You're 39 weeks pregnant!

Medically reviewed by Karen Richardson Gill, MD, FAAP & Adda Bjarnadóttir, MS, LN

What's going on with you this week?

You are in your ninth month of pregnancy. Ready to get on with it? We bet you are. As of this week your baby is full term and could come at any time. Keep in mind that your due date is really just an estimation. Your healthcare provider will be monitoring your progress, so try to relax as much as you can until your baby finally arrives.

Second verse, same as the first

We'll level with you. It's pretty much a game of watching the clock from here on out. Your symptoms aren't likely to change from this point on, except for when you do go into labor. So, expect to continue to feel pelvic pressure, fatigue, and Braxton-Hicks contractions. And you might still be spending a lot of time in the bathroom.

Remember back when you were so terrified of giving birth that you just wished it wouldn't happen at all? Well, these last few weeks are nature's way of doing away with all that nonsense. When labor starts, you will be more than ready for it.

Real talk — are people looking at you with pity or is it just your imagination?

It's not your imagination. Sorry. People are absolutely looking at your 39-week pregnant self and feeling sorry for you. Some of them may even say things to you like, "How much longer do you have?" with a knowing grimace as they wait for your reply. Or, "You poor thing, I bet you can't wait for it to be over" while they shake their heads sadly.

And, while it may be annoying, is it really so bad? After all, they're probably right. You're bloated, your feet hurt, you can't sleep well anymore, you’re lugging around a lot of weight, you have to pee constantly, and you're spending way too much time checking the toilet for a pile of mucus. Why shouldn't they feel sorry for you?

We say accept their empathy with grace and a touch of gratefulness. Most of them are probably parents who have stood in your shoes, so they know what you're going through. And while it may make you feel kind of grouchy (what doesn't these days, though?), you might just find yourself saying the same things to some other too-pregnant-for-words person years from now.

You've been growing this baby in your own body for 9 stinking months, and it seems like the baby may just decide to live there forever. Don't you deserve a little empathy? We say absolutely.

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Eat

Zucchini Oatless Oatmeal. This "oatmeal" is actually made with zucchini and egg whites, so it won't sit heavily in your stomach.

Grilled Chicken Milanese. If you're up for something a bit more hearty, but still not heavy, this is a good dinner option.

Coconut Water Popsicles. Stay hydrated and get your daily dose of vitamins with these healthy ice pops.

Drink

Red raspberry leaf tea. Keep drinking that red raspberry leaf tea to try to help with labor.

Do

Take a walk. Staying active with light exercise is still important at this stage. Plus, some people say that exercise is a way to naturally bring on labor.

Wash your baby's clothes. Since you have nothing but time, take advantage of it by pre-washing all the clothes that your newborn baby will be wearing when they get home.