Week 39

My Baby's Development

Umbilical cords (which carry nutrients from the placenta to the baby) vary in size but average about 22 inches (55cm) long and half an inch (1-2cm) thick. The umbilical cord can become wrapped around a baby’s neck sometimes. Generally, it doesn’t cause problems, although a cesarean delivery could be required if it causes pressure on the umbilical cord during labor or delivery. A true knot in the umbilical cord is much less common, it occurs in only about 1% of pregnancies.

Most of the vernix that covered your baby's skin has disappeared, so as the lanugo hair. Your body has been supplying your baby with antibodies through the placenta. It helps the baby's immune system to fight infection for the first 6-12 months of life.

My Body

Braxton Hicks contractions may become more pronounced by this week. These false labor contractions may be as painful and strong as true labor contractions. But the contractions do not become regular and do not increase in frequency as true contractions do.

The rupture of your amniotic sac is another sign of labor. It could happen any day from now. When the water breaks, some pregnant women experience a large gush of water and some feel a steady trickle. Many of them don’t experience their water breaking until they are well into labor. Some of them need to have their water broken by the health care providers to get their labor started or to speed it up. If you think your water has broken or you are experiencing regular contractions, you better contact your health care provider now.