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Sign InWeek 39 — The Final Countdown
Overall Pregnancy
Your Baby is About
mini watermelon
Your baby is about 50cm and 3.3kg — roughly the size of a mini watermelon. Brain development is still happening at an impressive rate even now. The immune system is continuing to absorb antibodies from you. The lungs are completely mature. Meconium has built up in the intestines, ready to be passed as the first nappy. Your baby is sleeping about 90% of the time, conserving energy for the work of being born.
At 39 weeks, you're at the lowest risk of any complications associated with either prematurity or post-maturity. Babies born at 39–40 weeks have the best overall outcomes for brain development, lung function, and feeding. If you're feeling the urge to get labour started, talk to your provider about membrane sweeping — a procedure where the midwife sweeps a finger around the cervix to encourage labour — typically offered from 39 weeks.
Even at 39 weeks, your baby's brain is only about 65% of its final adult size. The human brain is uniquely underdeveloped at birth compared to other primates — this is thought to be an evolutionary compromise, allowing babies to be born with heads small enough to pass through the birth canal while still leaving room for the brain to grow dramatically in the first few years of life. Humans are basically born early, by design.
Pack snacks for your birth partner too. Labour can last many hours, and a hungry, lightheaded support person is not helpful to anyone. Think easy snacks they can eat quietly — granola bars, nuts, sandwiches. Also make sure they have entertainment for the long early parts of labour when you want company but aren't in active need of support yet.
Eat regular, balanced meals and stay well hydrated. You need fuel for labour — which is intense physical work lasting hours. Iron and protein are particularly important for stamina.
Be ready to go at any moment from now on — keep your phone charged, car fuelled, and bags by the door. Stay within reasonable distance and let people know what's happening.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Read full disclaimer