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Trimester 3 · Week 39 of 40

Week 39 of pregnancy: Full Term

Full term begins at 39+0. What a membrane sweep is, how induction conversations usually go, and what the evidence really says about eating dates.

Last updated 28 September 2026

What's happening this week?

Your baby is now full term, and the organs are ready for life outside the womb. Many people are still waiting at this point, which is normal. This is often when conversations about helping labour along begin: in the UK a membrane sweep is usually discussed after 39 weeks, while in India practice depends on your hospital. Understanding your options now, including induction, helps you decide calmly. Staying active and rested helps while you wait.

Baby's development

Full term runs from 39+0 to 40+6 weeks. Your baby's organs are ready to work outside the womb, and a baby born this week is not early. The brain, however, is still growing fast and will continue to grow and form connections for years after birth.

The placenta keeps transferring antibodies from your blood right up to birth, adding to the protection your baby carries into the first weeks of life.

Your baby is likely to be settled in the birth position, with less room for big movements. You may feel more squirms, pushes and hand movements low in the pelvis, but the overall amount of movement should stay much the same until labour. Movements that feel weaker or less frequent always need checking the same day, even this close to the due date.

Weight gain continues, more slowly than at 35 weeks, adding fat that helps with keeping warm after birth. There is no set size a baby must reach before being born; healthy babies arrive smaller or larger than average. Most lanugo has gone, and the vernix coating is thinning.

Your baby's size

About the size of a small pumpkin

50.7 cm

20.0 in · Length

3300 g

Weight

Week 39

Gestational age

A length of about 50 cm and a weight of roughly 3.0–3.5 kg are commonly quoted for this week, and the 3.3 kg shown sits in that span. Healthy Indian newborns are often around 3 kg, and anything from roughly 2.5 to 4 kg can be normal at term. The pumpkin is just a playful comparison.

Your body this week

Your cervix is softening and may begin to shorten and open in the days or weeks before labour. You may notice more discharge, a show, cramps or irregular tightenings, but none of these on its own tells you exactly when labour will start. Your breasts continue making colostrum, ready for the first feed. If your team asked you to hand-express and store colostrum, for example because of diabetes, keep following their instructions and bring it with you.

Pelvic pressure, backache and broken sleep are common. Many people also feel impatient, especially if relatives keep asking for news. It can help to give people a later date, or agree one simple message you will share when there is news. Tiredness and waiting can make worries loom larger. Talk to your partner or doctor if anxiety is affecting your sleep or appetite, and plan small, pleasant things for each day so the waiting does not fill every hour.

Symptoms you may notice

Every pregnancy is different - you may have some, all or none of these.

Pelvic pressure
Your baby is low and heavy. Change position often, rest on your side, and try leaning forward to ease the weight.
Irregular tightenings
Tightenings that come and go are normal now. If they form a regular pattern and grow stronger or longer, start timing them.
Anxiety about waiting
Worry about when labour will start, or about induction, is common. Writing down your questions for your next visit can help.
Broken sleep
Discomfort and a busy mind keep many people awake. Side-lying with pillows and a daytime nap can help.
Backache
A low ache is common at term; one that comes and goes in waves may be labour starting.
Frequent urination
The low head presses on your bladder. Keep drinking, and mention burning, stinging or cloudy urine the same day.

Medical care and tests

  • Membrane sweep

    Varies by provider

    At visits after 39+0 weeks (UK)

    During an internal examination, the midwife or doctor sweeps a finger around the neck of the womb to separate the membranes slightly, which may help labour start on its own. In the UK it is discussed after 39 weeks; in India it depends on your hospital. You can say no.

  • Induction of labour discussion

    Varies by provider

    From about 39 to 40 weeks

    Induction means starting labour with medicines or other methods rather than waiting. Your doctor may suggest it sooner for a medical reason. Otherwise timing depends on country and hospital, and many plans centre on 41 weeks. Ask why it is suggested, how and where it would be done, and what happens if you prefer to wait.

  • Weekly checks

    Routine

    39 weeks onwards

    Blood pressure, urine, your baby's position and movements continue to be checked; in the US, visits are weekly at this stage.

Timing of sweeps and inductions differs between hospitals in India. Your doctor will explain their approach and how it fits your health and your baby's.

Nutrition this week

  • Dates: some small studies suggest eating dates in the last weeks may be linked with an easier start to labour, but the evidence is not strong enough to rely on. They are a healthy snack, though high in natural sugar, and should not be counted on to start labour.
  • If you have gestational diabetes, dates, jaggery and sweets can raise blood sugar quickly; ask your team how they fit into your plan.
  • Keep eating small, regular meals with protein and whole grains, such as besan chilla, vegetable poha with peanuts, dal with roti or ragi dosa, so you have energy if labour starts at night.
  • Remedies such as raspberry leaf tea, castor oil or herbal mixtures are sometimes suggested to bring on labour. They are not recommended; talk to your doctor before trying anything.

Movement and exercise

  • Keep up daily walks and gentle movement if you feel well; staying active helps comfort and mood, and you do not need to walk for hours to try to start labour.
  • Squatting with support, rocking the pelvis or sitting upright on a firm chair can ease pelvic pressure.
  • Save some energy by resting in the afternoon, particularly if nights are broken.
  • Stop and call if any activity brings on bleeding, a fluid leak or painful regular contractions.

Things to keep in mind

  • Write down what matters to you about induction and birth, so you can discuss it calmly rather than deciding under pressure.
  • Ask how you and your baby would be monitored if you are induced, and whether a companion can stay with you.
  • Keep noticing your baby's movements every day, right up to labour.
  • Agree who will share news with family, so you are not fielding calls while you wait.
  • If an induction date is set, arrange childcare, transport and time off for your companion in advance.

When to contact your doctor

Call your doctor or midwife the same day if you have

  • Itching on the palms or soles.
  • A fever of 38°C or more.
  • Unusual or smelly discharge.
  • A headache that will not settle.
  • Leg pain or swelling on one side.

Get emergency care now if you have

  • Reduced or changed movements.
  • Waters breaking with coloured, smelly or bloody fluid.
  • Heavy bleeding or pain that does not let up.
  • Blurred vision, flashing lights or a severe headache.
  • Chest pain, severe breathlessness or a fit.

In India, call 108 for an ambulance, 102 for free transport for pregnant women in many states, or 112 for any emergency - or go straight to your nearest hospital with a maternity unit.

If something feels wrong, trust that feeling and call - you never need to wait for your next appointment.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Do you offer membrane sweeps, and would you recommend one for me?
  • If labour does not start, when would you suggest induction, and how is it done here?
  • Is there any medical reason for me to be induced sooner?
  • Can I eat dates if I have gestational diabetes?

Week 39 checklist

  • Ask about a membrane sweep
  • Write your questions about induction
  • Take a daily walk if you feel well
  • Keep noticing your baby's movements
  • Agree who will share your news

Frequently asked questions

Do dates help bring on labour?

Some small studies, mostly from the Middle East, suggest that eating dates from about 36–37 weeks may be linked with a shorter early phase of labour and less need for induction. The studies are small and of low quality, so the evidence is not strong enough to rely on. Dates are a healthy snack; if you have gestational diabetes, ask your team first.

Is a membrane sweep the same as induction?

No. A sweep is done during an internal examination and may encourage labour to start naturally. Induction uses medicines or other methods, usually in hospital, to start labour. A sweep is sometimes offered first, and you can decline it. Your doctor or midwife will explain what is available at your hospital and whether it suits you.

Is it normal to still be pregnant at 39 weeks?

Yes. Full term runs from 39+0 to 40+6 weeks, and birth anywhere from 37+0 to 41+6 weeks is considered normal. Many people are still waiting at this point. Keep attending your checks, keep noticing your baby's movements, and ask your doctor about their plan if you go past your due date.

This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for care from your own doctor or midwife. Pregnancies differ, and timings here are typical ranges rather than deadlines. Read our medical disclaimer and editorial policy.