Feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant is common and usually linked to hormonal changes, pressure from the baby, and nearing labor.
Understanding Why You’re Feeling Sick at 39 Weeks Pregnant
At 39 weeks pregnant, your body is in the final stretch before delivery, and it’s no surprise if you’re feeling sick. This discomfort often stems from a blend of physical and hormonal factors. The uterus has expanded considerably, pressing on your stomach and intestines, which can lead to nausea or indigestion. Hormonal shifts continue to fluctuate, especially with increased levels of progesterone and relaxin, which slow digestion and relax muscles, sometimes causing queasiness.
Your body is also preparing for labor. This means your cervix might be softening or dilating slightly—processes that can trigger mild cramping or discomfort resembling nausea. Moreover, anxiety and excitement about the impending birth can stir up feelings of queasiness or dizziness. While unpleasant, these symptoms are typically temporary and part of the natural progression toward childbirth.
Common Causes of Nausea at 39 Weeks Pregnant
Nausea this late in pregnancy isn’t unusual but can feel frustrating when you’re so close to meeting your baby. Here are the main reasons why you might be feeling sick:
1. Pressure on the Digestive System
Your baby’s head often drops lower into the pelvis at 39 weeks—a process called “lightening.” While this eases breathing for some moms, it increases pressure on your bladder and stomach. This pressure can cause acid reflux or slow digestion, leading to nausea or vomiting.
2. Hormonal Changes
Progesterone remains high late in pregnancy to keep your uterus relaxed but also slows down your gut’s motility. This slower digestion means food stays longer in your stomach, increasing chances of indigestion and nausea.
3. Approaching Labor
Labor can bring about symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and nausea as your body ramps up prostaglandin production to soften the cervix. These changes sometimes mimic an upset stomach.
4. Dehydration and Fatigue
At this stage, dehydration can sneak up quickly due to frequent urination combined with reduced appetite or vomiting episodes. Fatigue adds to feelings of dizziness or sickness.
Signs That Your Sickness Might Be Labor-Related
If you’re 39 weeks pregnant and feeling sick, it’s crucial to distinguish between normal pregnancy discomforts and early labor signs. Labor-related sickness often comes with:
- Regular contractions: Painful tightening occurring every 5-10 minutes.
- Watery discharge: Possible rupture of membranes (water breaking).
- Lower back pain: Persistent ache that doesn’t ease with position changes.
- Nausea with diarrhea: Some women experience gastrointestinal upset right before labor.
If these symptoms appear alongside nausea or vomiting, it’s wise to contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Nutritional Tips to Manage Nausea at 39 Weeks Pregnant
Eating right at this stage can be tricky but crucial for maintaining energy and reducing sickness:
| Food Type | Benefits | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Bland Carbohydrates | Eases digestion; reduces acid reflux risk. | Toast, crackers, rice cakes. |
| Small Frequent Meals | Keeps blood sugar stable; prevents empty stomach nausea. | Nuts, yogurt cups, fruit slices. |
| Hydrating Fluids | Keeps dehydration at bay; soothes digestive tract. | Coconut water, herbal teas (ginger or peppermint). |
| Ginger-Based Foods | Natural anti-nausea properties; calms stomach muscles. | Ginger tea, ginger candies. |
| Avoid Fatty/Spicy Foods | Can worsen acid reflux & nausea symptoms. | Fried foods, heavy sauces. |
Keeping meals light but nutrient-dense helps maintain strength without overloading a sensitive stomach.
Lifestyle Adjustments That Can Ease Sickness Symptoms
Avoid Lying Flat After Eating
Lying down immediately after meals encourages acid reflux by allowing stomach acids to travel upwards more easily. Try sitting upright for at least 30 minutes post-meal.
Pace Your Fluid Intake Wisely
Drinking large amounts quickly may trigger nausea or fullness. Sip fluids throughout the day instead of gulping large volumes all at once.
Breathe Deeply and Relax Often
Stress hormones can worsen nausea sensations by affecting gut motility and blood flow. Deep breathing exercises help calm both mind and body.
Dress Comfortably Around Your Waistline
Tight clothing around the abdomen increases pressure on your digestive organs—loose-fitting clothes reduce discomfort significantly.
The Role of Medical Intervention When Feeling Sick at 39 Weeks Pregnant
Most cases of nausea near term don’t require medication but knowing when to seek help is vital:
- Persistent vomiting: If you cannot keep fluids down for over 24 hours.
- Dizziness or fainting spells: Could indicate dehydration needing IV fluids.
- Bile-colored vomit or blood: Requires immediate medical evaluation.
- Suspicion of labor onset: If sickness accompanies strong contractions or water breaking.
- Lack of fetal movement: Always report decreased baby activity promptly.
- Sustained abdominal pain beyond mild cramps: Needs urgent assessment for complications like placental abruption.
Your healthcare provider may recommend safe anti-nausea medications if symptoms are severe enough to affect hydration or nutrition.
The Impact of Emotional Wellbeing on Physical Symptoms Late in Pregnancy
Emotions run high as delivery approaches—anticipation mixed with anxiety can amplify physical sensations like nausea or dizziness. Hormones influencing mood swings also affect gut function through the brain-gut connection.
Mindfulness techniques such as meditation or gentle prenatal yoga may help reduce stress-induced symptoms by promoting relaxation responses in both brain and digestive tract.
Talking openly with a partner or support person about fears related to childbirth can alleviate tension that might otherwise manifest physically as sickness.
The Final Countdown: Preparing for Labor While Managing Discomforts
At 39 weeks pregnant and feeling sick is challenging but signals that your body is gearing up for birth. Keep essentials handy: water bottle for hydration; easy-to-digest snacks; comfortable pillows; phone charged for quick contact with support people.
Rest whenever possible because fatigue compounds feelings of queasiness and lowers coping ability during contractions once labor begins.
Pack your hospital bag early so you won’t add last-minute stress on days when sickness might hit hardest.
Remember that every woman’s experience differs—what feels overwhelming one day might ease considerably the next as hormones shift again closer to delivery time.
The Differences Between Early Pregnancy Sickness And Late-Term Nausea
Nausea early in pregnancy often stems from rising hCG hormone levels affecting taste buds and gut sensitivity. By contrast, late-term sickness relates more directly to mechanical pressure from the growing baby combined with hormonal modulation slowing digestion.
Unlike morning sickness that usually fades by week twelve to fourteen, nausea at 39 weeks tends to be intermittent but linked closely with physical changes signaling imminent labor onset rather than ongoing hormonal surges alone.
Understanding these differences helps set expectations about symptom duration while guiding appropriate coping strategies tailored specifically for late pregnancy discomforts rather than early gestation remedies.
A Quick Reference Table: Causes vs Remedies for Nausea at 39 Weeks Pregnant
| Main Cause | Description | Easing Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Baby’s Head Pressing on Stomach | The fetus drops lower into pelvis increasing abdominal pressure causing indigestion & reflux. | Avoid heavy meals; eat smaller portions more frequently; sit upright after eating. |
| Hormonal Effects Slowing Digestion | High progesterone relaxes smooth muscles slowing gastric emptying leading to bloating & nausea. | Add ginger tea/snacks; stay hydrated; light exercise like walking aids digestion. |
| Anxiety About Labor | Mental stress triggers physical symptoms including queasiness through brain-gut axis signaling. | Meditation; deep breathing exercises; supportive conversations with loved ones help calm nerves. |
| Labor Onset Symptoms | Cervical changes & uterine contractions cause gastrointestinal upset mimicking stomach flu-like feelings. | If accompanied by regular contractions/contact healthcare provider immediately for assessment. |
| Mild Dehydration/Fatigue | Lack of fluids combined with tiredness worsens dizziness & nausea sensations near term pregnancy. | Sip electrolyte drinks regularly; rest frequently throughout day avoiding overexertion. |
Key Takeaways: 39 Weeks Pregnant And Feeling Sick
➤ Common symptoms include nausea and fatigue at 39 weeks.
➤ Stay hydrated to help reduce feelings of sickness.
➤ Eat small meals frequently to manage nausea.
➤ Rest often to support your body’s energy needs.
➤ Consult your doctor if symptoms worsen or persist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant?
Feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant is common due to hormonal changes and physical pressure from the baby. The enlarged uterus presses on your stomach, causing nausea or indigestion, while hormones like progesterone slow digestion, increasing queasiness.
Can feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant be a sign of labor?
Yes, nausea and mild cramping can indicate that labor is approaching. Your body produces prostaglandins to soften the cervix, which may cause symptoms resembling an upset stomach. However, if symptoms worsen or contractions become regular, contact your healthcare provider.
How does pressure from the baby cause sickness at 39 weeks pregnant?
At 39 weeks, your baby’s head often drops lower into the pelvis, increasing pressure on your stomach and bladder. This can slow digestion and cause acid reflux or nausea as your digestive system becomes compressed.
What role do hormones play in feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant?
Hormones like progesterone remain high to keep the uterus relaxed but also slow down gut motility. This delayed digestion means food stays longer in your stomach, leading to indigestion and feelings of nausea during late pregnancy.
How can dehydration affect sickness at 39 weeks pregnant?
Dehydration is common near the end of pregnancy due to frequent urination and reduced appetite. It can worsen feelings of dizziness and nausea, so staying hydrated is important to help manage sickness at 39 weeks pregnant.
Conclusion – 39 Weeks Pregnant And Feeling Sick: What You Need To Know Now
Feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant is a common yet unsettling experience caused mainly by hormonal shifts combined with physical pressures from your growing baby preparing for birth. Understanding why these symptoms occur helps manage them better through diet adjustments, lifestyle tweaks, emotional care, and timely medical consultation when needed.
Keep track of any additional warning signs such as persistent vomiting, severe pain, decreased fetal movement or signs of active labor alongside nausea so you know exactly when immediate help is necessary.
By embracing gentle self-care practices—small frequent meals rich in bland carbs plus hydration—and calming techniques like deep breathing you’ll boost comfort levels while waiting confidently for labor’s arrival.
Remember: this phase won’t last forever! Soon enough you’ll hold that precious newborn in your arms—every queasy moment now brings you closer to meeting them face-to-face!