Health Information and Tools > Patient Care Handouts >  Week 39 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions

Main Content

Week 39 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions

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.

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

Tips for week 39 of pregnancy

If you plan to breastfeed, get prepared.

  • Continue to eat healthy foods.
  • Keep taking your prenatal vitamins during breastfeeding if your healthcare provider or midwife recommends it.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider or midwife before taking any medicines or natural health products.

Choose the right birth control for you.

  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are placed in the uterus. If you plan ahead, the IUD can be placed right after giving birth. They work for years.
  • Hormonal implants are placed under the skin of the arm. This can be done after 4 weeks have passed since you’ve had your baby. It releases the hormone progestin and prevents pregnancy for up to 3 years.
  • Depo-Provera is a shot. You get it every 3 months. Wait 6 weeks postpartum before getting a birth control shot.
  • Birth control pills can be used. They're taken every day. Birth control pills work well. But it's best to use progestin-only options while breastfeeding. Pills with estrogen are not recommended while you’re breastfeeding, as they may decrease your milk supply.
  • 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.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your healthcare provider or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) 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.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter A811 in the search box to learn more about "Week 39 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions".

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.