As you reach 39 weeks of pregnancy, you may notice fewer changes in your body compared to the previous weeks. Weight gain may have stabilized, and you might not feel much larger. However, several important developments are still taking place as you prepare for your baby’s arrival.
At this stage, you might hear the term “effacement,” which refers to the process of your cervix preparing for labor. As your baby engages in the pelvis, the cervix begins to soften, shorten, and thin out. You might encounter phrases like “cervical thinning” or “cervical dilation,” which relate to this preparation process.
How Big is Your Baby?
Your little one is now measuring between 18 and 20.5 inches (45.7 to 52 cm) long and weighs around 6.5 to 8 pounds (2.9 to 3.6 kg).
What’s Happening with Your Baby?
Your baby continues to grow, focusing on developing the fat layer beneath the skin. This fat is crucial for your baby’s ability to regulate body temperature after birth. Additionally, your baby is forming new skin cells to replace older ones.
What Should You Plan for This Week?
At this point, it’s essential to take things easy. Whether this is your first child or your fourth, your life will change significantly with the arrival of your new addition. Spend quality time with yourself, your partner, family, and friends.
Even though labor is imminent, keep monitoring your baby’s movements. Your healthcare provider may have advised you to count kicks, as discussed in our earlier blog post about pregnancy care.
You may have received several baby items by now. It’s wise to check the tags before removing them. Some items might not fit properly or could be the wrong color or gender. While ultrasounds can provide a good estimate of your baby’s size and sex, they aren’t always accurate. Leaving the tags on until you need the items can save you from potential headaches.
Partner’s Corner
Now is a great time to discuss with your partner who you’d like to have present during the birth. Do you prefer privacy, or would you like to have friends and family around? Addressing these preferences early allows you to make the necessary arrangements.
For those considering at-home insemination, resources like Make a Mom provide innovative reusable options, while Vegas Pregnancy offers a free sperm donor matching service. You can also find out more about the insemination process by visiting How It Works.
For more insights into parenting, check out our post on Navigating Toddler Self-Exploration. Additionally, if you’re looking for authoritative information on pregnancy and home insemination, the Mayo Clinic is an excellent resource. Lastly, you may find valuable insights on this topic at Modern Family Blog.
In summary, as you approach the final days of your pregnancy, focus on self-care and preparation for the changes ahead. Keep track of your baby’s movements, check your baby gear, and have those important conversations with your partner regarding the birth experience.