Health Encyclopedia
Search Clinical Content Search Patient Health Library
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings

Week 39 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions

../images/19b067c94477f65b4af71e307253944a.jpg

Newborn babies can look different than what you see in pictures or movies. Their heads can be a strange shape right after birth. And they may have swollen eyes and red marks on their faces.

../images/e6119f88d766a0e5761034e96b920238.jpg

You can still get pregnant even if you are breastfeeding. If you don't want to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about birth control.

Tips for week 39 of pregnancy

If you plan to breastfeed, get prepared.

../images/d50c23b36169c4b70e817cc61d117641.jpg

  • Continue to eat healthy foods.

  • Keep taking your prenatal vitamins during breastfeeding if your doctor recommends it.

  • Talk to your doctor before taking any medicines or supplements.

Choose the right birth control for you.

../images/a2caeed5935c82fc11efed3e9384f103.jpg

  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are placed in the uterus. Sometimes the IUD can be placed right after giving birth. They work for years.

  • Hormonal implants are placed under the skin of the arm. They also work for years.

  • Depo-Provera is a shot. You get it every 3 months.

  • Birth control pills can be used. They're taken every day.

  • Tubal ligation (tying your tubes) and vasectomy are surgeries. They're permanent.

  • Diaphragms, spermicide, and condoms must be used each time you have sex. If you used a diaphragm before, you should get refitted after the baby is born.

  • A birth control patch or ring can be used. These just can't be started until several weeks after you give birth.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

© 2006-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated.
Powered by Krames by WebMD Ignite

These resources and their content are provided by a third party for informational purposes and do not necessarily reflect the values and positions of Ascension, its ministries, or its subsidiaries.

About StayWell | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

The Services may integrate with Third-Party Apps or contain third-party content or provide links to third-party websites. For example, the Services may integrate with Third-Party App providers to provide you with information. You authorize Ascension to transmit information about You to and receive information about You from applicable third parties.
You agree that Ascension is not responsible for Third-Party Apps, third-party content or third-party websites, and does not make any endorsements, representations or warranties regarding the same. Your use thereof is at Your own risk and subject to the third party’s terms and conditions, as applicable. By using a Third-Party App or third-party content or websites, You agree to the applicable third party’s terms and conditions, even if Ascension does not present them to You at the time of Your use.