39-Week Pregnancy

Eating a healthy and balanced diet throughout pregnancy is very important for both your health and your baby’s health. As birth approaches, your baby’s energy needs increase, and it is important to pay attention to your diet to meet these needs.

Essential Nutrients:

• Protein: Adequate protein intake is important for your baby’s rapid growth. Sources include meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts.
• Calcium: Calcium is necessary for your baby’s bone development. Sources include milk and dairy products, leafy green vegetables, almonds, and calcium-fortified foods.
• Iron: Your iron needs increase due to increased blood volume. Sources include red meat, dried legumes, leafy greens, and dried fruits.
• Folic Acid: Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Sources include leafy green vegetables, legumes, grains, and folic acid supplements.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for your baby’s brain development. Sources include salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
• Fiber: Fiber helps prevent constipation. Sources include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption and strengthens the immune system. Sources include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and tomatoes.

Foods to Avoid:

• Mercury-rich fish: Avoid fish such as swordfish, shark, and mackerel that contain high levels of mercury.
• Raw or undercooked meat and eggs: These increase the risk of food poisoning.
• Unpasteurized milk and cheese: They may contain harmful bacteria.
• Alcohol: Alcohol can harm your baby’s development.
• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other pregnancy complications.
• Excessive caffeine: High caffeine intake may increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Processed foods: These are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fats and are unhealthy.

At 39 weeks, it is important to take certain precautions to protect your health and support your baby’s development.

Signs of Labor:

Some signs that labor is approaching include:

• Bloody show: As your cervix softens and thins, the cervical mucus plug may be expelled. This can appear as a pink or bloody discharge.
• Water breaking: Rupture of the amniotic sac can cause sudden, large gushes of fluid or a slow trickle.
• Contractions: True labor contractions are regular, increasingly intense, and frequent.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your doctor immediately.

Braxton Hicks Contractions:

Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions of the uterus. They are usually irregular, painless, and short-lived. If they become regular and painful, inform your doctor.

Gestational Diabetes:

If diagnosed, blood sugar levels should be managed through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication.

Preeclampsia:

Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. It is serious for both mother and baby and requires immediate treatment. Symptoms may include headaches, vision changes, swelling of the face or hands, abdominal pain, and nausea.

Other Recommendations:

• Avoid lying on your back: Your growing uterus can compress major blood vessels, causing dizziness or fainting. Lie on your left side.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothes can restrict circulation and cause discomfort.
• Choose comfortable shoes: Opt for flat, supportive shoes instead of high heels or pointed shoes.
• Moisturize your skin: Pregnancy can cause dry, itchy skin; regular moisturizing helps.
• Maintain dental hygiene: Pregnancy hormones can make gums sensitive; brush and floss regularly.
• Sexual activity: Safe unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Track your baby’s movements: Monitor your baby’s activity, and contact your doctor if movements decrease or change.
• Participate in prenatal exercises: Helps prepare your body for labor and keeps you fit.
• Attend childbirth education: Gain knowledge about labor and delivery.
• Prepare baby items and nursery: Ensure a safe and comfortable environment for your newborn.
• Make a birth plan: Helps communicate your preferences to the birth team.
• Spend time with your partner: Emotional support is important for both of you.
• Take time for yourself: Relaxation activities like reading, music, baths, or meditation are beneficial.
• Pack your hospital bag: Include comfortable clothes, slippers, hygiene products, nursing bras, and baby essentials.
• Plan for postpartum support: Consider help at home, breastfeeding consultation, or a babysitter.
• Consult your doctor for shortness of breath: A growing uterus can press on your diaphragm.
• Pay attention to sleep positions: Sleeping on your left side improves blood flow to the baby and kidney function.
• Accept body changes: Embrace and care for your changing body.
• Learn labor signs: Recognize signs like bloody show, water breaking, and contractions.
• Read books on childbirth and parenting: Gain knowledge and prepare for the new stage.
• Join postpartum support groups: Connect with other mothers and share experiences.
• Discuss labor concerns with your doctor: Address any fears or questions openly.
• Prepare your hospital bag: Include items needed during labor and postpartum care.