39 weeks pregnant

Your baby

Your baby's skin is becoming more protective. Some of the creamy vernix coating may remain at birth, while much of it may already have disappeared. Your baby continues moving as birth approaches. The small-watermelon illustration is a rough comparison, not an estimate of your baby's exact weight or a prediction of when labor will begin.

Your body

Pelvic pressure and contractions may become more noticeable. It can be difficult to know which changes mean labor is starting, particularly in a first pregnancy. Your care team's instructions should guide when to call or come in; timing rules may differ depending on your history, distance from the birth setting and other circumstances.

This week

Knowing when to contact the birth team

Review the specific contact plan you were given. Ask what to do if you think your water has broken, if contractions begin or if you are unsure about a symptom. Leaking fluid, vaginal bleeding or reduced movement deserves prompt contact rather than waiting for contractions to reach a particular interval. If fluid is leaking, tell the team when it started and what you noticed. Keep the contact number, transportation plan and important documents easy to find, but do not delay care to finish preparations. If you cannot reach the team and have an urgent concern, seek medical care.