pregnancy | week by week

Your baby weighs 6 to 9 lbs.

Your Baby's Size =

Week 39: The Countdown Begins

Baby’s birthday is drawing near!

When you’re 39 weeks pregnant, your baby is making final preparations for his arrival:

• The waxy vernix covering his skin and the fine hair called lanugo will be nearly gone when you’re 39 weeks pregnant. However, some vernix and lanugo might remain at birth.
• Your baby gets antibodies from the placenta to protect him against illness.
• Baby will also get more antibodies if you breastfeed at his birth.
• Your baby probably weighs between 7 and 7 1/2 pounds when you’re 39 weeks pregnant, but it’s normal for him to weigh anywhere between 6 and 9 pounds.

Eat to Breastfeed

Learn what foods you need to make baby’s first meals.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant with your diet. Breast milk is particularly deficient in vitamin D. Supplements are needed for your baby to get the 400 IU of vitamin D per day recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Important nutrition tips for lactating moms include:

• Continue to eat from the five food groups. Lactating moms can get a food plan of their own at ChooseMyPlate.gov.
• Be sure to get 1000 mg of calcium a day.
• Drink approximately 13 cups of water and other beverages per day.

Here’s an easy way to make sure you are getting the nutrients you and your baby need for breastfeeding:

• Before your baby arrives at home, try to plan nutritious meals for his arrival.
• If you can (or if you can get help!), cook and freeze a few simple meals that you can quickly reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Stock up on nutritious foods and snacks to make mealtime easier with a newborn in the house.