October 27, 2025 • 9 mins
If you’re 39 weeks pregnant and wondering “IS THIS IT?” every five minutes… this episode will give you the clarity you need!
We’re unpacking the surprising ways your body is preparing for birth, the weird-but-normal symptoms that show labor is close, and the exact signs that mean it’s time to grab the hospital bag 🚗💨
🫶🏾 You’ll learn:
• The hormone changes secretly prepping you for labor
• Why pelvic pressure increases (and what to do!)
• What nesting energy really means
• The 5-1-1 rule for real labor
• When to call your provider 🚨
• How to stay calm and confident while waiting
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:05):
Hi, I'm Stephanie Poole, founderand CEO of Birth Prep Academy.
I'm on a mission to helppregnant moms prepare for their
first hospital birth.
I'm sharing revealingconversations about what it
really takes to successfullytransition into motherhood.
So join me.
Here to discover things likewhat to expect in childbirth,
(00:27):
how to prepare for your birth.
We'll also talk aboutbreastfeeding and so much more.
I'm so grateful to share it allwith you right here on Oh Baby,
the podcast created for pregnantmoms preparing for their first
hospital birth.
Let's get started.
You are 39 weeks pregnant, whichbasically means you're walking
(00:49):
around like a ticking time bombwrapped in maternity leggings,
waiting for someone to yell theword dilated.
But here's the thing.
What's really happening in yourbody right now might surprise
you.
Most people talk about any daynow, but no one tells you about
the sneaky signs.
(01:10):
Your body's already gettingready for labor, and I'm talking
even before contractions hit.
They also don't tell you why youmight suddenly feel like deep
cleaning your entire house at3:00 AM and what's actually
normal versus what a red flag isthis week.
So if you're sitting therewondering, is this it?
(01:32):
Then I want you to stay with me.
Because by the end of thisvideo, you'll know exactly
what's going on in your body,what to do right now, and how to
tell when it's go time.
let's talk about the things noone tells you at 39 weeks.
So here's the first thing youshould know.
(01:53):
Even if you're not havingcontractions yet, your body is
not just chilling At 39 weeks,your cervix is in full on
transformation mode.
It's softening.
That's what we call ripening.
It's thinning out, and sometimeseven starting to open.
Now, you might not feel any ofthat, but your hormones are
(02:15):
working.
Over time.
Now here's a cool fact.
Your body is now releasing morerelaxin.
You know we've mentioned that inother episodes in case you've
been following along.
This is the hormone that loosensthe ligaments in your pelvis so
that your baby can drop evenlower.
That's why your hips and lowerback might feel achy or sore.
(02:38):
Your body is literally creatingspace.
Now here's a pro tip for that.
Try gentle pelvic tilts orsitting on a birthing ball for
10 to 15 minutes a day.
It helps your baby settle into abetter position and could
relieve that pressure down low.
and speaking of pressure, let'stalk about how it feels when
(02:59):
you're walking around and itfeels like a bowling ball is
between your legs.
Yep.
Totally normal.
At 39 weeks, annoying butnormal, that's your baby's head.
Pressing down on your cervix,your body's natural way of
saying.
We're getting close, mama.
Alright, now let's talk aboutwhat's going on emotionally,
(03:20):
because at 39 weeks, it's notjust hormones, it's anticipation
overload.
One minute you're ready to meetyour baby, and the next minute
you're crying because yourpartner ate the last of all the
good snacks.
That emotional swing.
Well, it's real.
Your oxytocin levels areactually rising, and that's the
(03:41):
same hormone that will triggerlabor and help you to bond with
your baby later.
Here's a twist though.
Stress can actually blockoxytocin.
Yes, it's a thing.
So if you've been anxious, ifyou've been pacing or Googling
every twinge, I want you to takea breath, mama.
Your body does its best workwhen you're relaxed and feeling
(04:04):
safe.
Now, here's a quick tip forthat.
I want you to try this.
Put your hand on your belly.
And I want you to have a slowexhale and say out loud, my body
knows exactly what to do.
Now I know it may sound cheesy,but your brain believes what you
(04:25):
tell it, and oxytocin loves calmenergy.
Alright, now let's get realabout the weird stuff that no
one warned you about.
Here's some things that youmight notice.
More discharge, even thick ormucus like discharge.
That's your mucus plug.
And yes, it is a thing.
(04:46):
You may also notice random burstof energy.
That's that nesting syndromethat we talked about before, or
you could actually experiencethe opposite, which is complete
exhaustion.
It's like your body is slowingdown to rest before labor.
Now, here's somethinginteresting.
About 30% of moms experienceloose stools or mild cramping in
(05:10):
the days before labor.
It's your body's natural way ofcleaning out your system, kind
of like a pre-labor detox.
Just remember, if you havecontinuous diarrhea, a fever.
Or sharp pain.
Those are all things that I wantyou to call your provider about.
But if it's just running to thebathroom a few extra times,
(05:31):
that's totally part of theprocess.
Okay.
Alright.
Now let's clear up the biggestquestion.
At 39 weeks, how do I know whenI'm actually in labor?
Because false alarms can be verycommon.
So here's a quick cheat sheetfor you.
Real contractions actually getstronger over time.
(05:52):
They come closer together andthey don't really go away with
water or with rest.
But Braxton Hicks, on the otherhand, those practice
contractions, the false labor,well those are irregular.
They usually stop when youchange positions and they don't
increase with intensity.
Here's a test that you can dotime your contractions for an
(06:15):
hour if they're consistentlyfive minutes apart and lasting
at least 60 seconds each.
And it's been that way for aboutan hour.
That's what we call our five oneone rule, and that means that
you're likely headed into activelabor.
Now here's a pro tip.
You might wanna think aboutcalling your provider and having
(06:35):
a plan not to rush to thehospital too early.
Early labor can last anywherefrom six to 12 hours, and being
home where you're comfortablecan really help your labor to
progress.
A little faster.
Thanks to you guessed it, thatoxytocin.
All right.
Now while you're waiting forbaby's grand entrance, here's
(06:57):
what you can focus on right now.
You can pack or recheck yourhospital bag.
Make sure that you've got yourcomfy clothes, snacks, your
phone charger, and your birthplan printed and saved.
Also, you can do some relaxationpractice.
Try 10 minutes of deepbreathing, gentle stretches, or
(07:19):
guided visualization.
You can also try to eat smart,think light balanced meals,
things with protein, carbs, andhydration.
You'll definitely need that fuelfor labor energy.
Also, communicate with yourbirth team.
Let your doula or partner knowwhat support you'll want in
(07:40):
early labor.
And finally.
Rest.
You're not being lazy.
You're charging up for thebiggest physical event of your
life.
Sleep now, mama.
Trust me.
Take my advice.
If you don't listen to anythingelse in the video, get rest and
sleep now because those newbornnights are coming.
(08:01):
Listen, 39 weeks is the mostbeautifully uncomfortable stage
of pregnancy.
You're so close.
But also I understand you'reprobably over it.
Your body's working behind thescenes.
Your hormones are prepping forlabor, and your instincts are
kicking in for a reason.
(08:22):
You don't have to wing it, mama.
You deserve to go into labor,confident and calm.
It's not too late for Bump tobundle blueprint.
It is the all-in-one birth prepcourse that walks you through
labor, birth, and postpartumwithout any overwhelm.
So if you haven't already,you're up at night anyway,
you're uncomfortable, you mightas well hop into the program so
(08:43):
you feel confident during yourbirth.
All right.
the link is in the description,so be sure to check it out.
Now be sure to subscribe so youdon't miss next week's video.
It's an important one.
Remember, you've got this andI've got you.
Until next week, happy birthing.
Hi, I'm Stephanie Poole, founderand CEO of Birth Prep Academy.
I'm on a mission to helppregnant moms prepare for their
first hospital birth.
I'm sharing revealingconversations about what it
really takes to successfullytransition into motherhood.
So join me.
Here to discover things likewhat to expect in childbirth,
(00:27):
how to prepare for your birth.
We'll also talk aboutbreastfeeding and so much more.
I'm so grateful to share it allwith you right here on Oh Baby,
the podcast created for pregnantmoms preparing for their first
hospital birth.
Let's get started.
You are 39 weeks pregnant, whichbasically means you're walking
(00:49):
around like a ticking time bombwrapped in maternity leggings,
waiting for someone to yell theword dilated.
But here's the thing.
What's really happening in yourbody right now might surprise
you.
Most people talk about any daynow, but no one tells you about
the sneaky signs.
(01:10):
Your body's already gettingready for labor, and I'm talking
even before contractions hit.
They also don't tell you why youmight suddenly feel like deep
cleaning your entire house at3:00 AM and what's actually
normal versus what a red flag isthis week.
So if you're sitting therewondering, is this it?
(01:32):
Then I want you to stay with me.
Because by the end of thisvideo, you'll know exactly
what's going on in your body,what to do right now, and how to
tell when it's go time.
let's talk about the things noone tells you at 39 weeks.
So here's the first thing youshould know.
(01:53):
Even if you're not havingcontractions yet, your body is
not just chilling At 39 weeks,your cervix is in full on
transformation mode.
It's softening.
That's what we call ripening.
It's thinning out, and sometimeseven starting to open.
Now, you might not feel any ofthat, but your hormones are
(02:15):
working.
Over time.
Now here's a cool fact.
Your body is now releasing morerelaxin.
You know we've mentioned that inother episodes in case you've
been following along.
This is the hormone that loosensthe ligaments in your pelvis so
that your baby can drop evenlower.
That's why your hips and lowerback might feel achy or sore.
(02:38):
Your body is literally creatingspace.
Now here's a pro tip for that.
Try gentle pelvic tilts orsitting on a birthing ball for
10 to 15 minutes a day.
It helps your baby settle into abetter position and could
relieve that pressure down low.
and speaking of pressure, let'stalk about how it feels when
(02:59):
you're walking around and itfeels like a bowling ball is
between your legs.
Yep.
Totally normal.
At 39 weeks, annoying butnormal, that's your baby's head.
Pressing down on your cervix,your body's natural way of
saying.
We're getting close, mama.
Alright, now let's talk aboutwhat's going on emotionally,
(03:20):
because at 39 weeks, it's notjust hormones, it's anticipation
overload.
One minute you're ready to meetyour baby, and the next minute
you're crying because yourpartner ate the last of all the
good snacks.
That emotional swing.
Well, it's real.
Your oxytocin levels areactually rising, and that's the
(03:41):
same hormone that will triggerlabor and help you to bond with
your baby later.
Here's a twist though.
Stress can actually blockoxytocin.
Yes, it's a thing.
So if you've been anxious, ifyou've been pacing or Googling
every twinge, I want you to takea breath, mama.
Your body does its best workwhen you're relaxed and feeling
(04:04):
safe.
Now, here's a quick tip forthat.
I want you to try this.
Put your hand on your belly.
And I want you to have a slowexhale and say out loud, my body
knows exactly what to do.
Now I know it may sound cheesy,but your brain believes what you
(04:25):
tell it, and oxytocin loves calmenergy.
Alright, now let's get realabout the weird stuff that no
one warned you about.
Here's some things that youmight notice.
More discharge, even thick ormucus like discharge.
That's your mucus plug.
And yes, it is a thing.
(04:46):
You may also notice random burstof energy.
That's that nesting syndromethat we talked about before, or
you could actually experiencethe opposite, which is complete
exhaustion.
It's like your body is slowingdown to rest before labor.
Now, here's somethinginteresting.
About 30% of moms experienceloose stools or mild cramping in
(05:10):
the days before labor.
It's your body's natural way ofcleaning out your system, kind
of like a pre-labor detox.
Just remember, if you havecontinuous diarrhea, a fever.
Or sharp pain.
Those are all things that I wantyou to call your provider about.
But if it's just running to thebathroom a few extra times,
(05:31):
that's totally part of theprocess.
Okay.
Alright.
Now let's clear up the biggestquestion.
At 39 weeks, how do I know whenI'm actually in labor?
Because false alarms can be verycommon.
So here's a quick cheat sheetfor you.
Real contractions actually getstronger over time.
(05:52):
They come closer together andthey don't really go away with
water or with rest.
But Braxton Hicks, on the otherhand, those practice
contractions, the false labor,well those are irregular.
They usually stop when youchange positions and they don't
increase with intensity.
Here's a test that you can dotime your contractions for an
(06:15):
hour if they're consistentlyfive minutes apart and lasting
at least 60 seconds each.
And it's been that way for aboutan hour.
That's what we call our five oneone rule, and that means that
you're likely headed into activelabor.
Now here's a pro tip.
You might wanna think aboutcalling your provider and having
(06:35):
a plan not to rush to thehospital too early.
Early labor can last anywherefrom six to 12 hours, and being
home where you're comfortablecan really help your labor to
progress.
A little faster.
Thanks to you guessed it, thatoxytocin.
All right.
Now while you're waiting forbaby's grand entrance, here's
(06:57):
what you can focus on right now.
You can pack or recheck yourhospital bag.
Make sure that you've got yourcomfy clothes, snacks, your
phone charger, and your birthplan printed and saved.
Also, you can do some relaxationpractice.
Try 10 minutes of deepbreathing, gentle stretches, or
(07:19):
guided visualization.
You can also try to eat smart,think light balanced meals,
things with protein, carbs, andhydration.
You'll definitely need that fuelfor labor energy.
Also, communicate with yourbirth team.
Let your doula or partner knowwhat support you'll want in
(07:40):
early labor.
And finally.
Rest.
You're not being lazy.
You're charging up for thebiggest physical event of your
life.
Sleep now, mama.
Trust me.
Take my advice.
If you don't listen to anythingelse in the video, get rest and
sleep now because those newbornnights are coming.
(08:01):
Listen, 39 weeks is the mostbeautifully uncomfortable stage
of pregnancy.
You're so close.
But also I understand you'reprobably over it.
Your body's working behind thescenes.
Your hormones are prepping forlabor, and your instincts are
kicking in for a reason.
(08:22):
You don't have to wing it, mama.
You deserve to go into labor,confident and calm.
It's not too late for Bump tobundle blueprint.
It is the all-in-one birth prepcourse that walks you through
labor, birth, and postpartumwithout any overwhelm.
So if you haven't already,you're up at night anyway,
you're uncomfortable, you mightas well hop into the program so
(08:43):
you feel confident during yourbirth.
All right.
the link is in the description,so be sure to check it out.
Now be sure to subscribe so youdon't miss next week's video.
It's an important one.
Remember, you've got this andI've got you.
Until next week, happy birthing.
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