Your Pregnancy at Week 40

Your long journey will finally come to an end. You must be expecting your upcoming delivery. It should be time to ensure your phone is always full and ready to call if you need assistance.

Even if you have not given birth yet, you should not be alarmed because a small percentage of children are born in the 41st week or overdue. After all, it could be a miscalculation of the accurate time of pregnancy.

Most of the time, medical practitioners get the wrong age of your pregnancy because of some information given to them by you, like the last date of your menstrual flow and some other information. But you still need to remember that your baby will arrive anytime.

Baby Development at Week 40

At 40 weeks pregnant, it's difficult to predict your baby's exact size, but on average, newborns weigh around 3.5 kg and measure over 21 inches in length. By this stage, most of the vernix (the protective coating on the baby's skin) has disappeared, and about 15 percent of your baby's body weight is fat, making them fully formed and ready to meet the world. It's important to remember that only 5 percent of babies are born on their due date, so it's entirely normal to give birth anywhere from two weeks before to two weeks after this date. As long as you and your baby are healthy, a week or two past your estimated due date is not a cause for concern.

At 40 weeks of pregnancy, while most of your baby's bones have hardened, the bones in their skull remain soft and flexible to aid delivery. This flexibility allows the skull bones to overlap as the baby passes through the birth canal, which may result in a temporary cone-shaped head appearance after birth. Your baby's skull has two soft spots, known as fontanelles, which facilitate this process. The larger front fontanelle typically hardens between 8 and 15 months, while the smaller back fontanelle usually closes between 3 and 4 months of age. These fontanelles are essential for smoother delivery and rapid brain growth during early development. ⁽¹⁾

Body Changes at Week 40

If this is your first baby, you'll have an antenatal appointment this week. During this appointment, several routine checks will be carried out to monitor your health and the baby's well-being. Your blood pressure will be measured to ensure it's within a healthy range, your bump will be measured to track the baby's growth, and you'll be asked to provide a urine sample.

One of the key concerns your midwife or doctor will be watching for is pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. Pre-eclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Detecting this condition early is important because it can pose risks to you and your baby if left untreated. 

You might notice an increase in practice contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions help your body prepare for labour but are generally not painful. They feel like a uterus tightening and are usually irregular and mild. However, when you start experiencing true labour contractions, you'll be able to tell the difference. Real contractions are typically painful and occur when your bump tightens and then releases as the muscles relax. Unlike Braxton Hicks, these contractions become more regular and intense as labour progresses.

Labour itself is divided into three stages. The first stage begins with the onset of contractions until your cervix is fully dilated at 10 cm. This stage can last 6 to 12 hours for first-time mothers but may be shorter if you've had previous children. The second stage is when the baby is delivered, which is the most active and intense part of labour. Finally, the third stage occurs after the baby is born, during which the placenta is delivered. ⁽⁴⁾

Baby Bump At Week 40

By this point in your pregnancy, your uterus has likely reached its maximum size after incredible growth over the past nine months. Initially, your uterus was only about two ounces, but by 40 weeks, it may weigh around two and a half pounds. This expansion has been necessary to accommodate your growing baby.

You and your healthcare provider have probably been monitoring your weight gain throughout your pregnancy. The extra weight you've gained comes from several sources, including your baby's body weight, increased fat stores, and the additional blood and fluid volume needed to support your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Concerns at Week 40

As you approach your due date, it's important to be vigilant for signs that labour is beginning, such as water breaking, regular contractions, or losing your mucus plug. These signs indicate that your baby could arrive soon. If you haven't noticed any of these signs, your doctor might discuss the option of inducing labour, which involves using medication or other methods to start the process. It's important to address any concerns or questions about labour or induction with your doctor, and at 40 weeks pregnant, you should immediately contact them if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

• Intense cramping
• A noticeable decrease in your baby's movements
• Vaginal bleeding
• Extreme heartburn
• Unusual changes in vaginal discharge
• Severe headaches or blurred vision
• Fever
• Severe vomiting
• Dizziness or feeling faint

Advice for Partners

You and your partner might come across various methods that claim to help induce labour at home. While it can be tempting to try these, it's crucial to discuss them with your partner's healthcare provider first. Many of these methods are based on old wives' tales, and most lack consistent evidence of effectiveness. Some of these techniques could also be unsafe for the mother and baby. Seeking professional advice ensures that you make informed decisions that prioritise the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

Pregnancy Checklist for Week 40 

• You might want to consider placing a plastic sheet or some form of protection under your bed sheets to safeguard your mattress in case your water breaks, if you haven't already.

• If you plan to wait until your baby is born to settle on a name, that's perfectly fine! Just be sure to have a few solid name options lined up beforehand.

• Take time to familiarise yourself with what happens to your baby after birth and what to expect at the hospital or birth centre. While you're at it, review your birth plan, you'll be putting it into action very soon.

• Create a list of everyone you want to notify when your baby is born so you don't accidentally leave anyone out. If you're planning a social media announcement, consider drafting it beforehand.

• To be as prepared as possible for birth, ensure your car has a full tank of petrol or confirm your transportation arrangements. Also, install your baby's car seat and pack your hospital bag in advance.