Third Trimester

Pregnancy Week 39

Your baby is about the size of a pumpkin 🎃full term — final fat deposits.

Week 38Week 39 / 40Week 40
🎃

Size comparison

Pumpkin

Length

50.7 cm

Weight

3.3 kg

Milestone

Full term — final fat deposits

About 1 week to go until your due date (week 40).

Baby's development at week 39

Full term! The final fat deposits under the skin are completing. Skull bones remain separated to allow moulding during birth. Most babies sleep 90–95% of the time in the womb conserving energy.

Time contractions from the first twinge of one to the first twinge of the next. 5-1-1 rule for going in.

Common symptoms at week 39

Water may break (or not)Contractions may startLoss of mucus plugPelvic pressure

Eat more of

  • Calcium & Vitamin K (broccoli, kale)
  • DHA-rich fish (sardines, salmon — cooked)
  • Iron-rich foods to prevent anaemia
  • Fibre-rich foods to combat constipation
  • Small frequent meals to ease heartburn
  • Dates (studies suggest easier labour)

Foods to avoid

  • Alcohol
  • Gas-producing foods (beans, cabbage) if uncomfortable
  • Very spicy food if causing heartburn
  • Raw/undercooked meat
  • High-sodium processed food
  • Large meals that worsen reflux

Medically reviewed by First OPD Medical Team. Last reviewed on .

Based on average milestones from World Health Organization (WHO), ACOG, NHS UK. Educational only — not a substitute for personalised medical advice.

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