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39 Weeks Pregnant: Full Term and Ready for Birth

Medically reviewed by

Verena Brehm, Midwife Jul 29, 2026

Line illustration of a whole watermelon: at 39 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a small watermelon

Line drawing of a 39-week foetus curled head-down and settled low, ready to be born

Line drawing of a woman's torso at 39 weeks pregnant, turned slightly to one side, showing the uterus inside a full-term bump

Your baby is the size of a

Small watermelon

~3,150 g

~35 cm / ~13.8 in

Key Takeaways

At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby is considered full term, according to Mayo Clinic. The chest is getting larger, and fat is being added all over the body to keep your baby warm after birth.

Know the signs. SOGC says that once contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less, it is usually an indication that labour is beginning, with a convenient guide being at least 10 contractions in an hour.

Movement still matters, right up to birth. SOGC advises that if you don't feel 6 movements in 2 hours you should contact your provider as soon as possible, and that mothers should always trust their intuition.

Your Baby at 39 Weeks: Development & Growth

At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby is considered full term, according to Mayo Clinic. The chest is getting larger and fat is being added all over the body to keep your baby warm after birth. Mayo Clinic does not give a measurement at week 39 — from the weeks it does list, your baby likely weighs somewhere between about 2,900 grams and 3,400 grams.

This is the week your baby reaches the finish line of development. Mayo Clinic states: "Thirty-nine weeks into your pregnancy, or 37 weeks after conception, your baby is considered full term."

The last job is warmth. Mayo Clinic notes that this week "the chest is getting larger" and "fat is being added all over the body to keep your baby warm after birth." That soft layer of fat is what will help your baby hold their own temperature in the world.

How big? Mayo Clinic does not publish a length or weight for week 39 specifically. Its nearest figures bracket the answer: at week 38 your baby "might weigh about 6 1/2 pounds (2,900 grams)," and by week 40 "a crown-to-rump length of around 14 inches (360 millimeters)" and a weight of "about 7 1/2 pounds (3,400 grams)." So this week, your baby likely sits somewhere in between — roughly 2,900 to 3,400 grams.

Size varies a lot now, and that is expected. Mayo Clinic cautions that at this stage "size varies quite a bit," and that "some babies may weigh nearly 9 pounds (4,000 grams) or more." A smaller or larger baby at full term is usually just a healthy baby.

Your Body at 39 Weeks: Symptoms & Changes

At 39 weeks pregnant, your body may be showing the first signs that labour is near — the baby dropping lower, a change in discharge, or the start of contractions. SOGC lists fatigue, backaches, headaches, leg cramps and other common discomforts that can continue right to the end. Every pregnancy is different, and knowing what points to labour is the useful skill this week.

Some changes are the runway to labour. SOGC explains that "sometime in the last several weeks prior to delivery, the baby will 'drop'," so that "your belly looks lower, your breathing is a bit easier, but your need to urinate increases." For some mothers this happens only just before labour.

You may notice the mucus plug. SOGC describes that "in the last several days, your vaginal discharge may change as the mucus plug that has sealed your cervix releases," and that "this will look like a brownish or bloody discharge." A little diarrhea can happen too.

The ordinary aches often stay. SOGC lists backaches, headaches, leg cramps, constipation and frequent urination among common pregnancy discomforts. Any of these can still be part of your week, and, as SOGC puts it, "every pregnant woman is different."

And it is heavier going than it was. Fatigue sits on SOGC's list of common symptoms, and at full term it arrives with company — broken sleep, a bump that makes every position the wrong one, and a body carrying its heaviest load of the entire pregnancy. If these last weeks feel harder than all the ones before, that is not you coping badly. It is the stretch that asks the most. Rest without feeling you have to earn it.

Headaches are the one to look at twice. Most have simple causes at this stage — a broken night, a tight neck, not enough water. But SOGC names "headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, or shortness of breath" among the symptoms to watch for with preeclampsia, which it describes as "marked by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine." Reaching full term does not put that behind you. A headache that is severe, will not shift, or arrives with vision changes or sudden swelling means calling today, not at your next appointment.

Not every twinge is labour. SOGC notes you "may have irregular, periodic contractions," and that it is only "once your contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less" that this is "usually an indication that labour is beginning." Irregular, come-and-go tightenings are common at full term.

What to Do at 39 Weeks Pregnant

NUTRITION AT 39 WEEKS PREGNANT

Keep the third-trimester calories steady and simple. SOGC states: "In the third trimester, you need about 450 extra calories," noting this "generally equates to 2 or 3 additionally servings from any of Canada’s Food Guide’s food groups" — for example, "1 piece of toast and a cup of milk," or "1 apple and ¾ cup yogurt." Spread it across the day in small helpings rather than two or three big meals: there is almost no room left, digestion is slower, and hunger comes back sooner than it used to.
Hold your iron. SOGC advises increasing "your daily iron intake to 27mg daily during the final six+ months of pregnancy to support an increase in red blood cells and fetal tissues," adding that "like most women, you may need a good supplement to meet this need." Iron demand stays high through this last stretch.
Keep DHA on the plate. SOGC recommends omega-3 fatty acids, which are "needed for fetal development, particularly eye and brain development," and notes that "DHA, one of the three omegas that is found in fish, is the best source," with an aim of "1.4g daily." Food sources are preferred over supplements.

WHAT SUPPLEMENTS TO TAKE AT 39 WEEKS PREGNANT

Keep taking 400mcg of folic acid daily. The Public Health Agency of Canada states that "a daily multivitamin with 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of folic acid is recommended for anyone who could become pregnant," and advises: "Continue taking folic acid throughout your pregnancy and while breastfeeding." It does not stop at full term.
Don’t raise your folic acid dose on your own. The Public Health Agency of Canada advises: "You should not increase your dose of folic acid beyond 1 mg per day without talking to your health care provider." A higher dose is a conversation with your provider, not a decision for the supplement aisle.
Consider vitamin D for the weeks ahead. SOGC notes that "taking a vitamin D supplement of 2000IU in the last six months of pregnancy will enhance the vitamin D content of your breast milk towards meeting the daily needs of your breastfeeding infant." Check what your prenatal already contains.

LIFESTYLE TIPS AT 39 WEEKS PREGNANT

Pack your hospital bag if it isn’t ready. SOGC’s checklist for your hospital stay includes "1-2 nightgowns," a "nursing bra," "a package of large pads for postpartum flow," "toiletries," and "your cell phone and charger." For labour it suggests items like "your ID," "a comfortable pillow in a distinctive pillowcase," and "your favourite clear drink." Call your hospital or birth centre before you finish — units differ on what they supply and what they want you to bring.
Install the car seat now. SOGC lists a "car seat" first among what to pack for your newborn, along with "clothing – undershirts, sleepers, hats," "receiving blankets," and "diapers and wipes." A car seat is one thing you cannot do at the last minute.
Know when you’ll typically be admitted. SOGC explains that in a "healthy, term pregnancy, you will usually be admitted at the beginning of" the active phase of labour, "once your cervix has dilated to 4 cm," and that through the earlier latent phase "you will typically be at home." SOGC calls that latent phase "the longest stage of labour" — hours of irregular contractions doing real work. Knowing this can save a false-start trip.
Keep caffeine to 300mg a day. Health Canada recommends a maximum daily caffeine intake of 300 mg for people who are pregnant. For reference, Health Canada puts one 8oz (237ml) cup of brewed coffee at about 135mg — so roughly two cups is the ceiling, and that total includes tea, cola and chocolate.

When to Contact Your Doctor or Midwife

Most of week 39 is waiting well, not worrying. But some signs need a call, and some need you to go in. Contact your doctor, midwife or other health care provider if you experience:

A change in your baby's movements, or fewer movements than usual — this matters right up to birth. SOGC advises being "aware if any changes in your baby's usual activity level, especially in the third trimester." To check, SOGC says to "count the baby's movements for 2 hours" — and "if you don't feel 6 movements (such as kicks, flutters, or rolling movements) in 2 hours, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible." SOGC adds that mothers "should always trust their intuition." A quiet baby near term is never something to wait out.
Signs of preeclampsia. SOGC names "headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, or shortness of breath" among the symptoms to watch for, in a complication it describes as "marked by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine." Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet belongs on that list. Being full term is not a reason to wait — call the same day.
Regular contractions — the sign labour is beginning. SOGC explains that "once your contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less, it is usually an indication that labour is beginning," and offers "a convenient guide" of waiting "until there have been at least 10 contractions in an hour." Follow your provider's or hospital's specific instructions on when to come in.
Your water breaking. SOGC notes that "your water may break (although for most this happens during labour)," and that "if your water breaks and you are at term, your health care provider may offer or recommend induction of labour." Let your provider know when this happens, and note the time, colour and amount. If you are not certain whether your water has broken, keep the pad or underwear you were wearing and bring it with you — your provider can test the fluid and confirm.
Vaginal bleeding that is more than the mucus plug. The "brownish or bloody discharge" SOGC describes as the mucus plug releasing is expected at this stage. Fresh or heavier bleeding is not: contact your health care provider promptly, and if bleeding is heavy or you feel very unwell, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Persistent low mood or disruptive mood swings. SOGC advises that "depression or disruptive mood swings are not normal and it is important to seek help for these more serious concerns." Full term is demanding — reaching out is the right move.

Questions fréquemment posées

Is 39 weeks full term?

Yes. Mayo Clinic states that "thirty-nine weeks into your pregnancy, or 37 weeks after conception, your baby is considered full term." At this point Mayo Clinic notes your baby’s chest is getting larger and "fat is being added all over the body to keep your baby warm after birth."

How big is my baby at 39 weeks pregnant?

Mayo Clinic does not give a size or weight for week 39 specifically. From the weeks it does list, your baby likely weighs somewhere between about 2,900 grams and 3,400 grams: at week 38 your baby "might weigh about 6 1/2 pounds (2,900 grams)," and by week 40 Mayo Clinic gives "a crown-to-rump length of around 14 inches (360 millimeters)" and a weight of "about 7 1/2 pounds (3,400 grams)." Mayo Clinic notes that at this stage "size varies quite a bit."

Why do I feel so exhausted at 39 weeks?

Because this is the heaviest, most demanding stretch of the whole pregnancy. Fatigue is on the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada’s (SOGC) list of common pregnancy symptoms, and at full term it compounds — sleep is broken by pressure on your bladder and the difficulty of getting comfortable, and your body is carrying its maximum load. SOGC also reminds us that "every pregnant woman is different": some feel reasonably well right to the end, others feel every day of it. Both are normal. Rest is the most useful thing on your list this week.

How do I know when I’m in labour at 39 weeks?

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) explains that you "may have irregular, periodic contractions," but that "once your contractions are happening every 5 minutes or less, it is usually an indication that labour is beginning." SOGC offers "a convenient guide" of waiting "until there have been at least 10 contractions in an hour." Other early signs SOGC lists include the baby dropping lower, a "brownish or bloody discharge" as the mucus plug releases, and your water breaking.

When should I go to the hospital in labour?

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) explains that in a "healthy, term pregnancy, you will usually be admitted at the beginning of" the active phase of labour, "once your cervix has dilated to 4 cm," and that through the earlier latent phase (0–4 cm) "you will typically be at home." SOGC calls that latent phase "the longest stage of labour," so a slow start is normal rather than a sign something is wrong. SOGC also notes that if "your water breaks and you are at term, your health care provider may offer or recommend induction of labour" — and if you are unsure whether it has broken, bring the pad you were wearing so the fluid can be tested. Always follow the specific guidance your own provider or hospital gives you.

Does my baby’s movement still matter at 39 weeks?

Yes — right up to birth. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) advises being "aware if any changes in your baby’s usual activity level, especially in the third trimester," and states that if you don’t feel "6 movements (such as kicks, flutters, or rolling movements) in 2 hours, you should contact your health care provider as soon as possible." SOGC adds that mothers "should always trust their intuition." A quiet baby near term should never be assumed to be normal.

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Sources & References

Mayo Clinic — Fetal development: The 3rd trimester (Week 38, Week 39, Week 40)
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Labour 101
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Fetal movement and kick counts
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Healthy eating
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — Symptoms of pregnancy
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) — What to pack
Public Health Agency of Canada — Folic acid, healthy pregnancy and neural tube defect prevention
Health Canada — Caffeine in Foods (recommended maximum daily intake)

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