Pregnancy Week By Week

39 Weeks Pregnant: Development, Symptoms and Care

At 39 weeks pregnant, you may feel ready for the baby to arrive or quite happy to have a little more time. Your due date is an estimate, and the best plan for birth depends on your health, your baby and your preferences. Keep your next appointment even if nothing seems to be changing.

Your baby’s development at 39 weeks

Your baby has built up fat beneath the skin, and their head may sit lower in the pelvis. Some vernix may remain in skin creases. A baby’s position, appearance or estimated size cannot predict the exact day labour will begin.

Body changes and possible labour

Pelvic pressure and irregular tightenings can make it hard to tell what is happening. Ask for advice if pain is affecting sleep, contractions become regular or you think labour is starting. Do not assume a new severe or constant pain is part of ordinary labour.

If your waters break, call your maternity team straight away even without contractions. Note the time and the fluid’s colour and smell. Bleeding also needs immediate advice rather than being assumed to be a show. Heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain means calling 000.

Start each sleep on either side, including naps. If you wake on your back, turn onto your side. There is no need to spend the night checking the clock for a fixed amount of sleep.

Keep noticing your baby’s movements

Movements should continue until and during birth. Reduced, weaker or concerningly changed movement needs immediate contact with your midwife, doctor or maternity unit. Less space is not an explanation to rely on, and there is no universal kick count.

Do not wait overnight, use a home Doppler or try food or drink to reassure yourself. If your team is unavailable, attend a hospital maternity or emergency unit. Call again if concerns return after an assessment.

If a membrane sweep is offered

A stretch and sweep is a procedure a midwife or doctor may offer near or after the due date to try to help labour start. It is performed during a vaginal examination and is a separate choice that requires your consent. You can ask questions, decline or ask for it to stop.

It may be uncomfortable and can cause cramps or light blood-stained mucus. It does not guarantee labour will start, and it is not appropriate for everyone. Ask what symptoms to expect and when to call afterwards; do not dismiss bleeding or changed movement because you have had a sweep.

Discuss timing without pressure

If induction is suggested, ask why it is recommended now, what the benefits and risks are for you and your baby, and what waiting would involve. Health concerns can make earlier birth advisable. The method and timing should reflect your circumstances, including any previous caesarean.

You can ask about pain relief, monitoring, mobility and what happens if the first method does not work. Avoid trying to bring on labour with castor oil, herbs or medicines yourself. Discuss any proposed method with your care team. Our prenatal care guide can help you organise the discussion.

When to seek medical help

In Australia, call 000 for heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain or collapse, or if birth seems imminent and you cannot reach your planned place of birth safely. Do not drive yourself if faint or very unwell.

Contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit immediately for vaginal bleeding, suspected waters breaking, fever, vomiting that prevents drinking, severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling or pain under your ribs. Seek urgent care if your usual team is unavailable.