39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore

Right then, you've made it to 39 weeks pregnant—congratulations, you absolute legend! You're practically at the finish line, and your bump's probably so big you can't see your own feet anymore (not that you could for the last month, mind you). But here's the thing: at this stage, your body's basically sending you text messages in Morse code about what's coming next. Some of those 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore are your body's way of saying "pack the hospital bag NOW," while others are just your uterus having a bit of a moan about being overstretched. The tricky bit? Knowing which 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore actually mean labour's knocking at the door, and which ones are just your body being dramatic. Let's have a proper chinwag about it, shall we?

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. That "baby's coming" feeling isn't just one thing—it's a whole symphony of signals. First up: those Braxton Hicks contractions you've been having? If they start becoming regular (like clockwork, every 5-7 minutes), getting stronger, and don't bugger off when you change position or have a cuppa, that's the real deal. Then there's your mucus plug—might notice a bloody show (pink, red, or brown discharge) which means your cervix is softening and dilating. Oh, and that constant pressure in your pelvis? Like you're sitting on a bowling ball? That's baby engaging, getting ready for the main event. These 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore are basically your body's way of saying "right, let's get this show on the road." Don't panic, but do start mentally preparing for the fact that you might be meeting your little one sooner than you think!

Now listen carefully, because this is proper important. Some 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore need immediate attention, no questions asked. If you're experiencing severe headaches that won't shift with paracetamol, sudden swelling in your hands or face (especially if it's puffy when you wake up), vision changes like flashing lights or blurry spots, or upper abdominal pain that feels like indigestion but won't go away—ring your midwife or maternity unit straight away. These could be signs of pre-eclampsia, which is no joke. Also, if you notice a significant decrease in your baby's movements (and we're not talking about the odd quiet period—we mean properly still), don't wait. Trust your gut, love. You know your baby better than anyone, and if something feels off with these 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Ah, the mysterious white creamy discharge at 39 weeks pregnant—what's that all about, then? Well, in most cases, it's completely normal. Your body's ramping up cervical mucus production to protect against infection as your cervix starts to soften and prepare for labour. This discharge might be thicker than usual, sometimes with a slight yellowish tinge, and that's perfectly fine. However, if it becomes green, foul-smelling, or is accompanied by itching and burning, that could indicate an infection that needs checking out. The key thing with these 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore is context—if it's just increased white discharge without other worrying signs, you're probably golden. But if you're ever unsure about any of these 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore, a quick call to your midwife can put your mind at ease. Better to look a bit daft asking than to worry yourself silly, right?

Let's be honest, by 39 weeks pregnant you're probably running on fumes and caffeine (decaf, obviously—we're not monsters). That overwhelming exhaustion? Completely normal. Your body's been working overtime for nearly nine months, growing a whole human being, and now it's in the final stretch. But here's the thing: extreme fatigue combined with other 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore like dizziness, shortness of breath, or palpitations could signal anaemia or other issues. If you're so tired you can barely get out of bed, or if the tiredness comes on suddenly rather than gradually building up, that's worth mentioning to your healthcare provider. Remember, pregnancy tiredness is one thing—but feeling like you've been hit by a bus is another. Listen to your body, love. These 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore are your body's way of communicating, and sometimes it's just saying "I need a nap," but other times it's saying "something's not quite right."

Right, let's talk about the elephant in the room: swelling. By 39 weeks, your ankles might look like they belong to someone else entirely, and your rings have probably been living on your nightstand for weeks. Mild swelling in your feet and ankles is completely normal—it's just your body holding onto extra fluid. But here's what you need to watch for with these 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore: sudden or severe swelling in your hands, face, or around your eyes, especially if it's worse in the morning. Swelling that leaves an indent when you press on it (called pitting oedema) that doesn't bounce back quickly. Or swelling that's accompanied by headaches, vision changes, or upper abdominal pain. These could be signs of pre-eclampsia, which needs immediate medical attention. The rule of thumb? If the swelling seems excessive or comes on suddenly, don't hesitate to call your midwife. Better safe than sorry with these 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore.

Blimey, this is the million-pound question, isn't it? You're at 39 weeks pregnant, having contractions, and you're not sure if it's the real thing or just your body practising. Here's your cheat sheet: real labour contractions become regular and predictable (like every 5 minutes, lasting 60 seconds), they get progressively stronger and closer together, and they don't stop when you change position, rest, or have a warm bath. False labour (Braxton Hicks) contractions are irregular, don't increase in intensity, and often ease off with movement or rest. Also, real labour might be accompanied by your waters breaking (a gush or trickle of fluid), bloody show, or increasing pelvic pressure. When in doubt about these 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore, time your contractions. If they're regular and intensifying, it's probably time to head to the hospital. And remember, there's no shame in going in and being sent home—that's what they're there for!

Right, practical stuff time. At 39 weeks pregnant, you should have your hospital bag packed and by the door (if you haven't, sort it now—like, actually now). Make sure your birth partner knows the route to the hospital and has the midwife's number saved in their phone. Stock up on easy meals for after the baby arrives—frozen lasagnes, soups, that sort of thing. And mentally prepare yourself for the fact that labour could start any minute. But also, don't become a hermit! Gentle walks can help encourage labour, and spending time with your partner doing normal things can help keep your mind occupied. The key with these 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore is being prepared but not paranoid. Have your plan ready, but try to enjoy these last few days of pregnancy too. Before you know it, you'll be up at 3am with a newborn, wondering what sleep even is!

This is proper crucial, so pay attention. Your baby's movements are the best indicator of their wellbeing, so don't ignore any changes in their usual pattern. At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby might have less room to do full somersaults, but you should still feel regular movements—kicks, rolls, hiccups, the works. If you notice a significant decrease in movements, or if your baby seems unusually still, don't wait. Lie on your left side, have a cold drink or something sugary, and focus on counting movements for two hours. You should feel at least 10 movements in that time. If not, call your maternity unit immediately. Trust me, they'd rather you call a hundred times for nothing than miss something important. These 39 weeks pregnant symptoms not to ignore regarding baby's movements are non-negotiable—your instinct is your best tool here.

If you're hungry for more knowledge about navigating these final weeks and preparing for labour, we've got your back at Amana Parenting. We break down complex pregnancy topics into proper, easy-to-understand advice without all the medical jargon. Dive deeper into pregnancy wisdom with our comprehensive Pregnancy section, where we cover everything from trimester guides to birth preparation. And if you're curious about fertility and conception timelines, don't miss our detailed exploration: Average Time To Get Pregnant By Age Fertility Stats. Because knowledge really is power when it comes to bringing your little one into the world—and we're here to help you feel confident and prepared every step of the way.

References

• https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/37-40-weeks/39-weeks/
• https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-complications/pre-eclampsia
• https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/patients/patient-information-leaflets/pregnancy/pihlabouroverdue.pdf
• https://www.birthrights.org.uk/information-and-advice/labour-and-birth/