39 WEEKS PREGNANT

Full term — the baby is ready for life outside the womb

Baby this week: about 50 cm — head to heel · about 3.3 kg

50 cm — about the size of a small pumpkin

Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size · head-down, ready position

Your baby this week

  • All major organs are considered mature and ready to function outside the womb
  • The brain is still growing quickly and will continue to do so through early childhood
  • Fat stores continue building to help with temperature regulation after birth
  • Movements may feel different now — more pressing and rolling than kicking, since space is tight — but they should not become less frequent. If movements slow down or change from their usual pattern, contact your provider straight away.

Your body this week

  • Many notice increased pelvic pressure as the baby settles deeper into the pelvis
  • Trouble sleeping is common as finding a comfortable position becomes harder

This week's tip: Keep tracking your baby's movements and let your provider know promptly about any noticeable change in pattern.

Want the bigger picture — organ development, nutrition, scans and warning signs for this stage? See month 9: The waiting month.

Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.