39 Weeks Pregnant: Full Term, Real vs False Labour & When to Go In

39 Weeks Pregnant: Full Term, Real vs False Labour & When to Go In

At 39 weeks pregnant, your baby is full term and about the size of a large watermelon. Labour could start any time, so this week's guide explains how to tell real labour from false labour, when to head to hospital and how to stay calm while you wait.

Baby's size
About the size of a large watermelon (around 50cm long, 3.3kg)
Milestone
Full term
Common symptoms
Pelvic pressure, Braxton Hicks, lightning crotch and a show
This week
Know the difference between real and false labour

What's happening this week

Your baby is fully developed and ready for life outside the uterus. They won't get much longer, but they'll keep adding fat to help them stay warm after birth.

Ready for birth

All systems go

Your baby's organs are mature enough to support them after birth, and they're practising breathing, sucking and swallowing.

Protection

Your antibodies

Antibodies from you have been passing to your baby through the placenta. They'll help protect your baby from some infections in their first months.

Smooth skin

Almost all gone

Most of the vernix and lanugo has gone. Your baby's skin is smooth and may look a little blotchy or pale at birth before it settles.

If you've had a condition like pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, your doctor may talk to you about planning your baby's birth around now. Keep getting to know your baby's movements, and call your hospital straight away if they slow down, stop or change.

Real labour or false labour?

It's common to have contractions that feel real, then fade away. This is sometimes called false labour or pre-labour. Here's how to tell the difference.

False labour

  • Contractions are irregular and don't get closer together
  • They don't get stronger over time
  • They ease with rest, a warm shower or a change of position
  • Discomfort is mostly at the front of your belly

Real labour

  • Contractions come at regular intervals
  • They get longer, stronger and closer together
  • They keep going, whatever you do
  • Pain often starts in your back and wraps around to the front

Other signs that labour is starting include a show, when the mucus plug comes away, your waters breaking, and a dull lower backache or period-like cramps. Here's how to cope with early labour at home.

The stages of labour

  1. Early labourOften the longest stage

    Your cervix softens, thins and starts to open. Contractions are usually mild to moderate and irregular. Most people stay at home for this stage.

  2. Active labourCervix opens to 10 cm

    Contractions become strong, regular and closer together. This is usually when you'll be at hospital or with your midwife.

  3. Pushing and birthSecond stage

    Once your cervix is fully open, you'll feel the urge to push, and your baby is born.

  4. Birth of the placentaThird stage

    The placenta is delivered, usually within an hour, often with an injection to help. Time for skin-to-skin with your baby.

When to head to hospital

Always call your hospital or midwife before you go in, so they can talk you through it and get ready for you.

Call when
Your contractions are strong and regular, following the advice your hospital gave you. You may be asked to come in earlier if this isn't your first baby or you live far away.
Go straight in if
Your waters break, especially if the fluid is green, brown or smelly, or you're GBS positive. Also go in if you have bleeding, constant or severe pain, a fever, or your baby's movements change.
Get urgent help if
You have a severe headache, blurred or double vision, sudden swelling or pain under your ribs, as these can be signs of pre-eclampsia.If you're unsure, call. Midwives would always rather hear from you

Staying calm while you wait

The last days can feel long, and it's normal to swing between bursts of energy and wanting to curl up and sleep. These ideas can help:

  • Practise your breathing. Slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth can help you stay calm now and in labour.
  • Keep gently busy. Short walks, a film, a coffee with a friend or finishing a small project can help the time pass.
  • Rest when you can. Naps now will help you cope with labour and the early days.
  • Lean on your support person. Share our tips for the labour support person so they know how to help.
  • Limit the check-ins. It's OK to switch off your phone or ask family to wait for your news.

Symptoms at 39 weeks pregnant

  • Pelvic pressure. If your baby has dropped, you may breathe more easily but feel more pressure low down.
  • Braxton Hicks. They may be more frequent and harder to tell apart from labour. See the comparison above.
  • Lightning crotch. Sudden, sharp twinges in your vagina or groin as your baby presses on nerves. Common and harmless.
  • A show. A jelly-like discharge, often pink or streaked with blood, as your cervix starts to open. Labour could be hours or days away. Not everyone notices a show.

Call your hospital straight away if you're bleeding like a period, your waters break, your baby's movements change, or you have a severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling or constant pain.

Ready for the ride home

In Australia, it's illegal to travel with your baby in your arms, even for a short trip. Make sure your rearward-facing car seat is professionally fitted, and practise adjusting the harness before the big day. Here's how to choose a car seat.

Your to-do list for week 39

Helpful for this stage

Tips for your support personHow they can help during labourRead the guide The hospital bag listFinal check before you goSee the list Car safety and accessoriesReady for the trip homeShop car safety

Week 39 FAQs

How do I know if it's real labour?

Real labour contractions come at regular intervals, get stronger, longer and closer together, and don't ease when you rest or change position. False labour contractions are irregular, don't build in intensity and often fade with rest, a warm shower or a drink of water.

When should I go to hospital in labour?

Call your hospital first. They'll usually ask you to come in when your contractions are strong and regular, or straight away if your waters break, you have bleeding, constant pain, a fever or your baby's movements change. You may be asked to come in earlier if you live far away or this isn't your first baby.

How long does labour last with a first baby?

It varies a lot. Early labour can come and go over hours or even days, and active labour often lasts many hours with a first baby. Labour is usually shorter in later pregnancies.

What does it mean if my waters are green or brown?

Green or brown fluid can mean your baby has passed meconium, their first poo, before birth. It's not always a problem, but your baby needs to be checked, so call your hospital and go in straight away.

Can I stay home in early labour?

Yes, most people spend early labour at home, where they feel more relaxed. Rest, eat light snacks, drink water and use comfort measures like a warm shower, then call your hospital as they advised.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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