70 reflexes are developed, including the grasping reflex, sucking reflex, and Moro reflex (startle reflex)
Skin: Has more fat beneath it now and is smoother. Skin tone is pale regardless of ethnicity — final skin color develops over time
Umbilical cord: About 50–60 cm long and still delivering oxygen and nutrition

Ready for Life Outside

Baby is now fully equipped for life outside the womb. The lungs are ready to take the first breath. The digestive system is ready to process breast milk. The immune system has received a good dose of antibodies from you through the placenta. The brain is ready to take in sensory impressions and start learning.

The first thing baby does after birth is take their first breath — often accompanied by that well-known cry signaling that the lungs are working. Then baby instinctively searches for the breast to feed, guided by smell and the sucking reflex.

Your Body

Cervix: May begin to dilate and efface (thin out) — this varies enormously from person to person
Bloody show: Some experience a little blood-tinged mucus, which is a sign the cervix is changing
Mixed emotions: It's completely normal to alternate between excitement, nervousness, and impatience — both your body and mind are preparing
Pelvic pressure: Intense downward pressure, especially when walking and standing
Braxton Hicks: Can be frequent and stronger than before
Sleep: Many sleep poorly now — a combination of discomfort, urination, and thoughts about birth
Energy fluctuations: Periods of deep fatigue can alternate with sudden bursts of energy

Emotional Preparation

The final days of pregnancy are emotionally intense. It's completely normal to experience:

Impatience: "When is baby coming?"
Nervousness: Thoughts about birth and whether everything will go well
Excitement: Joy and anticipation about meeting baby
Sensitivity: Everything can bring on tears — a song, a photo, a kind comment
Worry: Concern about whether you'll be a good parent

All these feelings are completely normal. Talk with your partner, a friend, or your midwife about how you're feeling. It helps to put it into words.

Good to Know

The difference between real contractions and Braxton Hicks is important to know now. Real contractions have a pattern: they come regularly, get stronger over time, and don't stop even if you move or rest. Braxton Hicks are irregular and usually ease on their own.

Many first-time parents wonder when to go to the hospital. The general rule is: call the hospital when contractions come every 5 minutes, last about 60 seconds, and this pattern has been going on for at least an hour. Use a contraction timer app to track them. If your waters break — always call straight away.

Try to enjoy the final days. Sleep in, read a good book, go for a walk in the fresh air. Soon life changes in the most wonderful way.

Eat well and drink enough water. Your body needs energy for the upcoming birth. Avoid large meals that may cause heartburn, and opt for small, nutritious portions throughout the day.

The Stages of Labor

It can be reassuring to know what's ahead. According to the WHO and ACOG, labor is divided into three stages:

1. The First Stage (Latent and Active Phase)

Latent phase: The cervix dilates from 0 to about 4 cm. Can take many hours, especially for first-time parents
Active phase: From about 4 to 10 cm dilation. Contractions get stronger and more frequent
This stage is usually the longest — for first-time parents it can last 12–18 hours in total
Use a contraction timer app to track the pattern

2. The Second Stage (Pushing)

The cervix is fully dilated (10 cm)
Pushing urge begins — you'll feel a strong urge to push
Baby is born
For first-time parents, this stage can last 1–3 hours

3. The Third Stage (Delivery of Placenta)

The placenta detaches and is delivered
Usually 15–30 minutes after baby
Midwife checks everything is complete

Pain Relief Options

During labor, common options include:

Epidural: Effective pain relief via catheter in the back
Gas and air (Entonox): Inhaled gas you control yourself
Warm water: Bath or shower
TENS: Electrical nerve stimulation
Sterile water injections: For back pain
Acupuncture: Available at some birth centers
Medications: Pain-relieving injections

You decide, and you can change your mind during labor. Write your preferences in your birth plan, but stay open to plans changing.

Induction of Labor

Induction is typically offered if labor hasn't started spontaneously by around week 41–42. It may also be offered earlier for medical reasons.

When Is Induction Offered?

After week 41 without spontaneous labor start
Preeclampsia
Gestational diabetes with complications
Low amniotic fluid
Growth restriction in baby
Other medical reasons

How Does It Work?

Cervical ripening: Medications (prostaglandin) or a balloon catheter
Oxytocin drip: After the cervix has ripened, to start contractions
The process can take 1–3 days
You're in hospital throughout

The Postnatal Period — What to Expect

The first days and weeks after birth are called the postnatal (postpartum) period. This is a time of major changes — physically and emotionally.

The First Days in Hospital

Midwife and nurses help you with breastfeeding and caring for baby
Baby is examined by a pediatrician within the first days
You and baby can usually go home after 1–3 days with a normal birth
With a cesarean, the stay is usually 3–5 days

Physical Recovery

Afterpains (contractions helping the uterus contract) in the first days
Postnatal bleeding (lochia) for 4–6 weeks after birth
Soreness and swelling in the perineum (especially with tears or episiotomy)
Fatigue and sleep deprivation
Breastfeeding may take time to establish — be patient with yourself

Healthcare Support

In many countries, a midwife or health visitor will come to your home in the first days or week after birth. Baby is then followed up with regular check-ups through childhood. Find your local maternal and child health services and check what's available.

Useful Tools for the First Period

A baby sleep tracker app to monitor baby's sleep pattern
A baby development app to track milestones
Local breastfeeding support groups or a lactation consultant

Skin-to-Skin and the First Hour

Skin-to-skin contact is recommended immediately after birth. According to WHO and AAP, this contact is important because it:

Helps baby regulate temperature and breathing
Stimulates the release of oxytocin in both mother and baby
Strengthens bonding
Makes it easier for baby to find the breast and start breastfeeding
Stabilizes baby's blood sugar and heart rate

Let baby lie skin-to-skin for as long as possible in the first hour. Your partner can also have skin-to-skin contact, especially if you need medical attention.

The Waiting Period — Take Care of Yourself

The final days of pregnancy can feel like the wait goes on forever. Here are some tips for using the time well.

Activities for the Final Days

Go on long, relaxed walks in the fresh air
Read a good book or watch a series you've been wanting to see
Write a letter to your baby
Take photos of your pregnant belly as memories
Make something — knit, draw, or cook
Meet a friend for coffee
Practice breathing techniques and relaxation

Final Preparations

Check your hospital bag is complete
Make sure the freezer is full of postnatal meals
Double-check the car seat is correctly installed
Wash baby clothes if you haven't already
Have the maternity unit and midwife contact details easily accessible
Make sure your phone is charged and has enough storage for photos and videos

Energy for Labor

Eat well and regularly:

Complex carbohydrates (whole grains, oats) for sustained energy
Protein (meat, fish, eggs, beans) keeps blood sugar stable
Small, frequent meals are better than a few large ones
Drink enough water
Have snacks in your hospital bag

For Your Partner

Be available and keep your phone on — it can happen fast now
Help keep the day calm and relaxed — stress can make the wait harder for both of you
Prepare some simple meals or order food — you'll have little time for cooking in the first period after birth
Go through the plan: transport to hospital, parking, what to bring
Read about support techniques: massage, breathing exercises, emotional support during labor

Tips for Week 39

Signs of labor: Learn to recognize the signs labor is starting — waters breaking, regular contractions, bloody show
Enjoy the calm: Take care of the final days as a pregnant person — read, sleep, do things that make you happy
Practically ready: Double-check your hospital bag is complete, car seat installed, and everything at home is ready
Skin-to-skin: Read about skin-to-skin contact after birth — it helps baby with temperature, breathing, and bonding
Breastfeeding: Talk with your midwife about breastfeeding and what to expect in the first days
Contraction timer: Download a contraction timer app so it's ready to use
Contact list: Make sure the maternity unit number is saved and easily accessible

When to Contact a Doctor

Contact your doctor or midwife if you experience:

Waters breaking — always call the hospital, regardless of whether you have contractions
Regular contractions every 5 minutes lasting over an hour
Vaginal bleeding (more than a little blood-tinged mucus)
Significantly reduced fetal movements compared to usual pattern
Severe pain that doesn't ease between contractions
Greenish discharge (may indicate meconium in the amniotic fluid)
Severe headache with visual disturbances

Always call the maternity unit if you're unsure. They always have a midwife available who can guide you by phone. It's better to call one extra time than not at all.

Did You Know...?

Baby is now adding about 30 grams of fat per day. This fat is vital for temperature regulation after birth — newborns lose heat much faster than adults
The first cry after birth is not just a sign of life — it's a crucial moment when the lungs fill with air for the very first time and begin functioning independently. The cry also helps clear remaining amniotic fluid from the airways
Skin-to-skin contact right after birth is more than just comforting. It helps baby regulate temperature, heartbeat, and breathing, and stimulates the release of oxytocin in both mother and baby, which strengthens bonding
Baby already recognizes the smell of your breast milk from birth. Newborns can turn their head toward a cloth moistened with their mother's breast milk, which helps them find the breast
Research suggests that about 40% of first-time parents and 60% of those who've given birth before give birth without an epidural — though this varies significantly by country and individual preference

Common Questions About Week 39

How do I tell the difference between waters breaking and urine leakage?

Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly pink, smells sweet (not like urine), and comes as a steady flow or gush you can't control. Urine you can usually stop by squeezing. If you're unsure, put on a clean pad and check after 30 minutes. If it's wet and smells sweet, call the hospital. When in doubt — always call.

Is it normal to feel emotional and unsettled now?

Absolutely. It's completely normal to alternate between excitement, nervousness, impatience, and even irritability in the final weeks. Hormones are in full swing, the body is preparing, and there's a lot to think about. Talk with your partner or someone you trust about how you're feeling — it helps to put it into words.

Can I do anything to naturally start labor?

There are many "old wives' tales" about starting labor — pineapple, spicy food, long walks, and sex — but none of them are scientifically proven to reliably trigger labor. Baby comes when baby is ready. The best you can do is stay active with short walks, rest well, and try to enjoy the final days.

What happens if I go past my due date?

It's completely normal to go a few days past your due date — only 5% give birth on their due date. You'll likely be asked to come in for a wellbeing check around week 41, where they do an ultrasound, CTG (fetal heart rate monitoring), and vaginal examination. Induction is typically offered around week 41–42.

How long does labor take?

For first-time parents, labor takes an average of 12–18 hours in total, but this varies enormously. Some give birth in a few hours, others take more than a day. Those who've given birth before usually have shorter labor. The active phase (from about 4 cm dilation) is usually the most intense but also the shortest part.

What should my partner do during labor?

The partner's most important role is to be calm, supportive, and present. Practical things they can do: massage the back, hold your hand, help with breathing techniques, fetch water and snacks, communicate with the midwife on your behalf, and give encouragement. Reading up on support techniques beforehand is really worthwhile.

What is a doula?

A doula is a person who provides emotional and practical support during birth. Unlike a midwife, doulas don't have medical training — they're trained in birth support, breathing techniques, and relaxation. Some couples choose to have a doula in addition to their partner. There are doula organizations in many countries where you can find certified practitioners.

What happens after birth?

According to WHO and AAP, skin-to-skin contact is recommended immediately after birth, and the first breastfeed is attempted within the first hour. The midwife examines you and stitches any tears. Baby is examined by a pediatrician. With an uncomplicated vaginal birth, you can normally go home after 1–3 days.

What should I have in the car to the hospital?

Have the hospital bag in the car or ready by the door. Also useful: the car seat (for the ride home), warm clothes in case it's cold, a large pillow for comfort during the journey, and a towel in case your waters break on the way. Make sure the car has enough fuel.

What is the APGAR score?

The APGAR score is an assessment of baby's condition done at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. It measures heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflexes, and skin color. Scores range from 0–10, with 7–10 being normal. Most babies score 8–9 at 1 minute and 9–10 at 5 minutes. This assessment helps healthcare staff decide if baby needs extra attention.

How long does recovery after birth take?

Physical recovery varies, but most people find the worst of it eases within 6–8 weeks. A check-up with your doctor or midwife at around 6 weeks after birth is standard in most countries. Full recovery — especially of the pelvic floor — can take longer. Daily pelvic floor exercises from around 24 hours after birth help with recovery.

What is postnatal bleeding (lochia)?

Lochia is bleeding from the uterus after birth. It starts heavy and gradually decreases over 4–6 weeks. In the first days the bleeding is like a heavy period, then it lightens and decreases. This is normal, but contact your doctor if the bleeding suddenly increases significantly, smells bad, or you develop a fever — these can indicate infection.

Next week: Your due date is here! But remember — only 5% give birth on their exact due date.**