Week 39 of Your Pregnancy: Care Instructions
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".
Adaptation Date: 2/13/2023
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services