👶Your baby this week
Your baby is **full term** now, roughly the length of a **baby changing caddy** (~49.8 cm) and usually around 7–8+ lb.
Body growth slows but the **brain is growing fast** (about **30% bigger** than 4 weeks ago) and will continue to develop rapidly after birth.
Skin has changed from pinkish to a **whitish/greyish** tone as subcutaneous **fat** thickens; true pigmentation comes **after birth**.
A protective coat of **vernix** (creamy, waxy layer) may still cover the skin, it helps protect in utero and can ease the journey through the birth canal.
Baby has likely reached **birth weight**, is practicing **breathing, sucking, grasping** and may have quieter **rolls and stretches** as space is tight (you should still feel regular movement).
Fun fact: babies often **don’t produce tears** for a few weeks after birth even if they cry, as **tear ducts** aren’t fully open yet.
🌸Your body this week
You may notice **more vaginal discharge** that’s thin, white and mild in odour. A **slimy, yellow or bloody blob** can be a **‘show’** (mucus plug) a sign your cervix is changing.
Possible **back pain** and increased **pelvic pressure** as baby descends and presses on the spine and pelvic floor.
Common bursts of energy and an urge to clean or organise, your **nesting instinct**, but try not to overdo it; rest when you can.
You’re in the **any-day-now** window; many go into labour a week either side of their due date.
💛Symptoms you might notice
Every pregnancy is different. These are common around week 39 — speak to your midwife if anything worries you.
Practice vs. real contractions
Braxton Hicks are irregular, ease with rest/hydration and don’t form a pattern. **Active labour** contractions become **regular, longer (≥ 60s) and closer (≈ every 5 mins)** and grow in intensity.
‘Show’ (mucus plug) & discharge
A pink/brown/yellow **mucus ‘plug’** can pass as the cervix ripens. Increased thin white discharge is common. **Fresh red bleeding** needs urgent assessment.
Waters breaking
May be a **trickle or gush** of clear fluid; put on a pad and **call your maternity unit**. Green/brown fluid may indicate **meconium** and needs urgent review.
Backache, pelvic pressure & cramps
Typical at this stage as baby engages. Try a warm bath, gentle stretches, a support belt, and side-sleeping with pillows.
Heartburn & indigestion
Smaller, frequent meals and avoiding spicy/fatty foods can help. Ask your midwife which antacids are safe.
Diarrhoea or loose stools
Can occur as labour nears. Hydrate and eat lightly. Seek advice if severe, persistent or with fever.
Insomnia & nesting
Racing thoughts and discomfort can disrupt sleep. Keep screens off late, try a warm bath and lean on extra pillows for support.
Changes in fetal activity
Movements may feel like **twists/rolls** rather than jabs, but you should still feel **daily movement**. If movements **slow, change or stop**, call triage immediately.
Swelling (oedema)
Mild swelling of feet/ankles/hands can be normal. **Sudden swelling** with headache or visual changes can signal **pre-eclampsia**, seek urgent care.
9 red-flag symptoms (urgent)
Call your midwife/doctor/NHS 111 if you have: **vaginal bleeding; brown/pink discharge; severe night itching; severe persistent headache; vision problems; pain under ribs; extreme swelling of feet/ankles/hands/face; persistent stomach pain; high temperature (>37.5°C) without cold/flu symptoms**.
✨Tips for week 39
When to call about labour
Phone your hospital/midwife when contractions last **≥ 60 seconds** and come **every ~5 minutes** for an hour, or **anytime** if you’re worried (reduced movements, bleeding, waters breaking, green/brown fluid, severe pain).
Keep counting movements
Know Your usual pattern. Any **slowdown, change or stoppage** needs **immediate** assessment, don’t wait.
Be ready for waters breaking
It might be a **trickle**. Wear a pad (not a tampon), note colour/odour/time, and call triage. You may need **induction** after waters break to reduce infection risk.
Pack & plan
Keep your **hospital bag** and notes by the door. Sort childcare/pet plans, transport, and phone numbers (midwife, triage, taxi).
What to expect at birth (the first minutes)
Not all babies cry immediately; breathing can be irregular at first. **Apgar checks** happen at 1 and 5 minutes. **Hands/feet may look blue**, and boys can have **temporary swollen testicles**. Bonding can take time, **ask for help** if you need it.
Pelvic floor & comfort care
Do daily **Kegels**, try **perineal massage**, and use warm compresses/baths and gentle stretches for back/pelvic relief.
Vaccinations & protection
If not done, ask about **RSV** vaccine (offered from ~28 weeks until labour). Ensure **whooping cough** vaccine is up to date to help protect your newborn.
Healthy habits
Aim for gentle activity (short walks), balanced meals (**~+200 kcal/day** if needed), limit caffeine, and avoid alcohol/smoking. Keep taking **vitamin D (10 µg/day)** unless advised otherwise.
Newborn screening & feeding
Discuss **newborn screening** options and **feeding plans** (breast, formula or mixed). Leaking **colostrum** is normal, not leaking is normal too.
Post-birth planning
Line up **postnatal support**, read up on **your body after birth**, and consider **contraception** options for after delivery.