Pregnancy Week 39

Your baby is between seven and seven and a half pounds now and is about 21 inches long, maybe a bit longer. Your baby is preparing for birth, just as you are preparing for his arrival. He has been practicing his sucking reflexes and knows how to scoot because he has spent so much time kicking. His instincts are sharp, as are yours, and you will be amazed at how quickly he will bond with you when he is outside the womb. Your voice, scent, and touch are all familiar to him already.

Feeling Blue?

During week 39, it is common to have signs of labor, more than Braxton Hicks contractions. You may find you are more emotional than ever. Perhaps you are feeling worried, anxious, excited, and tired-all at the same time. It is important to be informed of what to expect and how things are going. That way, you can manage your emotions and avoid distress. Nearly 80 percent of women who deliver report feelings of depression, or post-partum blues, immediately following the birth of their baby. If, after delivery you start to notice excessive anxiety, irritability, excessive crying for no apparent reason or negative feelings about or toward your baby, call your health practitioner immediately. There are ways for them to help you. Post-partum depression is a serious issue, but it is treatable and can be resolved.

Turn Off The Cell Phone And Hang Out With Your Baby

You probably have your bag packed and in the car or waiting at the door. You have the numbers of people you want to call as soon as you give birth and a list of emergency numbers at hand. Good for you! It is important for you to protect the last precious moments you have before you give birth. Rest is important. You'll need all of your energy for labor and delivery. You may be feeling a little impatient, wanting to have labor and delivery over with, and people in your world may be feeling the same way. Your phone may be ringing off the hook every day with questions about how you feel, if you are in labor and if the baby has been born yet.

Protect yourself from the attack and tell people that when you have something to report, you will contact them. Then, turn your phone off, put your feet up, and rub your belly. Connect with your baby. Contemplate the last months and enjoy the quiet. Before you know it, you will be pining for these quiet moments in time.

Have The Car Seat Installed-You'll Need It Soon

This may be a good time to have your partner install the baby car seat into your vehicle. The law protects your baby by requiring the use of a regulation car seat, in which the baby sits facing the back, until your child is between 20 and 25 pounds. If you are not sure how to install it, your local fire department can help you out.