39 weeks pregnant headache sign of labor. 39 Weeks Pregnant Headache: Signs of Labor and What to Expect

17.07.202326.06.2023 by alexxlab

Is a headache at 39 weeks pregnant a sign of labor. What causes headaches during late pregnancy. How to distinguish between normal pregnancy headaches and potential complications. When should you contact your healthcare provider about a headache in late pregnancy.

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Understanding Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches are a common occurrence during pregnancy, affecting many expectant mothers at various stages. While they can be uncomfortable and concerning, it’s essential to understand their potential causes and implications, especially as you approach your due date.

Common Causes of Pregnancy Headaches

Hormonal changes
Dehydration
Increased blood volume
Poor sleep quality
Stress and tension
Caffeine withdrawal

During the first trimester, hormonal fluctuations and rapid bodily changes often trigger headaches. As pregnancy progresses, other factors may contribute to headache occurrence. Understanding these causes can help you manage and potentially prevent headaches throughout your pregnancy journey.

Are Headaches a Sign of Labor at 39 Weeks?

Many expectant mothers wonder if a headache at 39 weeks pregnant could signal the onset of labor. However, experts generally do not consider headaches as a direct sign of impending labor. Dr. Huma Farid, an OB-GYN at Harvard Medical School, states, “I do not typically consider headaches as a sign of labor.”

While headaches are not typically associated with labor, they can be indicative of other pregnancy-related issues. It’s crucial to pay attention to your body and report any persistent or severe headaches to your healthcare provider, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

Distinguishing Between Normal Headaches and Potential Complications

As you approach your due date, it becomes increasingly important to differentiate between typical pregnancy discomforts and potential warning signs. While most headaches during pregnancy are harmless, some may indicate underlying complications.

When to Be Concerned About a Headache

Sudden onset of severe pain
Persistent headache that doesn’t respond to usual remedies
Headache accompanied by vision changes
Pain associated with high blood pressure

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider promptly. They can assess your condition and rule out any potential complications, ensuring the health and safety of both you and your baby.

Preeclampsia: A Serious Consideration in Late Pregnancy

One of the most significant concerns related to headaches in late pregnancy is preeclampsia. This condition, characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, typically occurs after 20 weeks of gestation.

Symptoms of Preeclampsia

Severe headaches
Visual disturbances
Upper abdominal pain
Swelling in the face and hands
Sudden weight gain

Dr. Farid emphasizes the seriousness of preeclampsia, stating, “Preeclampsia is a very serious consideration and requires management of blood pressure and symptoms, and evaluation in the hospital.” If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of preeclampsia, seek medical attention immediately.

Managing Headaches During Late Pregnancy

While not all headaches can be prevented, there are several strategies you can employ to manage and alleviate headache pain during the final weeks of pregnancy.

Tips for Headache Relief

Stay hydrated
Practice stress-reduction techniques
Ensure adequate rest and sleep
Use cold or warm compresses
Practice good posture
Consider prenatal massage or acupuncture (with provider approval)

Dr. Farid advises, “I advise my patients to hydrate, rest, and take acetaminophen if they experience a headache.” However, always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Advice

When experiencing a headache at 39 weeks pregnant, it’s crucial to err on the side of caution. While most headaches are benign, some may indicate underlying issues that require medical attention.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Severe or persistent headache
Headache accompanied by other concerning symptoms
Any unusual changes in your condition

Sara Lyon, a doula and birthing expert, advises, “After 20 weeks, be sure to report a severe headache to your medical care provider so that they can screen for preeclampsia.” Your healthcare team is there to support you and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.

Preparing for Labor: Recognizing True Signs

As you approach your due date, it’s natural to be hyper-aware of any changes in your body. While headaches may not typically signal the onset of labor, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the true signs that labor may be approaching.

Common Signs of Labor

Regular contractions that increase in intensity and frequency
Rupture of membranes (water breaking)
Bloody show or loss of mucus plug
Lower back pain or pelvic pressure
Nesting instinct or sudden bursts of energy

Understanding these signs can help you distinguish between false alarms and the real onset of labor. However, always consult with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure or concerned about any symptoms you’re experiencing.

Navigating the Final Weeks of Pregnancy

The last few weeks of pregnancy can be both exciting and challenging. As you eagerly await the arrival of your baby, it’s important to prioritize your health and well-being.

Self-Care Tips for Late Pregnancy

Get plenty of rest
Stay active with gentle exercises approved by your provider
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
Stay connected with your support system
Practice relaxation techniques
Attend all scheduled prenatal appointments

Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and what you experience may differ from others. Trust your instincts and maintain open communication with your healthcare team to ensure a safe and healthy final stretch of your pregnancy journey.

Understanding Your Body’s Signals

As you navigate the final weeks of pregnancy, it’s crucial to develop a keen awareness of your body’s signals. While headaches may not be a direct indicator of labor, they can provide valuable information about your overall well-being.

Listening to Your Body

Pay attention to new or changing symptoms
Keep a journal of your daily experiences
Trust your intuition if something feels off
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider with concerns

By staying attuned to your body’s needs and signals, you can better advocate for your health and that of your baby. Remember, no concern is too small when it comes to your pregnancy.

The Role of Stress and Anxiety in Late Pregnancy

The anticipation of labor and delivery can naturally lead to increased stress and anxiety, which may contribute to headaches and other physical symptoms. Understanding and managing these emotions is crucial for your well-being during this time.

Coping Strategies for Prenatal Stress

Practice mindfulness and meditation
Engage in gentle prenatal yoga or stretching
Talk openly with your partner, friends, or a therapist
Prepare for labor and delivery through education and birth planning
Focus on positive affirmations and visualizations

By addressing stress and anxiety, you may find relief from tension headaches and feel more prepared for the journey ahead. Remember that it’s normal to have concerns, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Nutrition and Hydration in the Third Trimester

Proper nutrition and hydration play a crucial role in managing headaches and overall health during the final weeks of pregnancy. Ensuring your body receives adequate nutrients and fluids can help prevent headaches and support your baby’s development.

Essential Nutrients for Late Pregnancy

Iron-rich foods to prevent anemia-related headaches
Omega-3 fatty acids for brain development
Calcium and vitamin D for bone health
Protein for tissue growth and repair
Folate for neural tube development

Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, especially in late pregnancy when your body’s demand for fluids is higher.

Alternative Therapies for Headache Relief

While medication options may be limited during pregnancy, several alternative therapies can provide relief from headaches without posing risks to your baby. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any new treatments.

Safe Alternative Headache Remedies

Acupressure and acupuncture
Prenatal massage
Aromatherapy with pregnancy-safe essential oils
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises
Chiropractic care from a practitioner experienced in prenatal care

These therapies can not only help alleviate headache pain but also contribute to overall relaxation and well-being during the final stages of pregnancy.

Preparing for Postpartum Health

As you focus on managing headaches and preparing for labor, it’s also important to consider your postpartum health. Headaches can occur after delivery due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the stress of caring for a newborn.

Postpartum Headache Prevention Strategies

Establish a support system for post-birth care
Prioritize rest and sleep when possible
Stay hydrated, especially if breastfeeding
Gradually return to physical activity with your provider’s approval
Be aware of postpartum mood disorders and seek help if needed

By planning ahead for your postpartum care, you can set yourself up for a smoother transition into motherhood and potentially reduce the occurrence of postpartum headaches.

The Importance of Prenatal Education

As you approach your due date, investing time in prenatal education can help alleviate anxiety and prepare you for the birthing process. Understanding what to expect can reduce stress-related headaches and empower you to make informed decisions during labor and delivery.

Key Topics in Prenatal Education

Stages of labor and delivery
Pain management options
Breathing and relaxation techniques
Potential complications and interventions
Immediate postpartum care for mother and baby

Consider attending childbirth classes, reading reputable pregnancy books, or consulting with a doula to enhance your knowledge and confidence as you prepare for the arrival of your baby.

Creating a Birth Plan

Developing a birth plan can help you communicate your preferences and expectations for labor and delivery to your healthcare team. While it’s important to remain flexible, having a plan can provide a sense of control and potentially reduce anxiety-induced headaches as your due date approaches.

Elements to Consider in Your Birth Plan

Preferred pain management techniques
Desired birthing positions
Preferences for fetal monitoring
Plans for immediate postpartum care
Feeding intentions for your newborn

Discuss your birth plan with your healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with medical recommendations and to address any concerns or questions you may have.

Monitoring Fetal Movement in Late Pregnancy

As you navigate headaches and other symptoms in late pregnancy, it’s crucial to stay attuned to your baby’s movements. Monitoring fetal activity can provide reassurance and help detect any potential issues early.

Guidelines for Tracking Fetal Movement

Choose a time each day when your baby is typically active
Count the number of movements (kicks, rolls, or jabs) you feel
Aim to feel at least 10 movements within a two-hour period
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice a significant decrease in movement

Remember, while focusing on your own symptoms is important, staying connected with your baby’s well-being is equally crucial in these final weeks of pregnancy.

Is A Headache A Sign Of Labor? Here’s What Experts Have To Say

For many parents-to-be, the last few weeks of pregnancy can be particularly stressful. While consistent contractions and your water breaking are obvious signs of labor, it’s impossible not to analyze every twinge, pain, and symptom as a hint it’s “go time.” So, is a headache a sign of labor? While every pregnant person, and every pregnancy, is different, there are a few things every soon-to-be parent should know as they nears they due date.

To find out more about if pregnancy headaches are a sign of impending labor, what a headache at 38 weeks pregnant might mean, and what you should do if you experience a headache before labor, here’s what experts want you to know.

Reasons you get a headache during pregnancy

Unfortunately, as it turns out, headaches during pregnancy are fairly a common occurrence. And as doula and birthing expert Sara Lyon explains, the timing during your pregnancy will likely give you some answers as to why it’s happening. “Anecdotally, I don’t see more headaches in pregnancy after first trimester than in the non-pregnant population,” Lyon tells Romper. “First trimester, however, comes with so many rapid changes that headaches are very common.”

As it turns out, hormonal headaches are all too common early on. “Headaches in the first trimester of pregnancy are commonly caused by dehydration, hormones shifting, increased blood volume, poor sleep, tension or stress and caffeine withdrawal,” Lyon says. “Dehydration is avoidable as long as you are able to keep water down — in the case of hyperemesis gravidarum, you might need IV hydration. Hormones do change throughout pregnancy, and this factor will usually subside in second trimester. Likewise, by second trimester, the body has usually adjusted to the increased blood volume. Caffeine withdrawal will usually last a week or two.”

However, if you are experiencing prolonged, painful headaches in the later stages of pregnancy, something might be up and you should check with your doctor. “Later in pregnancy, 20+ weeks, a persistent headache should be reported to your medical care provider,” Lyon says. “A migraine-like headache can be a sign of high blood pressure and you will be screened for preeclampsia.”

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Is a headache ever a sign of labor?

Though you might think that a hormonal headache before labor sounds like a thing that would happen to pregnant people, the truth is that probably won’t be the case. But a headache isn’t a likely sign that you’re about to give birth, according to Dr. Huma Farid, M.D., an OB-GYN at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. “I do not typically consider headaches as a sign of labor,” Farid tells Romper. But pregnancy itself is full of headache triggers. “Headaches may be a sign of dehydration, sleep deprivation or stress, or more concerning, may be the first sign of preeclampsia,” Farid says. “Migraines can occur in pregnancy, but are more common when someone has a history of migraines prior to pregnancy. “

This can be even more of a pain — literally — than usual, because there are not as many treatment options for headaches during pregnancy. “I advise my patients to hydrate, rest, and take acetaminophen if they experience a headache,” Farid says. “If the headache is not resolving with these measures or is intensifying, or they have any blood pressure abnormalities, I advise them to come in right away to be evaluated.”

Before you dismiss your late pregnancy headache as just another pregnancy pain, you should know that a sudden-onset of a severe headache in late pregnancy might be an early symptom of a preeclampsia. “A headache is not a common sign of labor, although it is within normal symptoms,” Lyons says. “After 20 weeks, be sure to report a severe headache to your medical care provider so that they can screen for preeclampsia.”

“Preeclampsia occurs in pregnant women after 20 weeks of gestation; women develop elevated blood pressure, headaches, visual changes, and abdominal pain. They may also develop abnormal liver or kidney function tests,” Farid explains. “Preeclampsia is a very serious consideration and requires management of blood pressure and symptoms, and evaluation in the hospital.” Per the Preeclampsia Foundation, preeclampsia rates have increased in the U.S. to 25% in the past 20 years, and it is key cause of maternal death.

It’s always a good idea to ask your doctor or midwife about a headache, even if you think it’s no big deal. In fact, a 2015 study published in the journal Neurology found that one-third of pregnant women who went to the ER for a headache in the third trimester were found to have a secondary condition, with half of those being preeclampsia or pregnancy hypertension.

Treating headaches during pregnancy

However, if your head pounding is simply just a headache — there are lots of non-pregnancy related factors that could cause one — there are some remedies you can turn to to ease the pain. “Massage therapy is a safe treatment that will increase circulation and reduce tension, while also benefitting the quality of your sleep,” Lyon says. “Increase your water intake to avoid dehydration and help your body adjust to the new demands of pregnancy. Medically, acetaminophen is safe for pregnancy, and you can check with your care provider to hear about alternative medications.”

Whatever the reason for your pregnancy headache, be it caused by hormones, sleep-deprivation, or something more serious, the best way to figure out what’s going on is to contact your health care provider. And as soon as that’s taken care of, you can relax before other reasons for headaches kick in with time (read: raising a newborn!).

Study referenced:

Robbins, M., Farmakidis, C., Dayal, A., Lipton, R. (2015) Acute headache diagnosis in pregnant women: A hospital-based study. Neurology, http://n.neurology.org/content/early/2015/08/19/WNL.0000000000001954

Experts:

Sara Lyon, birthing expert, doula, author of The Birth Deck and You’ve Got This: Your Guide to Getting Comfortable with Labor

Dr. Huma Farid, M.D., OB-GYN at Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

This article was originally published on November 16, 2018

39 Weeks Pregnant – What To Expect This Week

You’re so close to meeting your little one!

Your due date is coming up and that means you’re closer to meeting your baby.

You might still be a few weeks away from giving birth, so enjoy this last bit of pregnancy, when you have your baby on the inside and you can feel those wonderful kicks.

But how exciting is it that the baby is nearly here?

Get organized and make those last minute preparations, as labor might start any day now.

If you have been wondering about a few things at 39 weeks pregnant, read on for some helpful information and advice.

39 weeks pregnant in months

Been wondering how many months you are if you’re nearly at your due date? At 39 weeks pregnant, you’re in your ninth month of pregnancy.

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What should I do at 39 weeks pregnant?

By now you’re probably ready and have most things packed. If you’re still working or you have a very busy toddler running around, perhaps you haven’t done it yet.

You might have chosen to have your baby at home but it’s still a great idea to pack a mother and baby bag.

After your baby is born, your midwife can help you shower and find baby clothes.

A ready-packed bag is also useful if you need to transfer to hospital.

Make sure you have everything ready to go:

You’ve packed your bags
Put the car seat in the car
Arranged where the kids are going
Left contact numbers on the fridge.

Walking and swimming are fantastic low impact exercises and a good way to keep you active at 39 weeks pregnant.

After so many months, you’re probably feeling more tired these days.

Rest is an important part of your day. You could go onto labor at any time now, and who knows how long it will last.

Keeping up your fluids is also very important, as being dehydrated can stall labor or even stop it altogether.

Relax. Have a massage. Get your nails done. Or go out and have a meal with friends.

What do I need to pack at 39 weeks pregnant?

If you’ve already packed your birth bag, you might want to check you have these items:

Comfortable maternity bra
Breast pads
Sanitary pads or postnatal undies
Witch hazel to put on frozen pads; it eases any perineal soreness
Clothes to labor in, and something to change into after the birth
Toiletries
Your special pillow
Snacks and drinks
Camera or video recorder
Phone and charger.

Baby’s bag might include the following items:

Nappies – disposable or cloth
All-in-ones or ‘onesies’ – have a couple of different sizes, as birth weight and size are always a guess until after baby is born
Hat and booties
Singlets
Swaddle wrap or muslins.

39 weeks pregnancy symptoms

For the most of the last few weeks of pregnancy, you might not notice too many changes happening in your body.

At week 39, you still feel heavy, you still have to pee every five minutes, and you still have a little human being kicking your kidney – from the inside!

And if baby has engaged, you might be waddling more than walking.

There’s a good chance you’re having plenty of ‘practice’ contractions too, making you wonder whether ‘this is it’ a few times a day.

Most women go into labor at any time between week 39 and week 42.

For first time mothers, labor can last between 12 and 14 hours. Mothers who have birthed before usually find subsequent labor is quicker – about 7 hours.

39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore

There are some changes that aren’t normal in pregnancy and you can’t ignore them.

You might need medical attention if you notice these changes:

Headaches with visual disturbances
Constant pain in the abdomen or anywhere else
Really swollen legs, hands and face
Mid sternum chest pain
Your baby is not moving, or has reduced movement
You have vaginal blood loss
Your water breaks, and the fluid isn’t clear. Yellow-green indicates meconium might be in the amniotic fluid.

Contact your healthcare provider or doctor right away if you have any of the above at 39 weeks pregnant.

What are the signs of labor at 39 weeks?

The million dollar question at 39 weeks: ‘Am I in labor?’

Here are a few signs that labor may be on the way:

Period-like cramping low in pelvis, or backaches
Mucus plug or ‘show’ comes away
You are nesting like crazy; you just have a feeling baby is coming soon
Your bowel movements change
Head is well engaged (first time mothers). This is also called ‘lightning crotch’; the baby’s head can be pushing on nerves low in the pelvis
Some women at week 39 might have nausea

More information can be found in 39 Weeks Pregnant – Symptoms And Signs Of Labor

Is it safe to birth at 39 weeks pregnant?

39 weeks is considered to be full term. Full term means your baby’s development has reached the point where your little one is ready for the outside world.

It’s not only safe, it’s perfect for your baby to birth at 39 weeks pregnant – if your baby’s ready to be born!

39 weeks pregnancy discharge

We have discussed vaginal discharge in many of our articles.

Discharge that is specific to a 39 weeks pregnancy could be:

Mucus plug loss. This is generally quite thick and snotty looking. It might be tinged with pink, usually due to the cervix changing and blood vessels breaking
Water breaking. Amniotic fluid is clear; if tinged with pink, it might mean the cervix is changing. If it is green or yellow, then the baby has pooped (meconium). Let your doctor know, as sometimes this is a sign your baby is distressed.

Heavy blood loss isn’t normal and needs medical attention. Make sure you contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.

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At 39 weeks pregnant is a headache a sign of labor?

Many women have headaches or migraines before they become pregnant. If your pre-pregnancy headaches are hormone related, this could mean they’re also a normal feature during pregnancy.

If you normally don’t get headaches and you have some visual disturbances and/or swollen hands, feet, and face, contact your health care provider immediately.

These symptoms could indicate preeclampsia, and your baby might need to be born sooner rather than later.

At 39 weeks, your baby is full term, so induction, rather than c-section, is usually the first option.

Usually, a headache in pregnancy isn’t a sign of labor. Be sure to contact your care provider if you are concerned.

More information can be found in Pregnancy Headaches – 5 Causes Of Headache During Pregnancy.

Can you be in labor without contractions or water breaking?

Not all women have their water break before they go into labor.

Most women who have contractions find their water breaks over the next 24 to 48 hours – during early labor or when they are into active established labor.

Some women might not break their waters until the baby is heading down the birth canal or at the time of birth.

There are a few women who will birth their baby in the ‘caul’. This means the waters do not break at all and the baby is birthed inside the bag of waters.

This is amazing to see, especially those born in water.

Contractions are necessary to help dilate the cervix. Labor begins when your uterus starts contracting to change the cervix and begin the process of birth.

Why is my stomach so hard at 39 weeks?

If your tummy goes hard and then releases, this is probably Braxton Hicks contractions.

These ‘practice’ contractions can become more intense leading up to true labor.

Braxton Hicks contractions are normal and, although they can be quite intense rather than painful, they are relatively short lived.

Real contractions also make your belly go hard and then release, but they steadily become more intense, they last longer, and don’t go away until the baby is birthed.

If your belly is hard and stays hard, and if you have any pain, this isn’t normal.

You need to see your care provider right away. It’s also important to monitor your baby’s movements at this time as well.

More information can be found in Braxton Hicks Contractions – What Are They?.

Can squats induce labor?

If your baby is ready to go at 39 weeks, pregnant squats might help with positioning and pressure for those waters to break.

Remember, it’s the baby’s lung maturation that lets your body know it’s time for labor to start. If the baby’s lungs aren’t ready, then it is less likely that labor will begin. Read more in What Causes Labour To Start?.

Do I need induction of labor at 39 weeks pregnant?

No. unless you have health complications, it’s always best to wait for your baby to choose the day to be born – the time which is best for your baby’s development.

You can look at some natural induction methods to soften your cervix and help with labor if required.

At 39 weeks, you have a full-term pregnancy and you don’t post dates at this stage.

There is no need to try and rush the baby out just yet.

39 weeks pregnant baby position

Ideally, at this stage of pregnancy, your baby is head down and in an anterior position. This means the baby’s body is positioned with the back facing your front and their head tucked and chin to chest.

Don’t stress if this isn’t the case, as many babies rotate during labor or as they are birthing.

The position of a baby can determine how you labor, and you might need to have a plan or strategy on how you will cope with this.

Check out 8 Signs Your Baby’s Position Is Affecting Labor for more information.

Some tips that could help your body in pregnancy:

Optimal fetal positioning with Spinning Babies
Acupuncture
Chiropractic care
Relax – let that oxytocin flow.

Chat to your midwife or doctor or healthcare provider for more advice.

More information can be found in Optimal Fetal Positioning – How To Make Birth Easier.

39 weeks pregnant baby weight in kg

Your baby at 39 weeks pregnant is putting on brown fat that will help with temperature regulation after birth.

Baby at 39 weeks can weigh 3-3.5kg (7-8 pounds) and measure 35-36.5cm (19-21 inches) in length.

At 39 weeks your baby has mature lungs and is ready to go.

At week 39, as a full-term baby, your little one is fully developed. However, the baby’s brain continues to grow, as it will for many years to come – sometimes at astonishing rates.

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39 weeks of pregnancy what happens to the fetus and what does a woman feel: the stomach turns to stone, signs of childbirth

39 weeks of pregnancy: you just can’t wait to give birth, right? Well, at 39 weeks, your pregnancy has finally reached full term. This means that your baby in the womb is almost mature and ready for the real world. This does not mean that you will definitely give birth this week. Your baby may be born in a week or even two.

Signs of pregnancy week 39

39 weeks is how many months? – You are nine months pregnant this week. Your doctor may give a signal to induce labor. He may advise you to walk a lot and even have sex at 39 weeks pregnant or prescribe a special oil to help ripen the cervix.

39 weeks pregnant what happens to the fetus and how the woman feels: keep in mind, however, that labor can start naturally without even doing any of the above. Experts recommend letting the process progress on its own. But if there is a medical need to intervene and induce your labor due to pregnancy complications, your doctor will try to do so no earlier than this week.

At 39 weeks it is very important to become familiar with the signs of labour. Here’s what you need to know:

Bloody discharge

If you notice pink or yellowish discharge with a pinkish or red tint on your underwear, it’s a mucus plug coming off your cervix, a sign that it’s thinning, and you’re about to start to childbirth. You can see this sign as early as two weeks before contractions appear.

Contractions

Real contractions are those that become more regular, stronger and longer over time. Other signs of childbirth: you are out of breath after each contraction and you feel discomfort in your back and stomach. Hurry to the hospital if your contractions occur every 10 minutes and last about 50 seconds or longer.

False contractions or Braxton Hicks are mild, irregular and do not increase in intensity or frequency. Abdominal grip usually goes away when you change position. You can have more Braxton Hicks at 39 weeks. If you are unsure about your contractions, call your doctor.

Watery discharge at 39 weeks pregnant

Pregnancy 39 weeks signs of impending labor: if you notice watery discharge, even if not very strong, go to the hospital immediately. Most likely you have an outpouring of amniotic fluid. Harbingers of childbirth in multiparous at 39week are the same as the harbingers of childbirth in primiparas.

Alert your doctor and go to the emergency room immediately if you experience any of the following:

bleeding
your baby doesn’t move that much
high blood pressure
severe headache
blurred vision
sudden swelling
nausea
vomiting

These are warning signs of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia and placental problems and require immediate medical attention.

Pregnancy symptoms 39 weeks

I hope you are not gaining any more weight, and if you are still gaining pounds, then they should be minimal, and this applies to your baby too. You will continue to experience pregnancy symptoms in the third trimester, as shown below:

Shooting pain

Your baby should be in the upside down position. Its movement inside your uterus can hit some of the sensory nerves in your vagina, causing you to experience a sharp, tingling sensation. Sometimes it feels like a light electric shock from the vagina down the legs.

Abdominal pressure, pain and discomfort

Your baby is going into your birth canal and this will put pressure on the pelvic area. Your ligaments loosen to help your child make his way into this world. These are the reasons why you feel pain in the abdomen and pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen and back, as well as in the hip.

Colostrum

In addition to the areola and darkening of the nipple, your breasts also expand as they are filled with colostrum, which can make your breasts feel a little lumpy. A few drops of a yellowish, watery, or milky fluid may also leak from your chest.

Diarrhea and other digestive problems

As your body prepares for childbirth, not only do your ligaments relax, but your digestive muscles and rectum also relax, resulting in weak bowel movements. Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in fiber.

A relaxed muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus and an enlarged uterus pressing against your abdomen may be to blame for heartburn and indigestion. Eat slowly and drink after you have eaten. If your stomach suddenly turns to stone at 39week of pregnancy, immediately contact the emergency department, as this may indicate complications!

How your baby is growing at 39 weeks pregnant

The big day is almost here and soon you will be able to hug your baby. But try not to worry if you’re still expecting a baby. Only about four percent of children are born at the expected date.

Your baby’s lungs are now well developed and he is fully prepared to take his first postpartum breath. You may notice some snot and snorting in the first weeks as he is not used to breathing air instead of amniotic fluid.

Your baby’s development at 39 weeks

At 39 weeks, your baby isn’t growing as much anymore—he’s already reached birth weight, about 52-53 inches long, and weighs 3.5 kilograms. Your little one may not be gaining weight, but his brain is still growing.

Your baby has enough baby fat to keep him warm after birth. Your placenta not only supplies your baby with the nutrients it needs, but it also passes on antibodies to help fight disease once it’s out. He’s busy working on his reflexes and doing his little womb tricks, and just waiting for the right time to meet you.

Even if your baby is now close to you in the womb, his movements should not decrease during wakefulness. Continue to monitor your child’s movements while he is awake and call your doctor if you notice any changes. Once your baby’s lungs are mature enough, your body will begin the birth process, but you may not feel it right away.

All of your baby’s organs are well developed. His skin becomes thicker and paler as new skin replaces sloughing skin cells. His lungs are producing more surfactant, which keeps his tiny air sacs open, and he’s ready to take his first breath outside of your womb.

Right after birth, your baby may cry to clear his airways. And it may take him a few minutes to establish a breathing pattern. Newborns tend to breathe irregularly, switching between fast and slow breathing, sometimes stopping for about five seconds at a time.

After delivery and time for the first breastfeed, your midwife will weigh your baby and check his head circumference.

9 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you get any of the following symptoms, treat it as an emergency and call your midwife, doctor:

Vaginal bleeding.
Brown or pink discharge.
Severe itching, especially at night.
Terrible headache that won’t go away.
Vision problems (blurring, photosensitivity, visible spots or flashing lights).
Pain just below the ribs.
Severe swelling of the legs, ankles, hands and face.
Persistent abdominal pain.
High fever (above 37.5 degrees Celsius) without other flu or cold symptoms.

6 things you can’t expect when your baby is born…

Your baby will be tested within a minute of being born. You may not be aware of this since you will be dating the baby at the same time. Your child will be assessed on the Apgar scale for heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, responsiveness, and skin color. This will be rechecked in 5 minutes.
Your child’s arms and legs may be blue as their circulation is still under development. The rest of the skin will be dark red or purple, then brighter as they take their first breath. It may take several weeks before their true skin color shows up.
It may take several minutes before your child breathes regularly. They usually take a lot of quick breaths… then a lot of slow breaths. The interval between breaths can be up to 5 seconds. They are new to breathing – that’s fine!
Boys can be born with large testicles – this is only temporary, caused by hormones and water retention. They will calm down and will soon look more proportionate.
It’s not always love at first sight. Give yourself time to interact with your child and ask for help if you need it.
You will still look pregnant for a while – it may take 6 weeks for your uterus to return to the size it was, and even longer to lose weight. Breastfeeding is a great way to get your body back on track as it burns around 300 calories a day and helps your uterus contract faster. Also try to eat healthy food and do light exercise.

Your 39 Week To Do List

At 39 weeks pregnant, there’s really nothing else to do but relentlessly go to your weekly antenatal checkups, calm down, and wait for labor to begin. Try to keep your mind calm, happy and free from worries. You can also do small things to ease your worries.

Training Day

Make sure your three hospital bags are ready. Double check the child’s essentials.

Don’t take it personally!

Enjoy the moments you spend now with your partner and your family.

Review childbirth class records

Information is your number one defense against the fear of childbirth. When you understand what your body goes through and what causes pain, you will be more aware of the birth process itself. Many moms use the 39th week pregnancy forum where they exchange helpful tips with other women in the position.

Preparing for the unexpected

Check your birth plan and try not to worry too much. Many things can happen during childbirth, some of them less than what you expect – and yes, they may not figure in your birth plan. 39th week of pregnancy, harbingers of childbirth in multiparous and primiparas: rupture of amniotic fluid, ongoing contractions, bleeding, shortness of breath.

Harbingers of childbirth in multiparous – Juno

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Harbingers of childbirth in multiparous

With repeated pregnancies, a woman feels more confident than when she bears her first baby. However, before the birth, everyone is worried and thinking about how everything will go. In the article we will tell you how the harbingers of childbirth differ in multiparous and how to recognize them in time.

Contents of the article

Differences in signs in primiparous and multiparous

In a second-born woman, the body quickly adapts to pregnancy and prepares for childbirth. The muscles of the uterus are more elastic, the cervix opens faster. Signs of impending childbirth in multiparous people appear later – closer to the birth of the child. This interval is 1-5 days. The woman has already felt them before, so they do not cause much surprise and are not felt so strongly. In debutant mothers, the precursors begin earlier – 25-40 days before the upcoming birth.

If more than 8-10 years have passed between pregnancies, the harbingers of childbirth in multiparous women may appear 2-3 weeks before the baby is born. This is due to the fact that the birth canal loses elasticity, and for the body, preparation for childbirth again becomes an unusual phenomenon.

Signs of the second birth can be very different from the first. Each pregnancy is different. The precursors and course of childbirth are affected by the size of the fetus, the presence of diseases, and much more.

Approaching childbirth

The main harbingers of childbirth in multiparous women are similar to the symptoms of the approaching first birth. The differences are in duration and specifics.

Most pregnant women notice drooping of the abdomen, increased training contractions, unusual discharge, nesting instinct before childbirth. increased intestinal peristalsis. Harbingers of the second birth may be less pronounced, or occur immediately before childbirth. They also have certain differences.

Harbingers of labor in a second-born

Moms who are about to give birth again already know what to expect. Harbingers of the second birth appear several days in advance, and sometimes right before the onset of childbirth. The following signs may indicate that labor will begin soon:

Abdominal prolapse. The baby is in the correct position. It becomes easier for a woman to breathe, but the pressure in the lower abdomen increases. With the first birth, this happens in a few weeks, and with repeated births, in 2-3 days, sometimes already with the onset of contractions.
Weight loss. Before childbirth, excess fluid is released. An expectant mother can lose 2-3 kg a week before the upcoming birth – approximately at 38-39 weeks. This symptom is usually similar in those who are carrying a second, third child and pregnant for the first time.
Allocations. Become more abundant and frequent. Sometimes such a harbinger of childbirth in a multiparous woman can speak of water leakage.
Removal of the mucous plug. This process occurs 1‒ days before the baby appears during a second pregnancy. The cork looks like a clot of mucus, sometimes streaked with blood. In multiparous, the cervix has a larger lumen, so it opens faster. For those who are expecting a second child, this symptom may indicate a very early birth.
Breast engorgement. In those who give birth not for the first time, the milk ducts are wider and adapted to breastfeeding. Therefore, some people produce colostrum already from the first trimester, and at a period of 39-40 weeks it becomes more.
Psychological state. For a period of more than 35 weeks, women note that they become more emotional, sleep worse, their mood often changes. This happens against the background of hormonal changes and is more typical for primiparas, but it also happens in more experienced mothers. Some women report tachycardia, headache and fever 1-3 days before delivery.
Baby activity. Shortly before the birth, the fetus “calms down” because it becomes cramped in the stomach, and it also “accumulates” strength. Reduced activity of the child during repeated births is noted 2-3 days before the opening of the cervix.
Colon cleansing. Such a harbinger of childbirth in multiparous women occurs closer to the 39th week. The woman begins to go to the toilet more often, constipation disappears, if any.
Maturation of the neck. This can only be determined on examination by a gynecologist or ultrasound. A ready (smoothed and short) neck is a harbinger of an early birth in multiparous women and indicates that contractions will begin soon. An immature cervix is more common in primiparas – with a second birth, this is a very rare occurrence.

Preparatory signs are associated with the physiological preparation of the body for the appearance of the baby. In a second-born woman, this process occurs much faster. Childbirth can start abruptly and pass quickly. Therefore, carefully monitor your condition. Harbingers of childbirth in multiparous women may also indicate preterm birth if they are noted before 36 weeks.

There is also the opposite situation, when the harbingers of the second birth do not appear at all – childbirth immediately begins.

Onset of labor

For each expectant mother, the process of labor activity is launched individually. Some women have a familiar scenario: contractions increase gradually, and the intervals between them are reduced. Others, especially mothers of many children, may have a rapid birth – immediately with active and intense contractions.

As a rule, multiparous women always have forerunners of childbirth. It’s just that someone feels them more strongly, and sometimes a woman simply does not have time to come to her senses, because immediately after the precursors, labor begins. For example, familiar training bouts can turn into real ones.

The approach of the second and subsequent births can be determined by contractions with an interval of 20-30 minutes. There is no acute pain at first, but it gradually intensifies. After 2-5 hours, more active uterine contractions will begin, at which the cervix will open up to 4-5 cm. However, for some, everything happens faster, so you need to go to the hospital if the contractions go in 10-15 minutes. In multiparous, there is a very rapid opening of the cervix. If you gave birth quickly enough for the first time, then go to the hospital at the very first signs.

Sometimes labor activity begins with the outpouring of amniotic fluid or the appearance of bloody discharge. Waters can depart at once completely or pour out in parts. As for the discharge, it may be a cork – in this case, they are not too abundant, with red-brown streaks. If there is bleeding – the pad gets wet quickly, then you need to immediately go to the hospital, as this may be a sign of placental abruption. Then a caesarean section is indicated – it is done under general or epidural anesthesia.

Childbirth can be premature – before 37 weeks. By the end of the second trimester, it is advisable to prepare a bag with documents, essentials for yourself and your baby. The lists in all maternity hospitals are different, but you will definitely need a shirt, bathrobe, slippers, hygiene items, postpartum pads, diapers, hats, socks and diapers for the baby.

Sometimes experienced mothers are more afraid of childbirth than those giving birth for the first time. They already know that contractions can be extremely painful. However, fear interferes with effective labor activity. Relax and tune in to the good, especially today, women in labor are facilitated with the help of anesthesia, they are told how to breathe, and conditions are created for a favorable stay and birth of the baby.

Obstetrician-gynecologist,
anti-aging medicine specialist,
candidate of medical sciences
Chizhova Yuliya Anatolyevna