Pregnancy Calendar at Week 39
Hi there, little mama!
I almost have you in my arms.
There's just a little bit left.
I'm already holding a tiny little thing—how many parents get to carry their baby in their hands without tiring?
And I grow with each size—bigger, stronger, ready to meet the world.
My little legs are waiting for that first step of yours.
My eyes—so you can see your smile.
My ears—so you can hear your voice.
And my heart already knows you better than anyone ever could.
Can you feel how I react to your emotions? When you’re happy—I feel your warmth. When you’re upset—I feel your calm. I only exist between us, through your touch, your warmth, your connection.
Soon, we’ll meet face to face.
I’m no longer just inside you—I'm right here beside you.
And every day, I’ll tell you how much I love you:
“I almost have you. Thank you for being my mom.”
Your little one ❤️
What happens to me
Feelings:
During the final stage of pregnancy, changes occur in a woman’s body related to labor. These changes can feel both internal and external, signaling that labor is just around the corner.
Mother and baby
The mother’s body significantly increases in size, and her belly rises about 40 centimeters above the pelvis. The walls of the uterus become thinner, and the muscles are in a constant tone. Women may experience pulling pains in the belly and periodic contractions. The belly gets bigger with a clearly visible vertical dark line dividing it into two halves. Gradually, the mother’s belly and the baby settle into a comfortable position for delivery. The overall feeling is one of approaching labor.
Nausea
Nausea during pregnancy may be alleviated by calming the stomach: it disappears with relief from nausea, and some women notice a decrease in weight by 2-3 kg due to the loss of excess fluids, which provides some relief. The growth of the fetus does not significantly impact the mother’s weight, so she might notice an increase in overall weight in later pregnancy stages.
Discharges
An increase in vaginal discharge is considered normal if it is sticky or watery. They should be slightly acidic or neutral in smell. If infectious symptoms appear, or there is a foul odor, bloody discharge, or other abnormal impurities (pus, bloody streaks), urgent consultation with a doctor is necessary.
Swelling
Physiological swelling usually decreases, reducing the weight in the legs. If swelling persists and becomes persistent, it may indicate increased blood pressure or other late pregnancy issues. Swelling of the lower back and in the area of the rib cage, associated with pressure on the nerve, can also be signs of approaching labor.
Pain
Pain mainly occurs in the lower abdomen and is linked to the stretching of the pelvic bones, high load on the lumbar spine, and lower limbs. Women may experience pulling pain in the belly and periodic contractions. The woman’s life becomes more active, with clear vertical dark streaks dividing the belly into two halves. The gradual loosening of the uterus and the life activity becomes a main sign of impending labor.
Mammary gland secretion
- Sticky secretions from the nipples that indicate early labor preparations;
- Following the appearance of colostrum;
- Changes in milk: its appearance and amount increase closer to labor;
- Intensified and more frequent urination, leading to a decrease in bladder volume and providing some relief.
What you cannot do
- Continue taking vitamin complexes;
- Follow a healthy and balanced diet;
- Engage in sex with a partner if there are contraindications;
- Visit exhibitions, art galleries, or shops;
- Prepare for labor by creating conditions for meeting the baby.
What not to do
- Engage in sex if there are contraindications, discomfort, or illness;
- Carry heavy loads (heavy bags from the store, furniture rearrangement) — this can provoke internal bleeding or worse complications;
- Travel far from home without your medical documentation.
Infections during the 39th week require full treatment, as crossing the birth pathways with viruses, pathogenic bacteria, or fungi can threaten the health of both mother and baby.
Birth predictors
Birth predictors are a set of symptoms that indicate an imminent onset of labor:
- Sticky vaginal discharges at the bottom of the belly: the main difference from real labor signs is that periods of calm do not shorten, and pains appear chaotically;
- Labor is approaching: obvious signs of laboring women. The mother leaves at the bottom along the birth canal, and the baby usually ends up due to the birth canal’s shape;
- Disappearance of the stomach: generally becomes more frequent and changes its consistency.
- A decrease in appetite and body weight: before childbirth, a woman is likely to burn a maximum of calories to save strength for the upcoming labor.
- Relaxation of the pelvis: calms down more often and changes in the uterine cross section. This can also be a sign of approaching labor.
From the moment signs appear until the due date of labor, normally, it takes from 1 to 3 weeks. Remember that true symptoms of labor will decrease in frequency, and the interval between them is a sign of the beginning of active labor activity.
Helpful Tips
At 39 weeks pregnant, it's especially important to pay attention to your rest and emotional well-being. Try to avoid unnecessary stress, keep an eye on your sleep patterns, and make sure you're eating well. To help reduce strain on your spine, wearing a bandage is recommended. A compression hoodie not only reduces pain but also improves your skin condition, helping prevent deep stretch marks and stretch marks. For the best aesthetic results, use baby oil to keep your skin nice and smooth.
Childbirth
Physiological childbirth is a natural process in which women usually carry to term normally, despite severe discomfort sensations. The readiness and awareness of the woman help reduce pain sensations, normalize the overall condition during labor, and decrease the risk of complications. The intensity may increase due to stress, fears, and improper body posture, so it is important to understand your anatomy and know what happens during childbirth.
The main signs of the beginning of labor include:
- the appearance of bloody mucus and sticky discharge;
- pelvic rocking;
- contractions.
Contractions go through several main stages:
- Stage 1: lasts 5-8 hours, each contraction lasts about 45 seconds with an interval of 4-5 minutes.
- Stage 2: lasts 4-5 hours, each contraction lasts 45-60 seconds with an interval of 2-3 minutes.
- Stage 3: lasts 1-1.5 hours, contractions become frequent and prolonged, with short intervals between them.
If this is not the first childbirth for a woman, the overall duration of labor can decrease by 1.5-2 times.
Correct body positioning during labor is an important aspect. Comfortable poses in different phases of the birth process can significantly reduce discomfort during contractions. Women can choose individual poses: on fours, on the side, semi-sitting, on tiptoes, or standing. During contractions, it is possible to facilitate relaxation through massage of the lower back, especially in the sacral area.
Proper breathing during labor can greatly ease fatigue, help relax muscles, normalize blood pressure, and even manage the birth process. Various breathing techniques exist, such as "kegel," "breathing through the nose," and "blowing out candles." These techniques can involve deep, shallow surface, and quick breathing. Future mothers will be trained on these aspects in specialized courses. To minimize risks of complications, it is important to follow all recommendations of healthcare professionals during labor.
