Pregnancy Week - 39 Weeks Pregnant

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Pregnancy Week 38< >Week by Week Guide Index< >Pregnancy Week 40

Pregnancy Week 39

What's a tired mom-to-be to do? Buy a Snoozer Pillow

**Please note- Your Due Date is calculated from your last menstrual period, which corresponds to our Pregnancy Week by Week articles.

Week 39

Your Baby's Growth and Development

During week 39 it is common to have early signs of labor. During labor and delivery your baby's heart rate may be monitored. Fetal heart rate monitoring helps your healthcare team evaluate your baby during labor to make sure that everything is going as planned. If any problems arise they can be detected and hopefully adjusted for early on in labor.

Typically when your uterus contracts the oxygenated blood flow to your placenta is restricted. Because this is a natural process it will not be a problem for most babies. However, in some cases this can result in fetal distress. Fortunately a fetal monitor will be able to assess whether or not your baby is stressed.

Your healthcare provider can monitor your baby's heartbeat either through external fetal monitoring or internal fetal monitoring. External fetal monitoring can be used any time during labor. A belt with a receiver can be strapped onto your abdomen. It works much like ultrasound does in detecting a fetal heart rate, providing a little feedback strip that tracks your baby's heart rate during and in between contractions.

An internal fetal monitor may be used to assess your baby's heart rate as well. To do this an electrode would be placed on your baby's scalp inside the body. You need to be dilated at least 1 cm and your membranes must have ruptured in order to use this type of monitoring.

Your Growth and Development
You are probably starting to wonder what your baby looks like during pregnancy at 39 weeks if you haven't already. Since your belly isn't changing much at 39 weeks pregnant why not dwell on your newborn baby's looks! Will he look like you or your partner? Perhaps your baby will take on traits of your ancestors, resembling neither of you too closely!

One thing you will notice when your baby is born is that newborns look strange! Some people might say that is being nice, but there are those of us that truly believe the site of all newborns is simply beautiful.

Newborn babies of all types share several common features and characteristics. They typically have big heads, short or no necks, and distended abdomens. Most are born with a misshapen head that resembles a cone head, particularly if you were in labor for an extended period of time. Your baby's head will have soft spots called fontanels, which are openings in the skull that allow your baby's bones to compress during delivery. This is necessary for your baby's head to fit through the birth canal. Cute huh?

When your baby is born you may notice his genitals and breasts are swollen. This is due to a higher than normal dose of female hormones transferred from you to the baby right before delivery. Fortunately these 'irregularities' will disappear in the days following delivery.

Your baby's skin may be smooth as a baby's bottom, or you may find that your baby is born with acne or other red spots. This is perfectly normal. Some babies are born with a condition called pustular melanosis, which is little pus filled bumps on the skin.

Other babies are born with birthmarks. There are several different types of birthmarks. The more common include angel kisses and stork bites. Birthmarks may not show up immediately, but sometimes grow during the first few weeks of life. Others get smaller as your baby gets older.

Some baby's are born with red and blond hair even when both parents are dark haired. Keep in mind that regardless of your newborns hair color, there is a relatively good chance your baby's hair will change colors once or twice as they are growing. It isn't uncommon for a baby born blond to turn into a brunette.

Fortunately your baby's skin will start to clear up in a few weeks. You probably won't have to worry about acne or pimples again until the teenage years!

Changes in You
It's almost time to deliver at pregnancy 39 weeks! You have continued your pregnancy week by week and now you feel ready! Or, at 39 weeks pregnancy you may be feeling worried, anxious, excited and tired! Many women experience a variety of emotions after delivery. The more you are informed the better equipped you will be to handle them.

Once you deliver your baby your hormones will drop suddenly. This typically results in some postpartum distress. More than 80 percent of women in fact will report feeling some form of the blues immediately after birth.

Remember that this is normal, and should subside in a short period of time. Earlier in our weeklies we mentioned postpartum depression. This is a more serious form of the blues that is worth mentioning again. If after the delivery of your baby you start noticing excessive anxiety, crying for no apparent reason, irritability, depression, low self esteem or lack of feelings or even harmful feelings toward your baby that don't go away, be sure to report them to your healthcare provider immediately. Postpartum depression is a serious issue, but it can usually be resolved with treatment. Feelings of anger, confusion, panic or hopelessness are more than just the blues.

Nursing Pillows
Good For Long Term Shoulder Pain

After having my first baby I started to develop a nagging and burning sensation in my left shoulder. This turned into a chronic condition resulting in neck and shoulder pain. After visiting several doctors, one suggested I try a nursing pillow to help alleviate some of the pressure on my left side while nursing. I figured this was a good suggestion, given my baby preferred to nurse on the left side almost exclusively.

Turns out the doctor was right! Investing in a high quality-nursing pillow such as those offered from Snoozer Pregnancy Pillows and Nursing Pillows is a good idea if you plan to nurse your baby for extended periods of time. Without proper support, neck and shoulder pain commonly develop among nursing women.

Maternity Clothes
Active Collections For Sports Minded Moms-to-Be

Discuss With Other Mothers To Be!

Click Here To See What Other Mothers Are Experiencing At Week 39

Are you an active mom-to-be? Why not look great AND fit in a work out all at the same time? Fortunately for active mothers, there are wealth of Active Collections at Motherhood Maternity that move with you and support you before, during and even after your pregnancy.

When shopping Active Collections Dresses at Motherhood Maternity, keep in mind you will need to find clothes made of breathable and stretch fabric. These items will grow with you, move with you and more importantly, and breathe with you while you work out during your pregnancy. Rest assured, most active collections provide extra support particularly for a woman’s chest and belly, the two areas that require the most attention during pregnancy!

Pregnancy Health Tips
Some women will require forceps or vacuum delivery. You might have thought about this by 39 weeks pregnant. While relatively uncommon sometimes a little assistance is needed to help the baby during labor and delivery. By pregnancy week 39 it's ok to talk with your doctor about any concerns you have.

Forceps are an instrument that resemble a pair of tongs. They are sometimes used if the baby isn't moving into the vaginal canal. This may happen for a number of reasons, but typically occurs if the uterus isn't contracting well enough to expel the baby. Forceps are sometimes also introduced if the baby has to be delivered quickly because it is in distress.

If you doctor needs to use forceps he/she will likely numb your vaginal area and may perform an episiotomy. The forceps are placed on the sides of your baby's head and used to help pull the baby out. The risks of using forceps when used correctly can be relatively low, but may include bruising or swelling on your baby's head and scalp. There may be more serious side effects however including internal bleeding of the skull, though this is a relatively rare complication.

In other cases your doctor may need to use a vacuum extractor. This is a device that is shaped like a cup. It is placed on top of your baby' head. The vacuum extractor applies a gentle suction to the top of the baby's head to help pull your baby out of the birth canal. This can help prevent the baby's head from being pushed back up the birth canal in between contractions. Bruising or swelling might also occur when a vacuum extractor is used.

In most instances neither of these instruments will need to be used, however there is always a small possibility. If you have any concerns be sure to check with your doctor prior to labor and delivery. They can help explain the risks and potential need to you in greater detail.