39 Weeks Pregnant: Full Term Baby Development and Changes

At 39 weeks, your baby is full term with mature lungs. Learn about brain development, physical changes like dry eyes and hair growth, and relaxation tips.

At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby is full term! If born now, their lungs would be mature enough to support them without medical intervention. In terms of maturity and development, your baby has done everything needed to survive independently. Your baby's brain is still laying down nervous connections that will continue throughout early childhood.

Try reading to your baby, playing music, and singing to them while still in the womb. Encourage your partner to get involved in these early bonding opportunities. Your baby will not think you are being silly and will be smarter because of this early stimulation.

Physical Changes at 39 Weeks Pregnant

Stray hair growth: Stray hairs may have appeared on your face, back, and even nipples. Do not hesitate to remove them if desired. Hair removal will not hurt the baby. Many pregnant women maintain their usual waxing appointments.
Dry eyes: Your eyes may feel dry and sandy because your eyeball shape has changed due to extra circulating fluid. Tears cannot follow their usual route and may slide down your cheek. Keep lubricating eye drops handy if needed.
Baby's fat stores: Your baby is still building fat underneath the skin for insulation after birth. Young babies have immature temperature-regulating mechanisms in their brains and need this buffer to protect vital organs.

Helpful Hints for Week 39 of Pregnancy

Go swimming: Head to the nearest pool, especially if it is summer. The feeling of weightlessness as water supports your body is an excellent way to reduce your core temperature.
Enjoy downtime: Read books, watch movies, call friends, and write letters. These quiet activities help you relax before the big arrival.
Ante-natal appointments: Look forward to your appointments and know they are coming to an end. Many women develop a close relationship with their midwife or doctor during this time.
Managing insomnia: Your insomnia is unlikely to have improved. If you can spread pillows around the bed, position them to support your comfort throughout the night.

Kimberly-Clark India makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or other health professional advice.

FAQs on Week 39

Yes, at 39 weeks your baby is full term with lungs mature enough to function without medical intervention. Your baby has completed all the development needed to survive independently. The brain continues laying down nervous connections that will continue throughout early childhood.

Stray hairs on your face, back, and nipples are caused by pregnancy hormones at 39 weeks. You can safely remove them through waxing or other methods - hair removal will not hurt the baby. Many pregnant women maintain their usual grooming appointments.

Dry, sandy-feeling eyes at 39 weeks occur because your eyeball shape has changed due to extra fluid circulating in your body. Tears cannot follow their usual route and slide down your cheek instead. Keep lubricating eye drops handy for relief.

Read to your baby, play music, and sing while they are still in the womb. Encourage your partner to participate in these early bonding opportunities. Your baby benefits from this stimulation and will be smarter because of it.

Swimming provides a wonderful feeling of weightlessness as water supports your body. Also read books, watch movies, call friends, and write letters. These quiet activities help you relax and recharge before delivery while managing late-pregnancy insomnia.

Pregnancy week