from 39 full weeks + 0 days to 39 full weeks + 6 days
Size of A watermelon
- The baby is full-term and completely ready to be born – the estimated due date falls this week.
- Only about 4 percent of all babies are born on their estimated due date.
- The baby's immune system has received antibodies from the mother that protect during the first months.
- The skull bones are still soft and movable to facilitate passage through the birth canal.
- The baby weighs on average 3–4 kilograms and is about 50–51 cm long.
Physical changes
- The cervix may be dilated several centimeters without labor having started.
- The belly may have dropped noticeably.
- The body is preparing intensively – hormones like oxytocin and prostaglandins are increasing.
Common symptoms
- Intense and sometimes painful Braxton Hicks.
- Nausea, loose stools, or vomiting can signal that labor is near.
- Extreme fatigue mixed with sudden bursts of energy.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Increased vaginal discharge, possibly tinged with blood.
Emotional changes
- Impatience – the due date has arrived or passed.
- Frustration with well-meaning questions like 'has anything happened yet?'
- Mixed feelings of anticipation, nervousness, and longing.
- Be prepared: hospital bag, car, phone number for the delivery ward – everything should be ready.
- Contact the delivery ward: regular contractions (every 5 minutes for at least 1 hour), water breaking, bleeding, decreased fetal movements.
- If your due date passes without anything happening – that is completely normal. Many first-time mothers give birth after the estimated date.
- Stay busy with enjoyable activities – waiting and worrying can be mentally tough.
Appointments & check-ups
- Midwife checkup with possible membrane sweep to encourage labor.
- CTG monitoring (cardiotocography) may be offered to monitor the baby's heartbeat.
- Planning for possible induction if the pregnancy goes past the due date.
Important
- Green or brown amniotic fluid – urgent, go directly to the delivery ward.
- Heavy bleeding – call emergency services.
- Decreased or changed fetal movements – contact the delivery ward the same day.
- Severe headache, vision disturbances, or pain under the right rib cage – seek urgent care.
Good to eat
- Energy-rich food: dates, nuts, bananas, whole grain bread with peanut butter.
- Easily digestible meals that do not burden the stomach.
- Drink water regularly – dehydration can cause irregular contractions.
- Have snacks and drinks ready in the hospital bag.
Be aware of
- Eat little and often – it can be hard to eat large meals now.
- Keep simple food supplies at home – you may not have the energy to cook.
- Freeze portions for the first weeks with the baby.
Avoid
- Unpasteurized products.
- Raw fish and raw meat.
- Alcohol.
Supplements
- Continue with prescribed supplements until delivery.
- Vitamin D.
- Iron as needed.
Continue with gentle daily movement if it feels good. Walks can help start labor.
If you are waiting for labor to start: use the time for relaxation and mental preparation. Rest as much as you can – you will need all your energy soon.
Suggested activities
- Walks – even stair climbing if you have the energy
- Pelvic rocking on a Pilates ball
- Relaxation, deep breathing, and meditation
- Gentle stretching
Avoid
- Intense exercise
- Activities far from the hospital
- Anything that causes pain or discomfort
Pelvic floor exercises
Pelvic floor training: continue with relaxation exercises. During labor, your job is to breathe and release – not to squeeze.
Sources
The content on this website is based on information from 1177.se and the Swedish Food Agency. It does not replace professional medical advice. Always contact your midwife or doctor with questions about your pregnancy.