Week Forty Pregnancy

You Are

Congratulations! This is week 40 of your pregnancy and it is your due date. Although most women deliver at this time, it is not uncommon for pregnancies to extend a little longer. Your body is preparing – Braxton Hicks contractions may become stronger, and pressure in your pelvis increases as your baby drops lower. You could feel unusually energized by your body’s prepwork or feel extreme tiredness. A rupture of the mucus plug may mean that labor is imminent. Keep on drinking a lot of water, rest when needed, and let your doctor know if you notice any active labor signs.

Your Baby

When you get to 40 weeks, your baby should be well developed, and weigh around 7 to 8 pounds and be about 21 inches in length. The baby’s organs are fully equipped and can sustain life outside the mother’s body. Your baby’s skin has usually lost its protective vernix caseosa by now. Your baby is active in your womb, learning how to breathe, suck, and grip in anticipation of birth. If your body does not go into labor on its own, your doctor could suggest that you consider induction in a couple of days.

Final Preparation Tips

• Keep your hospital bag ready.
• Monitor fetal movements; If you find that your baby’s movements have dropped drastically, get medical attention immediately.
• Take short walks to help induce labor.

Make sure to get lots of rest – you will need it for the fantastic work your body is about to do.

There is an important milestone ahead in your pregnancy. Be patient, trust your body, and expect your baby to arrive soon!