Pregnancy Week 40

What does my baby look like?

Your baby has now reached the size of a small pumpkin.

At this stage, it's less about major new developments and more about the final steps of getting ready for birth. Your baby is quite cramped in the womb by now, but the movements should continue. They shouldn't slow down or stop.

Skull bones and soft spots

Your baby's skull bones haven't fully fused yet. This is a natural feature that makes it easier to pass through the birth canal.

After birth, the soft areas on your baby's head are called fontanelles. These areas close up over time.

Meeting your baby for the first time

Right after birth, your baby's skin may look reddish-purple. Their hands and feet may stay a bit bluish for a few days. Their hair and nails may have grown long. When they're born, they may be covered in vernix, blood, amniotic fluid, or bits of fine hair.

A newborn's vision isn't fully clear at birth, but they can recognize your voice. As you and your partner talk to your baby, they may show familiarity with your voices.

Which month of pregnancy is this?

This week you're still in your 9th month and you've reached your due date, but labor being a few more days late can still be perfectly normal.

What's happening in my body?

If this is your first baby, you may have a routine check-up appointment this week. At this visit, they usually check your blood pressure, protein in your urine, your belly measurement, and your baby's condition.

These check-ups are especially important for watching out for preeclampsia.

How to tell Braxton Hicks from real contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions:

• are irregular,
• vary in frequency and intensity,
• usually don't get progressively stronger,
• may ease up when you change position or rest.

Real labor contractions, on the other hand:

• come at regular intervals,
• grow more frequent over time,
• become progressively stronger and more painful,
• don't go away with rest.

If your contractions last about 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes, call your doctor or go to the hospital.

The stages of labor

Labor has three stages:

• First stage: This is when the cervix dilates and contractions become regular, frequent, and strong. It's usually the longest stage.
• Second stage: After the cervix is fully dilated, this is the stage where, with contractions and pushing, the baby passes through the birth canal and is born.
• Third stage: This is the stage after the baby is born, when the placenta (afterbirth) separates from the womb and is delivered.

Your water breaking

Your water breaking may not come as a big gush; it can also show up as a small leak.

These distinctions matter:

• urine is usually yellowish and smells of ammonia,
• normal vaginal discharge tends to be more creamy in texture,
• amniotic fluid is usually clearer and may smell faintly sweet.

Even when you're not sure, you should let your doctor know.

Fluid that is green or brown may suggest meconium has been passed in the womb and requires urgent evaluation.

If your due date has passed

Home methods for starting labor are known to be neither safe nor proven. Before trying raspberry leaf tea, nipple stimulation, very spicy foods, or anything similar, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Back and pelvic pain

As your baby drops lower, pelvic pressure, groin pain, and lower back pain may increase. This can make walking and sleeping harder.

Resting, cutting back on movements that make the pain worse, massage, a warm shower, and gentle walks can all bring some relief.

Insomnia and the stress of waiting

Insomnia is very common at this stage. Hormones, discomfort, frequent trips to the bathroom, and the anticipation of birth can all contribute to it.

Setting a consistent sleep routine, taking short daytime rests, and finding a comfortable position at night can help.

Swelling and warning signs

Swelling in your hands, feet, and fingers is common. But a sudden increase can be significant.

Call your doctor right away in the following situations:

• a sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands, or feet,
• a severe headache,
• vision problems,
• a decrease in your baby's movements,
• foul-smelling, colored, or continuous fluid,
• vaginal bleeding.

The first skin-to-skin contact

Right after birth, if conditions allow, you may be encouraged to hold your baby against your chest. This is known as skin-to-skin contact.

Skin-to-skin contact can help your baby feel safe, recognize your voice and scent, bond with you, and begin those first feeding behaviors.

Symptoms you might notice this week include:

• strong Braxton Hicks contractions
• real labor contractions
• lower back and groin pain
• pelvic pressure
• frequent urination
• colostrum leaking from your breasts
• insomnia
• heartburn and indigestion
• diarrhea
• hemorrhoid complaints
• swelling in your hands and feet
• losing your mucus plug
• bloody show
• your water breaking

Your stomach may be very cramped at this stage. So eating small, frequent meals instead of large ones may feel more comfortable.

To keep your energy up, small and light snacks may be a better fit. Light options like a banana or yogurt are good examples.

• Track your baby's movements every day.
• If the movements decrease or weaken, get checked out right away.
• Don't miss your Week 40 and Week 41 appointments.
• Go over the signs of labor again.
• If you think your water has broken, don't wait.
• If you're feeling well, you can keep up gentle walks and light movement.
• If you're planning a home birth, make sure your backup plan is clear.
• Have comfortable clothes and the basics ready for the first days after birth.

What happens once your due date passes?

Your due date is only an estimate; only a small portion of babies are born on that exact day. It's common for pregnancy to stretch a few days or more past this date, and a significant share of pregnancies can last into the 41st week.

So passing your due date is often not a sign of a problem. Even so, at this stage your doctor may want to keep a closer eye on you.

About membrane sweeping

A membrane sweep is when your doctor or the health professional caring for you gently separates the membranes with a soft movement around the cervix. This procedure aims to encourage the release of natural substances that may help start labor.

A membrane sweep can increase the chance of labor starting on its own and sometimes reduces the need for induction. Your doctor will assess whether this option is right for you.

About induction

Induction is starting labor with medical methods. It may come up when pregnancy stretches well past the due date, usually toward the 41st or 42nd week. That's because some risks can increase beyond this point.

Different methods can be used to start labor during an induction. These include applying substances that prepare the body for labor, breaking the bag of waters, and giving medications that start contractions. Your doctor decides which method is appropriate based on your situation.

Monitoring after the due date

Once you pass your due date, your doctor may monitor your baby's condition more closely. This monitoring may include steps like evaluating your baby's heartbeat, an ultrasound, and checking the amniotic fluid.

The goal of this monitoring is to make sure your baby stays well as the pregnancy goes on longer. Keeping up with the recommended check-ups is especially important during this time.

Keeping up with movement tracking

There is no single “normal” number for your baby's movements; what matters is your baby's own movement pattern that you've grown used to. Even if you've passed your due date, movements slowing down or decreasing is not something to be expected.

If you notice any decrease or change in movements, don't leave it until the next day; call your doctor right away. Reduced movement can sometimes be a warning sign.