What Should I Be Feeling At 39 Weeks Pregnant?

At 39 weeks pregnant, you may experience a range of physical symptoms. Many women find that walking can become challenging due to the extra weight and pressure of the baby. Taking things slow and being gentle with your movements can help alleviate some of the discomfort.

Emotional Rollercoaster

On the emotional front, you might be feeling a mix of excitement, anxiety, anticipation, and perhaps a bit of impatience. It’s completely normal to have a range of emotions as you near the end of your pregnancy journey.

Rest and Sleep

Getting restful sleep at 39 weeks pregnant can be a bit tricky. As your body prepares for labor, you may find it hard to get comfortable. If nighttime sleep is a challenge, consider taking short naps during the day to help conserve your energy.

Feeling Heavy

At this stage, you might feel like you have a bowling ball strapped to your belly. The added weight can make simple tasks like standing up or bending over feel like a monumental effort. Remember to ask for help when you need it.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

You may experience more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions as your body prepares for labor. These practice contractions can be uncomfortable but are usually not as intense or regular as true labor contractions.

Nesting Instinct

Some women experience a sudden urge to clean, organize, and prepare their home for the baby’s arrival. This nesting instinct is perfectly normal and can be a sign that labor is approaching.

Increased Back Pain

Back pain is a common complaint at 39 weeks pregnant. The added weight of your baby can put strain on your back, leading to discomfort. Using pillows for support and taking warm baths can help ease the pain.

Pressure in the Pelvic Area

You may feel increased pressure in your pelvic area as your baby drops lower in preparation for birth. This can make walking and sitting uncomfortable, but it’s a sign that your body is getting ready for labor.

Excitement and Anticipation

As you near the end of your pregnancy, excitement and anticipation for the arrival of your little one may be at an all-time high. Take this time to cherish the final moments of pregnancy and prepare for the beautiful journey ahead.

Restless Energy

You might find yourself filled with restless energy as your due date approaches. Channel this energy into gentle activities like light exercise, prenatal yoga, or simply taking short walks to stay active and relaxed.

Embracing the Unknown

Approaching the 39th week of pregnancy means you are on the brink of a life-changing experience. Embrace the unknown, trust in your body’s ability to bring your baby into the world, and remember that you are supported by a community of loved ones.

What Should I Be Feeling At 39 Weeks Pregnant?

Final Preparations

Use this time to tie up any loose ends, pack your hospital bag, and ensure that everything is in place for the big day. Being prepared can help alleviate some of the stress and allow you to focus on the excitement of meeting your new arrival.

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Nancy Sherman

Nancy Sherman has more than a decade of experience in education and is passionate about helping schools, teachers, and students succeed. She began her career as a Teaching Fellow in NY where she worked with educators to develop their instructional practice. Since then she held diverse roles in the field including Educational Researcher, Academic Director for a non-profit foundation, Curriculum Expert and Coach, while also serving on boards of directors for multiple organizations. She is trained in Project-Based Learning, Capstone Design (PBL), Competency-Based Evaluation (CBE) and Social Emotional Learning Development (SELD).