Pregnancy Week 39 vs Week 40
Complete comparison of baby development, mom's symptoms, and changes between these weeks
📊
Time Difference
1 week apart
🔄
Trimester
Both in 3rd trimester
Baby Size Comparison
Growth Progress
Week 39Mini watermelon
Week 40Small pumpkin
Your baby is approximately 99% through pregnancy
Week 39
📏
Length
19.9 inches
⚖️
Weight
7.3 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Mini watermelon
Week 40
📏
Length
20.2 inches
⚖️
Weight
7.6 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Small pumpkin
What Changes Between Week 39 and 40?
👶New Baby Developments
- ✓Baby is ready to meet you and fully prepared for life outside!
- ✓All organs are functioning perfectly
- ✓Baby has strong survival reflexes including sucking, rooting, and grasping
- ✓Coordination is fully developed
- ✓Baby is at complete development
🤰New or Changing Symptoms
- ✓Emotionally and physically ready to meet your baby
- ✓Possible increased contractions that may start and stop
- ✓Feeling anxious, impatient, or frustrated if not in labor yet
- ✓Labor could start at any time - today, tomorrow, or in 2 weeks
- ✓Extreme discomfort and difficulty with daily activities
📈Key Changes Summary
Baby Growth: Your baby continues to grow rapidly, with organs developing and maturing each day.
Your Body: Your body adapts to support your growing baby with various physical and hormonal changes.
Baby Development Milestones
Week 39 Development
- •Baby is continuing to gain weight and add final fat layers
- •Lungs are producing abundant surfactant for breathing
- •Baby's brain is still developing and will continue after birth
- •Antibodies from your placenta are supporting baby's immune system
- •Baby is fully ready to be born
- •Skin is smooth and pink
Week 40 Development
- •Baby is ready to meet you and fully prepared for life outside!
- •All organs are functioning perfectly
- •Baby has strong survival reflexes including sucking, rooting, and grasping
- •Coordination is fully developed
- •Baby is at complete development
- •Baby will continue gaining weight if they stay in longer
Common Symptoms
Week 39 Symptoms
- •Lightning crotch pains - sharp shooting pains in pelvis and vagina
- •Increased contractions that may be irregular or regular
- •Possible water breaking (spontaneous rupture of membranes)
- •Intense anticipation, anxiety, and impatience
- •Extreme physical discomfort
- •Possible burst of energy (nesting)
Week 40 Symptoms
- •Emotionally and physically ready to meet your baby
- •Possible increased contractions that may start and stop
- •Feeling anxious, impatient, or frustrated if not in labor yet
- •Labor could start at any time - today, tomorrow, or in 2 weeks
- •Extreme discomfort and difficulty with daily activities
- •Possible signs of labor beginning
Nutrition Tips
Week 39 Nutrition
- •Eat light, easily digestible meals
- •Stay hydrated with water and avoid dehydration
- •Avoid large, heavy meals that could cause nausea during labor
- •Keep high-energy snacks like granola bars, bananas, and honey readily available
- •Eat smaller portions more frequently
- •Include protein for sustained energy
Week 40 Nutrition
- •Stay well hydrated with water throughout the day
- •Eat light, healthy, balanced meals
- •Keep energy-boosting foods readily available for early labor
- •Avoid overeating which could cause nausea during labor
- •Include foods rich in protein and complex carbs
- •Eat regularly to maintain energy
⚕️When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
During weeks 39 to 40, contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- •Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- •Heavy bleeding or passing clots
- •Severe headache with vision changes
- •Persistent fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- •Sudden swelling of hands, face, or feet
- •Decreased fetal movement