Semaine 39 de grossesse

At week 39, your baby is about 50-52 cm long and weighs 3.2-3.5 kg. As of this week, your baby's organ development is fully complete, and their lungs have produced enough surfactant, the substance needed to take that first breath outside. Although your baby's brain continues to develop at an incredible pace, the skull bones have not yet fused together and remain flexible so they can easily pass through the birth canal. The white, creamy vernix layer and fine hair (lanugo) covering the skin have mostly shed, replaced by a new layer of skin that will protect your baby from infections. Your baby is now trying to move in a very tight space in your womb, so those earlier somersaults have been replaced by firmer nudges from elbows and knees. The transfer of antibodies, which is critical for the immune system, continues from mother to baby through the placenta, protecting your little one against germs during the first months after birth. Your baby's first stool, called meconium, has accumulated in the intestines and is waiting to be passed in the first hours after birth. All systems are now ready at the starting line, waiting for the go command.

This week, your body is not only carrying a heavy load but is also hormonally focused on birth. As your baby’s head settles deep into your pelvis (engagement), the pressure on your diaphragm decreases, but the pressure on your bladder reaches its peak. This brings a sense of lightening that makes breathing easier, while also causing more frequent bathroom trips and sharp, lightning-like nerve pains in your pelvic area. Your uterus is now performing Braxton Hicks contractions more frequently and sometimes more intensely to soften and widen the birth canal. You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge; this is a sign that your cervix is preparing for labor. If you notice a bloody or pink mucus-like discharge, commonly known as the bloody show, it indicates that the mucus plug has come away and labor could start within a few days or even hours. The cervix begins to shorten and thin out (effacement) this week. While swelling in your legs, severe back pain, and difficulty falling asleep are the most challenging physical symptoms this week, your body’s incredible resilience is making one final effort to bring about the miracle.