Your Pregnancy: Week 39

Welcome to week 39 - you're in the final stretch and your baby is the size of a watermelon!

At this stage, you may notice some exciting changes happening in your body as you prepare for labour and delivery.

One significant change you may experience is your baby's head moving down into your pelvis, a process known as "engagement." When this happens, you might notice your bump shifting down a little, making breathing a bit easier as your baby settles into position for birth. However, not all babies engage until labour begins, so don't worry if you haven't noticed this yet.

As you near the finish line, it's crucial to stay vigilant for signs of pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy-related condition, too. While not everyone experiences symptoms, tests during your antenatal visits will help monitor for any indicators. Symptoms to watch out for include severe headaches, vision changes like blurriness or seeing flashing lights, pain below the ribs and sudden swelling of the hands, face, or feet. If you experience any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your Maternity Unit for guidance and support.

It's essential to stay attuned to your baby's movements during this time - their regular movement is a reassuring indicator of their wellbeing. If you notice any changes, such as a decrease in movements, call your maternity unit for guidance straight away.

Now, onto the exciting part — signs that labour might be starting! From the tell-tale signs like your water breaking to the more subtle hints like regular contractions, your body will give you clues that it's time to welcome your little one into the world. Be sure to familiarise yourself with these signs and know when to call your Maternity Unit for guidance.

So, take a deep breath - you're almost there!

⬅️ YOUR PREGNANCY: WEEK 40

➡️ YOUR PREGNANCY: WEEK 38

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