39 gestational week

39 gestational week corresponds to the 9th month of pregnancy and falls in the third trimester. If you haven’t given birth yet, then the chances of it happening in the current week are high. The child is fully ready to be born, as is the mother’s body. All that is left is to be patient.

Fetal size and development in the 39th gestational week

• Height – 50.7 cm.
• Weight – 3.3 kg.
• Head circumference – 33.6 cm.
• Abdominal circumference – 35.6 cm.

The child now weighs about 3.3 kg and its body length reaches 50.7 cm. It has already assumed an upside down position. The head circumference is about 33.6 cm and the abdomen circumference is 35.6 mm.

The fontanelle has formed between the bones of the skull. It makes them susceptible to deformation, which helps the child pass through the birth canal.

Now the ratio of the body parts has changed slightly. The head makes up ¼ of the entire length of the child. The arms and legs are more developed. At the same time, growth has ceased as the functions of the placenta are impaired.

In the 39th gestational week, the child is able to distinguish objects at a distance of 30 cm. It responds to movement, hears and distinguishes sounds.

The placenta continues to thin, reaching 34.65 mm. Due to the slowing of the metabolic processes in it, the child feels a slight lack of oxygen.

What does a pregnant woman feel during the thirty-ninth gestational week?

During the last two weeks, the pregnant woman lives in constant expectation for childbirth to begin. Not a minute passes without her wondering if any of the symptoms she is feeling are alerting just that.

At this stage, most women have already prepared the luggage for the hospital and the documents that are necessary for admission.

The belly has relaxed down slightly. This is a good sign, foreshadowing the imminent birth. The bottom of the uterus remains 35 cm from the pubic bone.

Continue to monitor the activity of the child’s movements. They are a key sign of its health.

Braxton Hicks contractions are common throughout the day. You will notice that uterine tone begins to rise. However, you can’t mistake these preparatory contractions for real ones. At the very beginning, they are irregular, and then they begin to repeat at intervals. Painful sensations also increase. This is the beginning of labour.

In parallel, you may feel nausea, pulling pain in the lower back and painful sensations in the perineum area.

As soon as you notice a cyclical recurrence of contractions at a certain interval, it’s time to head to the hospital. You can consult your obstetrician over the phone.

If there are still no signs of labor starting, be sure to monitor the condition of the vaginal currents. They are an important indication of the health of the child. Do not hesitate to share your observations with the doctor.

The menu of a pregnant woman in 39 gestational weeks

When the uterus descends down, the pregnant woman regains that feeling of lightness in the stomach area. The appetite may increase. This is one reason why the expectant mother may have an increased appetite as the trimester approaches.

The unpleasant news is that doctors recommend not to strain the stomach at this stage of pregnancy.

To satiate hunger, opt for protein-rich food. Do not give up fish and dairy products. Fibre will improve bowel function – eat bread, fruit and vegetables daily.

Preparing for childbirth

The baby is just a few days away from coming into the world. Devote them to pleasant activities and psychological adjustment. Keep your spirit strong and cheerful. The better adjusted you are to the birth, the easier it will go.

What is seen on ultrasound?

The baby is ready to be born and this is definitely noticeable during an ultrasound. At the examination, the doctor will check the condition of the amniotic fluid, placenta and umbilical cord. All organs and systems are already formed. They will ensure the survival of the child after birth.

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