Take your time with this information
Week 39
Congratulations! You have now reached full-term, and baby could arrive at any moment!1
Your body
As your due date approaches, you should know the signs of labour.2
Typical signs of labour include:3
- Contractions
These may begin as menstrual-like cramping, but they will increase in intensity, frequency and duration as labour progresses - Bloody show and loss of mucus plug
This may appear as thick vaginal discharge that looks red, brown, or pink - Waters breaking
Remember to monitor the progress of labour and call your healthcare provider for advice if you are unsure of your symptoms.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you:
- Experience any bleeding or bright red discharge
- Your water breaks, the fluid looks green or brown or smells
- Experience any visual disturbances, severe headache, or sudden swelling
Symptoms2
- Back aches and pelvic pain
- Breast changes
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Diarrhoea and haemorrhoids
- Braxton hicks contractions
- Waters breaking
- Vaginal discharge (with or without spotting) and loss of mucus plug
- Foetal movement
Your baby
Your baby is nearly ready to make their appearance. From head-to-toe they should measure around 48–53 cm. Additionally, they are now likely to have reached their birth weight, weighing approximately 3.2–3.6 kg!2
Things to remember this week
- Try to remember your prenatal vitamins4,5
- Staying active and keeping a healthy weight can help support overall health6
- Pack your hospital bag
- Count the kicks7
- Look out for signs of labour2
- Be aware of the main symptoms of pre-eclampsia. These include:16
Persistent high blood pressure
Protein in urine
Severe headaches
Visual disturbances
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Swelling in hands and face
Contact your antenatal healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of pre-eclampsia for immediate medical attention.