39th week of pregnancy

By the 39th week of pregnancy, the early signs of labour become evident. A number of changes occur in the mother’s body during this last phase of pregnancy preceding the delivery of the baby. The important facts related to the week 39 are discussed below:

Development of the baby:

The baby is about 20 inches in length and weighs approximately 7 to 8 pounds.
By this week, the baby’s body starts to form new skin cells which replace the older cells.
Fat continues to accumulate over the baby’s body, giving a more rounded appearance to the baby.
Lungs and brain continues to mature even now.

Changes in themother:

The mother might have experienced that she is not growing any bigger or gaining more weight now. This is the time when other changes begin to happen to her body.
By now, the baby has dropped in the birth canal. Now the cervix starts dilating. It becomes thinner, shortens and softens in a process which is called “effacement”.
Other common pregnancy symptoms that have continued to affect the mother even for the past time include Braxton Hicks contractions, nausea, loss of sleep, backache and leg cramps.
Mild swelling (oedema) is considered normal at this stage.
Pre- milk (a thick whitish milk like substance) leaks from the breasts now. Breast pads can be useful to cover this up.

Attachment with the baby:

The mother must have taken the sonography test to know about the baby’s size and other physical features. This makes her more curious about the baby and whether all the preparations are adequate. She might feel anxious about the baby and her capability to perform as a mother. Also, she might be really excited to dress up her cute little baby with all the little dresses that she has purchased.

Complications & tips:

Breeched births are the most common complication at this stage. About 1 in 25 babies is born this way. It is important that you take all measures that will help the baby position itself inside the womb. If it does not happen, consult your doctor and prepare yourself for a caesarean.
Contact your doctor immediately if there are any problems relating to preeclampsia, anaemia or decreased foetal movements. Also, have complete knowledge regarding completing early labour at home, so that you get to the hospital on the right time, not too late or too early.

Tip for the father:

The partner can prepare a list of all those the couple would like to inform about the birth of child, and in which order. Also, sit and talk to your wife about how she would like the delivery process to be. Will she like to be alone, with you or with someone else as well? This will prepare you mentally and also give you the time to make the necessary arrangements.

Diet:

The ideal diet must comprise 6 to 10 servings of grains and bread, 2 to 4 servings of fruits, 4 to 5 servings of vegetables and around 4 servings of dairy products.
Have sweets and fatty foods rarely.
Increase the fibre in your diet in this week of pregnancy, to steer clear of digestive problems.
Vitamin C and vitamin A are crucial for the healthy diet. The common sources of these nutrients include oranges, papaya, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apricots and spinach. Also keep it mind that in taking excessive vitamin A can be harmful to the baby’s organs.