Week 39 of pregnancy has started - when is the delivery? How do you know when you need to go to the hospital immediately? Are a hard stomach and vaginal stinging at 39 weeks of pregnancy a symptom of labor commencing? What if diarrhea starts bothering a pregnant woman at 39 weeks of pregnancy? In this post, we discuss the doubts about this stage of pregnancy.
The most pressing question of the 39th week of pregnancy: when will the delivery be?
This is the final stretch on the road to a pregnant woman's reunion with her baby, who has been developing in her belly for almost nine months. The thirty-ninth week of pregnancy (38.1-39 weeks) is the time when a pregnancy is considered full-term, and the baby can be born at literally any moment.
A hospital bag, containing essentials for both mother and newborn, should already be packed, along with the most important medical records and the pregnant woman's ID. A complete list of essential supplies and tests required for admission to the maternity ward can be found on the website of the hospital you chose for your delivery. Most women ask themselves at this time: "I'm 39 weeks pregnant – when will I give birth?"
It is worth knowing that only 5% of babies are born on the date set on the basis of the last menstruation. The vast majority of babies are born a few days earlier or later, so be prepared for this eventuality.
Is vaginal stinging a symptom of childbirth in the 39th week of pregnancy?
Pregnant women, at the end of the 9th month, double their vigilance and closely monitor all signals coming from their bodies. This is to ensure they don't miss any signals that could indicate the onset of labor at 39 weeks. Many common pregnancy ailments, such as:
- swelling of the legs;
- back pain;
- pressure on the bladder and difficulty moving;
definitely intensifies at the end of the third trimester.
This is why it's sometimes difficult for a woman in pain to detect the signs of the first stage of labor, which can be quite subtle at the very beginning. A stabbing sensation in the vagina at 39 weeks of pregnancy is related to the baby's head pressing against the birth canal and pubic symphysis and does not indicate the onset of labor. The cervix is shortening and dilating, which is why these symptoms may accompany it.
Abdominal pain for your 39 week pregnancy: should you worry?
During the 39th week of pregnancy, a pregnant woman typically experiences more frequent pre-labor contractions (Braxton-Hicks contractions), which are irregular and subside with time and rest. The uterus exercises before labor, periodically contracting (especially when the woman changes position or engages in increased physical activity).
If not accompanied by other disturbing symptoms, then at 39 weeks gestation, a hard belly is completely normal, as is abdominal pain similar to that experienced during menstruation.
Women usually notice breast swelling during this time as they fill with milk. If the first milk, known as colostrum, begins to flow, it's a good idea to wear nursing pads in your bra to protect your clothes from getting dirty. Heartburn often subsides somewhat at 39 weeks of pregnancy, which is related to the uterus lowering and reducing its pressure on the stomach. However, if the burning sensation in your esophagus continues to bother you towards the end of pregnancy:
- eat smaller, light meals;
- drink a lot of water;
- rest lying on your left side (this prevents the reflux of food);
- you can also ask your doctor for mild heartburn remedies.
At 39 weeks pregnant, white mucus discharge from the vagina may be accompanied by classic vaginal discharge (which increases significantly during pregnancy). If it's bothersome, it's worth using panty liners and breathable cotton underwear. At 39 weeks pregnant, white mucus may also be a detached mucus plug (usually white, clear, and sometimes slightly blood-tinged).
A ruptured mucus plug is one of the symptoms of labor beginning. However, if it's not accompanied by water breaking, regular uterine contractions, and a negative GBS culture, there's no need to rush to the hospital. In some cases, the mucus plug breaks even a few days before delivery.
High blood pressure at 39 weeks of pregnancy and other disturbing symptoms
Many third-trimester ailments can be very bothersome for a woman. However, some require immediate medical attention. These include high blood pressure at 39 weeks of pregnancy , which can impair placental blood flow and lead to fetal hypoxia. High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher) that suddenly appears at 39 weeks should be consulted with a doctor immediately.
We also go to the hospital immediately if we notice any abnormalities in the baby's movements: a pregnant woman should be able to detect at least 10 fetal movements within an hour (observations are best performed while lying on her left side, after main meals, three times a day). If, at 39 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's movements are completely imperceptible, or if its activity suddenly becomes very rapid and abnormally excessive, this may indicate discomfort, such as hypoxia. We go to the hospital immediately, where the doctor will be able to determine further medical treatment after performing a CTG.
Symptoms such as profuse bleeding from the genital tract or the emergence of greenish amniotic fluid should also cause anxiety in the pregnant woman. You should go to the hospital immediately.
Childbirth at 39 weeks of pregnancy: how do you know that it's already?
The fact that the first stage of labor has just begun is evidenced by the characteristic symptoms, which, however, may be slightly more or less severe in each of the pregnant women (and some may not occur at all).
Regular contractions of the uterus
Labor is primarily heralded by regular uterine contractions at 39 weeks of pregnancy. Contractions are very pronounced and painful, and their duration and frequency increase over time, even when a woman rests or takes a warm shower. Initially, contractions in the first stage of labor are less frequent and shorter. They often radiate painfully to the groin and lower back. Over time, each contraction lasts longer, and the intervals between them become shorter. We go to the hospital when regular contractions occur at least every 10 minutes.
Departure of amniotic fluid
It is also a sign that labor has started. If the vaginal and rectal GBS culture was positive, we go to the hospital even when uterine contractions are not yet present.
Diarrhea and nausea
At 39 weeks of pregnancy, it can also be one of the signals of the onset of labor. The intestines of the pregnant woman are cleansed so as not to be an obstacle for the baby's head, which will squeeze through the birth canal. Sometimes diarrhea may also be accompanied by nausea.
The weight of the child at 39 weeks of pregnancy
This issue is of great interest to every future mother, also due to the birth and its course (although both large and slightly smaller children can be born very smoothly. It is an individual matter for each pregnant woman).
The child's weight at 39 weeks of pregnancy fluctuates around 3,5-4 kg, although smaller women can also expect babies with a lower body weight (but this is not a rule). The fetus at this time usually measures over 50 cm and is a fully formed newborn, which, although fully dependent on adult care, is already able to breathe, excrete or suck on a breast / bottle on its own.
At 39 weeks of pregnancy, the baby's well-being and uterine contractions are monitored using CTG . During the check-up, the doctor:
- evaluates the freshest blood count and general urine test;
- will measure blood pressure;
- will carry out with the patient general interviewabout her well-being.
If the baby is in a position other than the longitudinal head, it can be expected that the doctor in the 39th week of pregnancy will refer the pregnant woman to the hospital, where the cesarean section will be performed (especially if the woman is an infant, i.e. for the first time).
Consultation :
Ph.D. n. med. prof. IMID Tadeusz Issat - Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic at the Institute of Mother and Child;
Maria Krowicka-Wasyl – resident physician during specialization in gynecology and obstetrics, Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Institute of Mother and Child.
