Your baby is now considered full term and can weigh up to 3.2kg and be up to 50cm in length. Your baby should be consistently moving 10 times a day.
3D Ultrasound image of fetus at 39 weeks.
39-week babies can weigh up to 3.2kg and be as much as 50cm in length. There can be a large variation in both weight and length at birth. The final growth spurt is now at an end, and there will be little weight gain from now until after birth. Brain development is continuing at a fast pace and this development will continue after birth and for the first 3 years of life.
The vernix, which is the greasy white coating that has been helping to regulate body temperature, continues to shed into the amniotic fluid. The previously clear amniotic fluid will now be tinged a pale milky colour because of it. The outer layer of skin cells are also shedding and being replaced by new skin. At birth, all babies have very pale skin, as the pigmentation is not fully formed. Even babies who will later have dark skin will appear very pale.
Although the bones that make up the skeleton are still hardening, the bones that form the skull remain relatively soft. This makes it possible for them to move, slide over one another and overlap during the birthing process and assists the baby’s passage through the birth canal.
Hair may continue to grow on the head - although some babies may be born with no hair at all – and the fingernails and toenails will now extend beyond the tips of the fingers and toes.
You are likely to be continuing to suffer from heartburn and other digestive discomfort. Eating smaller, but more frequent meals can help. It may also help to drink before or after, rather than during meals. This can also help to avoid bloating.
Your cervix will be softening now in preparation for labour. If this is your first baby you will be having weekly antenatal appointments now. For a second or later baby you will be seen less frequently. The cervix may start to dilate a number of hours, days or even a week or two before labour begins and it does not necessarily mean that your labour is imminent. A more definite sign that labour is close is if you pass the mucous plug that seals your cervix.
It is normal to be swollen and tired, lacking sleep. There can still be signs of pre-eclampsia and obstetric cholestasis at this time.
Painless Contractions, increasing discharge with bloody show or water breakage are signs that labour may be about to commence. Labour does not begin at a particular point. It begins over time. It is like a plane at the airport going around the taxi ways waiting to go on the runway to take off. It can speed up and slow down before it goes on the runway and finally takes off. It can even speed up and slow down on the runway, several times. Passage of blood mucus or breakage of the waters is contributory evidence to the process become established. It is important not to go to the hospital until the evidence is well developed.
You will be seen at any time by the midwife at this stage. Ideally she can check your cervix at home so that you can aviod going to hospital too early if you think you are in labour.
An additional scan, midwife or consultant opinion can be accessed in a private clinic. There is no need for a referral letter. This can help you with decisions about delivery. You can have more time to discuss. In a private clinic you can have a swab to screen for Group B Streptococcus.
A private one to one birth preparation session is available with a midwife experienced in relaxation techniques for labour, this will be included in your care if you deliver privately.
If you are having a private elective caesarean, this may happen around this time.
We had received possible worrying news from our NHS anomaly scan, without much information provided or confirmation. I am so pleased that we came to The Birth Company for reassurance, as we are now extremely happy that everything is fine. Shahrzad was fantastic and went through the whole anomaly scan thoroughly, explaining everything and looking in detail at each area. Nothing was rushed and she took her time to make sure baby was in the correct position to get the best results. We can’t thank her and Dr Gibb enough for the confidence they have given us. Would highly recommend The Birth Company for all scans.
' Professional and reassuring '
Helen Campbell
The sonographer was ready as soon as I arrived, and she was extremely calming, personable and professional. The scan and blood test where efficient without feeling rushed and all very easy. These appointments can feel uneasy and make you feel anxious but I felt reassured and in professional hands the whole time
I saw Kate throughout my first pregnancy and am now doing so again with my second. She is absolutely amazing, she explains everything really clearly, and has answered all sorts of bizarre questions and worries I have had. On top of being clinically excellent she is also just the loveliest person and always a pleasure to see.
Sarah Elliott
We had the harmony test with the Birth Company and had a reassurance scan with sonographer Kirsty McGarry who was absolutely lovely and really put our minds at rest. We had been scared by our NHS dating scan and left feeling like there was something wrong. We explained the situation and was treated very professionally and with good care. Also speedy appointments also as I had phone in the morning and got an appointment by afternoon. So thankful.
Ashley and Tom
Really friendly, efficient service. Great experience overall. Had the Panorama. My appointment was with Kate who was absolutely fantastic. The results came really quickly. Have a comparison with private healthcare elsewhere and must say that The Birth Company was just how I would like to be treated when I pay for medical services - attentively, calmly, friendly, in a pleasant environment that doesn't look like hospital. Top marks!
Anna
' Efficient, friendly and always on hand to provide last minute appointments '
Hannah Murphy
The Birth Company has been excellent, providing timely scans and blood tests during my IVF treatment abroad. Staff are always friendly and extremely efficient. I would highly recommend coming here.
' Professional and friendly '
Lyndsey Dilla
When I first contacted the Birth Company I spoke to Danielle. She was fantastic. She went above & beyond to put me at easy & make the journey from Kent as stress free as possible. Every staff member that myself and my husband have come into contact with have been approachable, professional and friendly. Kate scanned me the first time and put me completely at easy. Lisa on reception is professional and very approachable. Highly recommended
' Highly recommended '
Emelie
Donald was so lovely! I was so nervous as I have a bad history and he was super quick and confirmed my baby's heartbeat as quickly as he could. He spent time showing me the baby and the anatomy and it was the best money I have ever spent! The reception girls were lovely too - considering they deal with babies day in day out they were super excited for me! Thank you so much one and all! If only I lived in London and could have all my scans with you!
Baker Street
Regent’s Park
Great Portland Street
Alderley Edge
