Week 39

Wondering what normal newborn sleep looks like? Newborns sleep in short stretches. Get simple, safe sleep tips and learn safe ways to soothe your baby and cope with stress

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40

Your baby is the size of a watermelon!

Your baby is now full term and ready to meet the world!

The creamy white coating on your baby’s skin, called vernix, is starting to fade as they get ready to be born.

Never shake a baby—even for a moment—no matter how hard the crying feels. If you’re overwhelmed, it’s OK to put your baby down in a safe place and take a short break.

Learn safe ways to comfort a crying baby, why shaking is dangerous, and tips for coping with stress and caring for your mental health after birth.

Sleep is Important for Everyone

Wondering what normal newborn sleep looks like? Most newborns sleep in short bursts day and night. Prepare yourself by learning what to expect, plus simple safe sleep tips (like back to sleep and a clear, flat sleep space).

Sleep is important for you too—explore ways to care for your mental health after birth and get support if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Pregnancy Topics Related to Week 39

Getting To Know Your Baby

What to Do When Your Baby Is Fussy

Most new babies have a fussy time each day. Your baby may cry because they’re tired, hungry, wet, uncomfortable, or simply want to be held. Over time, you’ll start to recognize your baby’s different cries and what they mean. Here are some ways to help calm and comfort your baby.

Woman attending to her crying baby trying to pacify him. Mother putting her baby to sleep in his bassinet.

Safety

Shaken Baby Syndrome (Newborn Head Trauma)

All babies cry—it’s how they communicate hunger, tiredness, or discomfort. It’s normal to feel tense or overwhelmed when your baby is crying, but shaking a baby is never safe.

Mental Health

Caring for Your Mental Health After Your Baby’s Birth

After you give birth, it’s important to take steps to keep your mind and body healthy. Here are some suggestions.

Getting To Know Your Baby

Newborn Sleep: What to Expect

Newborn babies sleep a lot! Most newborns sleep 14 to 17 hours each day. Newborns wake often. This is normal! They wake up many times, day and night. Babies need to eat day and night. Sleep will change as your baby grows. It can take months for the baby to have a normal day and night rhythm. Every baby is different. Some sleep more. Some sleep less.

Safety

Safe Sleep for Your Baby

Creating the right sleep space helps keep your baby healthy and lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). These steps can help your baby rest safely and comfortably.