Week 40 of Pregnancy
Your baby is about the size of a watermelon (36 cm)
Your Baby This Week
Development milestones for week 40
Happy due date week to you and your 40 weeks pregnant self. Your baby is fully developed, weighing approximately 7.5 to 8.5 pounds and measuring around 51 centimeters from head to toe. Think of a small watermelon, and you have a good mental picture of what you are carrying. All organs are functioning, all reflexes are primed, and your baby is simply waiting for the hormonal signals that trigger labor. The vernix coating is nearly gone, and your baby may have long fingernails that need trimming after birth. That thick, dark meconium has accumulated in the intestines and will be your baby's first bowel movement. Your baby's skull bones can overlap slightly to navigate the birth canal, which is why newborns sometimes have cone-shaped heads that round out within days. Everything is ready. Baby just did not read the calendar.
Your Body This Week
Changes you may experience
Reaching 40 weeks and still being pregnant feels like a cruel joke when you have been counting down for months. Only about 5 percent of babies arrive on their actual due date, so take comfort that going past is completely normal. Your body may be giving you signs that labor is approaching: loose stools, increased contractions, restlessness, lower back pain that comes and goes, or a sudden burst of energy. Some women feel a noticeable shift in mood or an intuitive sense that things are changing. Pelvic pressure is likely intense, and you may feel like your baby will arrive any second. Sleeping is nearly impossible, partly from discomfort and partly from anticipation. Every twinge makes you wonder "Is this it?" This hyperawareness is exhausting but completely normal as your body prepares for labor.
Tips & Advice for Week 40
Practical guidance from real moms
The frustration of still being pregnant on your due date is real. Text messages asking "Any news?" can feel invasive. Consider setting your phone to do-not-disturb or sending a mass message letting everyone know you will announce when baby arrives. Many parents find it helpful to plan one small activity each day: a coffee date, a movie, a walk in a new neighborhood. This gives you something to look forward to beyond waiting for contractions. If you have not already, discuss your provider's approach to going past your due date. Most will schedule a non-stress test and ultrasound to check amniotic fluid levels and fetal wellbeing. Induction typically gets discussed if you approach 41-42 weeks. Until then, rest, stay hydrated, keep moving gently, and trust that your baby will come when they are ready.
Medical Guidance for Week 40
What to discuss with your healthcare provider
If you reach 40 weeks, your provider will likely schedule additional monitoring: non-stress tests to check baby's heart rate reactivity and ultrasounds to measure amniotic fluid. Discuss the timeline for potential induction, typically offered between 41 and 42 weeks because risks of stillbirth increase slightly after 41 weeks. Membrane sweeping remains an option to encourage spontaneous labor. Report any decreased fetal movement, regular painful contractions, or water breaking immediately.
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.