39 Weeks Pregnant: Final Preparations, Antenatal Care, and Relaxation Techniques

Congratulations! At 39 weeks pregnant, you are nearing the end of your pregnancy journey, and your baby’s birth could be imminent. The next few days (or weeks) will be filled with anticipation, excitement, and a great deal of preparation. As you get closer to your due date, it’s important to maintain your antenatal care routine, continue practising relaxation techniques like antenatal yoga, and ensure you’re ready for the birth with the right support and education.

At this stage of pregnancy, you should focus on attending your antenatal appointments, staying active, preparing for the birth, and ensuring that you have all the necessary supplies for the baby. Antenatal vitamins and the right nutrition remain essential, and practices like prenatal massage can help ease discomfort. All of these steps will help you feel more confident and ready for labour, helping you manage any final weeks of discomfort and stress.

This guide will walk you through the key areas to focus on at 39 weeks pregnant, from prenatal care and antenatal appointments to antenatal support and antenatal classes. Let’s dive into the final stages of your pregnancy, where preparation is everything!

Baby’s Development at 39 Weeks Pregnant

Your baby is now fully developed and is likely in the optimal position for birth. At this stage, your baby’s body is preparing for life outside the womb. While the final weeks of pregnancy focus on growth and fine-tuning, most of your baby’s key systems are already functioning independently.

Baby’s Size and Growth

At 39 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of a watermelon, weighing around 3.2-3.5 kg (7-8 lbs) and measuring 50-52 cm (19.7-20.5 inches) in length. This is the time when your baby may start to “drop” lower into your pelvis as they prepare for birth. You might notice a significant change in your abdomen’s shape and the amount of pressure you feel on your bladder.

Key Developments

Lungs and Breathing: Your baby’s lungs are fully developed and capable of breathing on their own. Although some babies continue to produce surfactant (a substance that helps with lung function) in the final weeks, most babies are ready for the outside world.

Movement: Your baby’s movements may feel more restricted as they run out of space in the womb, but you should still feel regular movements. If you notice a significant decrease in movement, contact your doctor or midwife immediately.

Skin and Fat: Your baby’s skin is no longer wrinkled and is smooth, thanks to a healthy layer of fat. This helps them regulate their temperature once born.

Immune System: Your baby is receiving antibodies from you, which will help protect them during the first few months of life.

Physical Changes and Symptoms at 39 Weeks Pregnant

As your body continues to prepare for birth, you may experience a variety of physical changes. Some of these symptoms are a natural part of the pregnancy journey and indicate that your body is getting ready for labour.

Common Symptoms at 39 Weeks Pregnant

Braxton Hicks Contractions: You may be experiencing more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions, which are irregular and non-painful. These practice contractions help your uterus prepare for labour.

Increased Pelvic Pressure: As your baby drops lower into the pelvis, you may feel increased pressure in the lower abdomen. This pressure may also cause discomfort when walking or sitting for long periods.

Backache: The extra weight of your growing baby and the pressure on your back can cause lower back pain. Try incorporating antenatal yoga to help relieve some of this discomfort.

Frequent Urination: As your baby descends, it puts more pressure on your bladder, making you need to urinate more frequently.

Fatigue: The final weeks of pregnancy can leave you feeling exhausted, especially if you’re not sleeping well. Make sure to take plenty of breaks and rest when you can.

Swelling: Swelling in the legs, feet, and hands is common during the final weeks of pregnancy. Elevating your feet and staying hydrated can help reduce the swelling.

Nesting Instinct: Many expectant mothers experience a strong urge to prepare their home for the baby, known as the “nesting instinct.” This can involve deep cleaning, organising baby items, and setting up the nursery.

Mood Swings: Pregnancy hormones may cause mood fluctuations during the last few weeks. Stay connected with your support system and communicate openly about your feelings.

The Importance of Antenatal Care at 39 Weeks Pregnant

Antenatal care is crucial during the final weeks of pregnancy, as it helps ensure that both you and your baby remain healthy and that the birth process goes as smoothly as possible. Regular antenatal appointments are essential to monitor your health and that of your baby.

What Happens at Your 39-Week Antenatal Appointment?

Blood Pressure Monitoring: Your blood pressure will be checked to ensure you are not at risk for preeclampsia or other complications.

Urine Test: This test checks for signs of protein or glucose in your urine, which could indicate pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.

Baby’s Position: Your healthcare provider will confirm your baby’s position to ensure that they are in the optimal position for delivery. If your baby is in a breech or transverse position, your doctor may discuss options such as external cephalic version (ECV) or a caesarean delivery.

Vaginal Exam: Your cervix will be checked for dilation and effacement, which are signs that your body is preparing for labour. Your healthcare provider will also assess if your baby is engaging (dropping into the pelvis).

Discussion of Labour: This is the perfect time to go over your birth plan, pain relief preferences, and any last-minute questions you may have. It’s important to have a clear understanding of your options for labour and delivery.

The Role of Antenatal Support and Education

The final weeks of pregnancy can be filled with excitement, but they can also be stressful. Ensuring that you have the proper antenatal support from your partner, family, and healthcare team is essential during this time.

Attending Antenatal Classes

Labour and Birth Preparation: Antenatal classes provide you with valuable knowledge about the birth process, including the stages of labour, how to manage pain, and what to expect during delivery. These classes can also teach relaxation techniques and breathing exercises to help you cope with contractions.

Newborn Care: Classes will also cover essential topics such as breastfeeding, diapering, and how to care for your newborn. It’s essential to feel prepared for life with a baby and have the confidence to navigate the early days.

Partner Involvement: Attending antenatal classes together with your partner can ensure they are well-prepared to support you during labour. These classes allow both of you to ask questions, practice skills, and make sure you are both on the same page.

The Value of Antenatal Education

Understanding Pain Relief Options: Whether you plan to have an epidural, use gas and air, or opt for natural pain relief, learning about your options will help you make an informed decision about your birth plan.

Infant Care and Feeding: Learning how to care for your baby and breastfeed effectively will be vital once they arrive. Antenatal education ensures that you’re ready for these changes.

Understanding Postpartum Care: Many antenatal classes also cover the postpartum period, helping you understand what to expect from your body after childbirth and offering advice on self-care.

Antenatal Fitness and Relaxation

Maintaining antenatal fitness and focusing on relaxation techniques is essential as you approach the final stages of your pregnancy. Staying active and calm can help reduce stress and alleviate discomfort.

The Benefits of Antenatal Yoga

Strength and Flexibility: Prenatal yoga is a great way to maintain strength and flexibility, particularly in your core, pelvis, and legs. This can make it easier to cope with labour and help reduce aches and pains.

Breathing Techniques: Learning to control your breath during yoga during pregnancy can help you relax and manage pain during contractions. Proper breathing can also help you stay calm and focused during labour.

Stress Relief: The calming effects of antenatal yoga are ideal for managing anxiety and preparing mentally for childbirth.

Prenatal Massage for Relaxation During Pregnancy

Prenatal massage can be a wonderful way to relieve tension, reduce back pain, and reduce swelling in the feet and ankles. It promotes relaxation and improves circulation, which can help alleviate some of the discomforts associated with late pregnancy. Additionally, it’s an excellent way to unwind and prepare for the birth process.

Final Preparations for Labour and Delivery

As your due date approaches, now is the time to finalise your birth plan, prepare your hospital bag, and get your home ready for the baby. The final steps in preparing for the birth can feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset and support, you can approach these final days with confidence.

Things to Finalise:

Birth Plan: Review and discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider, ensuring you understand your options for pain relief and any other preferences you have for labour.

Hospital Bag: Double-check that your hospital bag is packed and ready to go, including items for both you and the baby.

Baby Essentials: Ensure that you have everything you need for your baby, including a car seat, clothes, diapers, and any other necessities for newborn care.

Support Team: Make sure your support team is ready to assist during labour. This includes your partner, family, friends, or a doula if you’ve arranged for one.

Conclusion: Preparing for Birth and Embracing Your Antenatal Care

At 39 weeks pregnant, you are in the home stretch. By continuing with antenatal care, attending antenatal appointments, and maintaining your antenatal support, you are laying the foundation for a smooth and well-prepared birth. Incorporating antenatal yoga, prenatal massage, and attending antenatal classes will not only help you stay physically

and emotionally prepared, but also support your well-being as you approach your baby’s birth.

Trust in your body’s ability to bring your baby into the world, and remember to take care of yourself during these final days of pregnancy. The support of your healthcare team, family, and loved ones will be invaluable as you head into the most exciting chapter of your life.