Trimester 3
39 weeks pregnant: Full term
Here is what to expect this week for you and your baby.
Baby Size Small watermelon (tarbooz) 50.7 cm About 50.7 cm. Full term as of this week.
Baby Development
- Baby fully matured — gaining about 30g per day
- Chest becomes more prominent
- Skin smooth and pink — ready for the world
- Antibodies transferred from mother for immune protection
Common Symptoms
- Intense nesting — urge to prepare everything
- Loss of mucus plug (bloody show)
- Irregular contractions increasing
- Difficulty sleeping — excitement and discomfort
Tips & Advice
- Pre-cook and freeze meals for postpartum period
- Confirm childcare plans for older children
- Relax and enjoy these last days of pregnancy
Nutrition Guide
- Iron-rich final prep: jaggery water, pomegranate
- Easily digestible meals: khichdi, dalia, curd rice
- Stay hydrated: you need extra fluids for delivery
Medical Checklist
When to see your doctor at week 39
Some symptoms need attention right away. Contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital if you notice any of these:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad within an hour)
- Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
- Sudden severe headache, blurred vision or upper-abdominal pain (possible preeclampsia)
- Decreased fetal movement after week 24 (fewer than 10 movements in 2 hours)
- Watery fluid leak from the vagina before 37 weeks (possible PPROM)
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks (possible preterm labour)
Frequently asked questions
Doctor mentions induction now?
ARRIVE-trial data suggests elective induction at 39 weeks may reduce some risks in low-risk first pregnancies.
So exhausted — normal?
Yes. Heavy uterus, baby low, poor sleep. Rest; conserve energy for labour.
Early-labour snacks?
Light, hydrating, easy: toast, dates, idli, fruit, oats, electrolytes.
For partners
Quietly take over everything that can be done without her — laundry, calls, errands.
Prepare for your OB visit
- Final birth-plan walk-through with the doctor.
- Who do I call first if labour starts at 3 am?
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