Your pregnancy at 39 weeks

How are you doing mum?

It can be really hard playing the waiting game but baby will come when they are ready, which hopefully will be very soon.

Put some plans in the diary over the next few weeks for just you and your friends or family so you have something to look forward to if baby is taking a little longer to arrive. Baby Baby is now about 50.7cm, similar to the new born sleepsuits they will soon be wearing and weighs 3.3kg which I am sure you are very aware of now.

When baby is born they may still have some vernix on their skin which is a white, waxy substance.

This not only helps baby pass through the birth canal but also helps moisturise their delicate skin, so do leave it to naturally absorb if you so see it. Mum The countdown is on, and it can be hard having to continue waiting after you have waited 9 months already, but rest assured in the next few weeks, maybe even days you will go into labour and soon be holding your baby.

Here are a few signs that you may be going into labour:

• Contractions – regular and more painful, unlike Braxton Hicks
• Waters breaking, it could be a little trickle or a dramatic gush
• Period-like pain or lower back pain
• An urge to go to the toilet as baby’s head is pressing on your bowels
• The ‘show’ a plug of mucus from your cervix

Take a look at what to do when you do go into labour and when to call your midwife here.

This article has been written using the latest guidance and information from trusted sources, primarily the NHS. This information should not replace the advice from professional medical advice.