As the delivery date nears the anxiety of pregnant women increases. It is the time to stay relaxed and prepare for the arrival of the little one during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Read on to learn about the baby’s development and bodily changes that you may experience during the 39th week of pregnancy?The excitement increases as you prepare for delivery. Your nesting instincts might be getting stronger by the day as you rush around preparing for the baby's arrival. Try to get as much rest as you can as once the baby is born, you can kiss your sleep goodbye.
By this week, your baby's intestine is filled with 'meconium', which is made up of the excretions from the alimentary glands mixed with cells from the bowel walls, lanugo and bile pigment. It is a dark, sticky, greenish-black substance, which will be passed out as his or her first motion and might even be excreted during
labour. Get used to it, as you will have to clean him or her up over the next couple of months.
We can understand how anxious you must be to meet your baby after the long wait for 9 months. At this stage your body may be giving out signals that you are ready for labour. In case you are confused, the best thing you can do is, get in touch with your doctor at the earliest. Here we have shared some changes that you may experience in this final stage of pregnancy. Take a look.
Baby’s Development during the 39th Week of Pregnancy
Your little one has matured and is preparing for the labour along with you. Here is what happens to him or her at this week.
Baby’s Height and Weight
Your baby has now reached his or her final height and weight before
delivery. He or she has sufficient amount of fats to keep her warm upon birth. Your baby may have started shedding his or her Vernix Caseosa that shall mix with the amniotic fluid that will be swallowed by him or her. Be ready for the amazing journey in the coming week.
Position for Birth
Your baby has now probably taken his or her position for birth and cradled his or her head in your pelvic cavity. Although he or she seems fully developed, his or her brain development shall take some more time.
The Onset of Labour
Research studies suggest that when babies are ready to be born, they send signals to the placenta. This increases oestrogen production and the labour starts. This supports the old saying that a baby knows when to be born.
Bodily Changes during the 39th Week of Pregnancy
Along with your baby’s development, take a look at what happens to you in this week of delivery:
Increased Fatigue
If you had being taking brisk walks and exercising a bit, you may feel a little more exhausted than before. You can try and enjoy these few days with your partner. Keep aside your worries and take a break at times. Get ready as your little one shall be here the next week. It may appear difficult to concentrate on anything apart from waiting for her arrival. With little bit of pain, dampness or tingle you may be wondering if this is the moment.
Increased Anxiety
You are likely to be on your toes if it is your first baby. You will be warned with plenty of signs like
water breaking, mild
contractions, but you can sit back and relax completely. Let your midwife or doctor take care of you. You can be very sure that you will soon have a new member in your arms. What most important is, taking good care of yourself. A relaxed attitude will make the delivery process far easier for both of you.
Tips for Dealing with Anxiety
The last few weeks of pregnancy is the time when you can indulge in pampering yourself. While bringing up a baby is highly rewarding, you are left with very little time for yourself. Rather than spending time worrying unnecessarily enjoy these last few days of freedom. Indulge in your pleasures like watching a show, reading a book or shopping for the new one. Soaking in a pool or taking a warm bath can help you take breaks from the gravity.
If you are on a maternity leave, it is time for you to plan about your work after the delivery. You can also have a talk with your doctor about your working plans for the future. Keeping a birth plan ready shall be helpful when your baby arrives. This shall help you keep essential supplies like medicines, diapers, nipples, bottles, cot and clothes ready in place.
What happens during the 39th week of pregnancy? How to prepare for labour and delivery? What are the common signs of labour? Discuss here.