Third trimester
Week 39 of Pregnancy
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About the size of a mini watermelon
20.0 in · 50.7 cm · 7.25 lb · 3.29 kg (head to heel)
Your baby this week
- Full term — the lungs and brain are considered fully mature.
- Fat reserves for temperature regulation are stockpiled.
- The baby is curled tightly, waiting for the signal neither of you controls.
What you may be feeling
- Cervix beginning to soften, thin and open (often silently)
- Loose stools as labor approaches
- Menstrual-like cramps
Gentle tips for this week
- Only about 1 in 20 babies arrive on their exact due date — any day now counts as on time.
- Rest, hydrate and keep meals light and regular.
Common question for week 39
Will my baby arrive on the due date?
Probably not — only about 4-5% of babies are born on their exact due date. Most arrive between 37 and 42 weeks, which is why 'due date' is best read as a due week.
Every pregnancy is different. Sizes are averages, symptoms vary widely, and none of this replaces the guidance of your own provider.