39 weeks pregnant: baby, body and what to expect

Trimester 3 of 3About 9 months1 weeks to go

Week 39 of pregnancy: baby is about the size of a big pumpkin

Week 39 at a glance

At 39 weeks, the placenta gradually ages, which is normal near the end of pregnancy. It still supplies oxygen and nutrients, and hormone changes help the body prepare for labor. Call your provider right away if you notice bleeding, fluid leaking, strong pain, or fewer baby movements.

39 weeks pregnant is about 9 months. You are in month 9 of pregnancy and the third trimester.

Your baby at 39 weeks

How the placenta changes and when to call your provider

39 weeks: what is happening with the placenta

At 39 weeks, the placenta gradually ages. This is a normal change near the end of pregnancy. The placenta still works, but its role slowly shifts as labor gets closer.

The placenta does not usually stop working all at once. It keeps delivering oxygen and nutrients, while hormone changes help the body get ready for labor.

What is common at 39 weeks

The placenta changes naturally as pregnancy nears its end.
Hormone changes gradually prepare the body for labor.
Baby continues to gain weight and body fat.
Movements are often still easy to feel, even though there is less room to move.
Early signs of labor, such as mild cramping or a backache, may become more noticeable.

Contact your OB-GYN, midwife, or labor and delivery unit right away if you have bleeding, fluid leaking from the vagina, strong or constant pain, regular contractions, or noticeably fewer baby movements. Ask your provider how to count kicks if you are not sure what is normal for your baby.

The pumpkin comparison is only a rough picture of your baby's size. At this stage, it helps to pay attention to changes in your baby's movements and how you feel overall, rather than only watching the due date.

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Your body at 39 weeks

What to Do If You Think Your Water Broke

How to recognize water breaking

Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds the baby in the uterus. It can leave the body in different ways. At 39 weeks, the total amount is usually about 600 to 800 mL (about 20 to 27 fl oz).

A sudden gush that you cannot stop
A slow leak that you may mistake for urine or normal discharge

What to do if you think your water broke

Many providers recommend calling your OB-GYN or midwife as soon as you think your water may have broken, even if you are not having contractions. Wearing a regular pad (not a tampon) can help you see how much fluid is leaking. Many providers also suggest avoiding sex and baths until you have been checked. Ask your provider what to do next.

Write down the time your water may have broken, the color and smell of the fluid, and about how much leaked. This information helps your care team assess the situation quickly.

Red flags

Get medical care right away if the fluid is green or brown, which can mean the baby has passed stool, or if you see blood clots or bright red bleeding. Also seek care right away if you have a fever, chills, severe belly pain, or less movement from your baby.

If your water breaks suddenly and you can see or feel the umbilical cord, get down on your hands and knees with your hips raised, and call 911 right away.

Common symptoms at 39 weeks

Pelvic pressure

Many people feel the baby settle lower into the pelvis, which can ease breathing but add pressure on the bladder. Frequent bathroom trips are common. Changing positions and emptying the bladder often can help.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Tightening that comes and goes, often without a regular pattern, is common this late in pregnancy. Resting, changing position, or drinking water may ease it. Contractions that become regular, stronger, or closer together are worth reporting to your provider.

Lower back ache

Back pain can increase as the baby drops and your body shifts its posture. Warm baths, gentle stretches, and supportive pillows while sleeping may bring some relief.

Loose stools or an upset stomach

Some people have diarrhea or nausea near the end of pregnancy as hormones change. Staying hydrated and eating small, simple meals can help. Tell your provider if the symptoms are severe or ongoing.

Mucus plug or light spotting

A thick, clear, or pink-tinged discharge can happen as the cervix softens. Bright red bleeding, or more than light spotting, should be reported to your provider right away.

Tiredness and poor sleep

Being uncomfortable, getting up at night, and feeling anxious about labor can all make sleep hard. Short naps, a pillow between your knees, and a calm bedtime routine may help.

Your week 39 checklist

Pack your hospital or birth bag, including comfort items, chargers, and any paperwork. Confirm your car seat is installed correctly and that you know how to drive to your hospital. Save your provider's phone number and your hospital's labor and delivery number somewhere easy to find. Write down how often you have been feeling baby movements so you can compare each day. Plan who will drive you, who will care for other children or pets, and who will be your backup. Rest when you can, and eat and drink regularly.

Tests and appointments

Non-stress test. Some providers offer this quick heart rate check near the end of pregnancy, especially if the pregnancy is past its due date or there are other concerns.
Cervical check. Your provider may check how soft, thin, or open your cervix is during a routine visit to help plan next steps.

For your partner: Help track contraction timing, water breaks, and baby movements, and keep the car and bags ready to go. Offer calm reassurance, practical help with meals and rest, and remind your partner that calling the provider early is always okay.

Questions about week 39

How many months is 39 weeks pregnant?

39 weeks pregnant is about 9 months. You are in month 9 of pregnancy and the third trimester.

What trimester is 39 weeks?

Week 39 is in the third trimester. The first trimester runs through week 13, the second from week 14 to 27 and the third from week 28 until birth.

What is happening with the baby at 39 weeks?

At 39 weeks, the placenta gradually ages, which is normal near the end of pregnancy. It still supplies oxygen and nutrients, and hormone changes help the body prepare for labor. Call your provider right away if you notice bleeding, fluid leaking, strong pain, or fewer baby movements.

How do I know if I'm in labor at 39 weeks?

Signs can include regular contractions that get stronger and closer together, a water break, or bloody show. Many people have false starts first. If you are unsure, call your provider or go to your hospital for guidance.

Is loose stool a sign that labor is starting?

It can happen near labor, but it is also common on its own as hormones change. If diarrhea is frequent, severe, or comes with fever or pain, contact your provider.

How often should I count baby movements at 39 weeks?

Many providers suggest noticing movements regularly throughout the day and tracking them as your provider advises. If you notice fewer movements than usual, contact your provider right away.

Safe or not?

Generally OKCan you lift weights while pregnant?Generally OKCan I eat cream cheese while pregnant?LimitCan I eat sushi while pregnant?Ask your doctorCan you drink kombucha while pregnant?

Guides for this stage

Medical careBirth plan: how to make a document for your care team ExerciseBreathing Techniques for Labor Contractions and Pushing Trying to conceiveCord Blood Banking: Is a Storage Contract Worth It?Medical careWhat fetal heart rate monitoring is and why it is often used near the end of pregnancy

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Coming up next weekWeek 40: Your due date is here, and baby is ready to meet youRead week 40 →

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Learn more

NIH: Pregnancy (NICHD)
CDC: Pregnancy

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General information only; it does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife.