Week 39
BABY DEVELOPMENT
There’s still a little fat developing under your baby’s skin, preparing her to face the world after being all lovely and cosy inside her nest for so long. Almost at birth weight, she has next to no room at move around and can feel the difference. Everything is pretty much in perfect working order by this, the second to last week, and if your baby were to be born now, she would be just fine.
YOUR BODY
First-time mothers are particularly unsure about recognizing when labour has started. Let us reassure you – you will know! And very few babies are born so quickly that their mothers can’t get to the hospital in time. On the contrary, many parents-to-be are sent back home by the doctor at the hospital because they have come in too soon. You might feel a bit nauseous just before the birth or have a headache, and feel an almost leaden tiredness. Often some blood or mucus appears. This is a sign that the cervix has opened. If the contractions have started, then labour has begun! The difference between Braxton-Hicks contractions and real, first-stage contractions? With Braxton-Hicks, the belly tightens for a short time then relaxes, and they are irregular. In addition, they’ll stop if the mother-to-be lies down or takes a hot bath. “Genuine” contractions, on the other hand, get stronger if you bathe or rest. They come at regular intervals that get shorter and shorter. If they are less than ten minutes apart, then it is time to go to the hospital!
NUTRITION
Nothing given!
TIPS
Obviously, all babies are different so no one number works for all of them, but around 52 cm and between 3.3 and 3.4 kilos are the average height and weight for a healthy newborn baby born at term. There can be large fluctuations in those numbers, though if you were having a large or especially tall baby, your doctor would have already seen that in your last ultrasound and would have told you.
Related articles
Checklist: Tell-tale Signs of Early Pregnancy
Pregnancy checklist
1 min to read
5 myths about motherhood and having a successful career
There is so much judgement when it comes to motherhood. Moms across the world have fulfilling and rewarding jobs. And yet, myths about motherhood and having a successful career prevail.
3 mins to read
Week 06
Your baby’s growth is in overdrive right about now. So many exciting developments on such a tiny little being! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Week 14
Your baby is about the size of a grapefruit! Have you felt her move or kick yet? If not, you should be able to in the next weeks! Read more about this exciting time.
3 mins to read
Week 22
If you could look inside, you’d see your baby sucking her thumb, her sucking reflex practically perfected now. It’s nature’s way of getting her to breastfeed from birth.
3 mins to read
Week 30
Every day, your baby develops more, getting ready to make an entrance into the world in just under 10 weeks. Has it gone fast or is the time creeping by for you? Every mum feels it differently.
2 mins to read
Week 38
Two more weeks! Yes, it’s true, you and your little one will soon be making each other’s acquaintance. Everything is pretty much in place. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Baby names help
Need baby names inspiration? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favorite, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet junior face-to-face.
2 mins to read
How to Solve Baby’s Tummy Problems
Empower yourself with the knowledge to provide comfort and relief for your little one's digestive discomfort.
5 mins to read
Bath time checklist: How to bathe a newborn
Washing a newborn for the first time can be nerve-racking as well as a lovely bonding moment. Follow our tips on how to bathe a newborn safely.
3 mins to read
Disposable-diaper-changing routine
You’re going to do a lot of diaper changing over the next few months, so here’s a helpful diaper-changing routine. Check it off and make every diaper change smooth like your baby’s bottom.
2 mins to read
Children’s dental care checklist
Take a look at this children’s dental care checklist to improve and help his growth and development.
5 mins to read
How to soothe a colicky baby
Babies cry. Some babies cry more than others. If your otherwise healthy baby is under five months old and has repeated bouts of uncontrollable crying, it could be colic.
2 mins to read
Guiding Your Baby's First Steps: A Milestone to Cherish
Unlock the secrets to nurturing your baby's first steps with expert tips and insights and the red flags to ensure healthy development.
5 mins to read
Baby taste preferences
Babies’ taste preferences start before they are born
1 min to read
Top tips for a perfect family vacation with a baby
Do you believe that taking a family vacation with a baby is impossible? It isn't. It takes a little more planning and might restrict your destination choices slightly...
4 mins to read
Week 07
Your baby is already a pretty impressive 15 mm long. Though you won’t feel it yet, she’s on the move.
Read more about this week.
2 mins to read
Week 15
Though your baby is planted deep inside you, this is the week where everything gets set up for his sense of smell. Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Related tools
Pregnancy Weekly Calendar
Enjoy this amazing journey to motherhood week by week on our pregnancy calendar. Find out what changes you can expect in your body or your emotions.
