The wait is almost over, and if you're 40 weeks pregnant, you're in month 9 of your pregnancy, and It's almost time! In days, you'll get to see your gorgeous baby. Yes, we must admit, it has been a rather interesting, yet memorable journey, but the beautiful adventure starts when your little bubba is born.
If you are a first-time mummy, then this week you’ll have an antenatal appointment, your blood pressure will be checked, your bump measured and you'll give in a urine sample, to show how well you and baby are.
You're probably experiencing a lot of practice contractions now, which is referred to as Braxton Hickscontractions (and if we’re being honest, feel like a burning sensation, but don’t panic, they shouldn’t cause you too much pain). But, when you start getting labour pains, you'll feel it, as real contractions hurt when your bump feels close-fitted, and then the pain disappears when the muscles relax, and then picks up again.
Although your little pumpkin may be fully prepped for life outside the womb, with all systems (including organs and reflexes) a go, we want you to feel fully prepared yourself. So, from advice, symptoms and baby development, here is everything that you need to know.
How big is my baby at 40 weeks pregnant?
Hurray! Your baby probably weighs anywhere from 6 to 9 pounds and measures between 19 and 22 inches (about the size of a little pumpkin) — bearing in mind that a lot of perfectly healthy babies are born smaller or bigger.
Your baby is getting slightly compressed now but should still be active and moving around in their usual pattern (and that includes, giving you that cute little kick, when they can hear the sound to your favourite soundtrack).
Movements should not be reduced or stopped, and if you happen to come across or notice any changes, then please contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away – there will be someone there to answer calls 24 hours a day.
Mum's body at 40 weeks?
You've experienced being 39 weeks pregnant, but at 40 weeks you’ve now reached the end of your due date, even though this is hardly the actual date on which you’ll give birth. For most momma's-to-be, labour begins to show signs between 38 weeks and 42 weeks of pregnancy.
High five to you, your body has done a brilliant job of shielding, protecting and nourishing your little one throughout your pregnancy journey, and by now you’re probably anxious, to start caring for your newborn baby in a different routine and way.
As the birth of your baby comes near, there’s still time for you, and your birth partner (if you’ll have one), to read up on all the aspects of labour and childbirth, and make a list of any questions that you may have for your doctor of midwife.
This is a fabulous way of planning for every possibility. If there’s an alteration in your plan or during your labour, you might not have as much time to captivate new information and ask questions, and you may also be exhausted and not able to think straight.
So, to be precise, if you aren’t thinking about having a caesarean section, it’s still worth getting all important information and advice on what will happen if it does become necessary.
What is my baby doing at 40 weeks pregnant?
It’s the official end of your pregnancy, but your baby may not realise it yet, Afterall they have been tucked away snug in your tummy for so long. But even though some babies come on time, around 30 per cent of pregnancies last longer than 40 weeks. But, hey, hold tight – we understand the excitement, it’s nearly time to meet your baby.
While they are still living inside your tummy, you’re still delivering the antibodies they need to fight away infections for the first few months of their life, through the umbilical cord. And, once they are born, you’ll no doubt first check to see the sex, and whether your little one is a boy or a girl! Once that thrilling revelation is finished, there is so much to admire. Their tiny and adorable hands and feet, their hair colour, and of course, their little beamy eyes.
Babies at birth can only see about an inch away, so you may look a little fuzzy to begin with, but make sure you talk lots and interact with your little one, as they will recognise, you and your partner’s voice.
And, when your baby comes out, you might notice that they are still coiled up, almost like the foetal position. After being in one position for so long, it’ll take a while for your little one to begin to understand that they have plenty of room to spread out - plus, it’s soothing for them to be in the foetal posture, as it’s the only position they have ever known.
40 weeks pregnant: your symptoms
Here are some of the symptoms you may be experiencing at 40 weeks pregnant:
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Cramps or period pain. If you feel period-like pains or cramping at any time around 40 weeks pregnant, this could be a sign that your labour is about to start. Let your midwife or doctor know if you notice this.
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Losing the mucus plug. For most of your pregnancy, the opening to the uterus – known as the cervix – has been sealed with a plug of mucus.
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Contractions. You may have already experienced Braxton Hicks contractions from time to time, and perhaps you’re wondering if you’ll be able to tell when the real ones hit. Relaxing, such as taking a warm bath, a massage, or having a nap can help with this, or drinking some water to rehydrate.
What to expect during labour:
Stay calm and comfy, be fully aware of the signs of labour, and don't be embarrassed about speaking to your midwife for whatever you need to maintain things that way. whether it's some soothing music, a foot rub or a cold flannel for your head.
Remember, even when you get agitated, remember your birthing partner or midwife is going to have a tough time understanding your wants and needs — especially if this is your first time going into labour.
When your contractions start to feel sturdy, causing difficulty for you to talk through them, this is where your breathing exercises come in, if you decide to use them. Between your contractions, changing positions can help. Bear in mind, staff at the hospital will be there to support you and watch your gorgeous baby's position and development.
If you are having an epidural, you'll be hooked up to an IV to maintain your fluids after it’s managed and possibly an on-going fetal monitor. If you have a walking epidural, moving your legs will be minimal, but increase changing positions if you can.
According to expert Midwife Pip: "The simpliest things often make the biggest difference and your bladder is one of those things during labor an birth. Remember to wee. A full bladder may stop your baby descending through the birth canal leading to slower progress."
In terms to what labor feels like, Midwife Marley said: "Remember there is a difference in sensation between labour that is left to run its course naturally, and one that is induced with synthetic oxytocin. the answer is it varies from person to person. I can personally only describe it to an upset stomach, the cramps you get with a higher intensity. these cramps may be felt in the lower abdomen or back, usually depending on which way the baby is facing."
40 weeks pregnant: things to consider
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At 40 weeks pregnant it’s a good idea to review your pain relief options for labour if you’re planning to give birth vaginally. Speak to your midwife or doctor about what comfort measures are available to you at the hospital or birthing centre
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Now might be the perfect time for a chat with your birth partner caregiver about your wants for labour and childbirth, so that he or she can give you the support and backing that you need.
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Although, you may be eager to kiss and hold your baby, focus on a self-indulgence and you-time. If you’re 40 weeks pregnant and see no signs of labour, why not treat yourself to a new hair-do, go out for brunch or catch a film, or read noveles or a listen to a podcast that makes you (and baby) laugh? Once your baby is born, you'll be on call 24 hours a day, and it'll be a while before you can squeeze in a little ‘me time’.
40 weeks pregnant: questions to ask your doctor
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At this point, does your doctor advise holding on a little longer or inducing labour?
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If you’re hoping to give birth vaginally, what are the cons and pros of having an episiotomy?
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Will your partner be allowed to cut the umbilical cord once baby is born?
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Is it okay to have sexual intercourse, with your due date close by?
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Is there anything you can you do at home to produce labour?
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What is the first thing you should do if you notice changes in your baby's movements.
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What should you expect in terms of postpartum recovery?
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Are there any postpartum symptoms you should contact your healthcare provider about?
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How soon after giving birth can you start breastfeeding baby? (If this is something you want to do).
Your checklist and what to do this week:
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Check with your hospital or birthing centre to see if it includes showers/baths that you can use during labour, to help with handling labor pain.
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Make a note of all the people you want to tell the good news as your little one’s born.
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Get your hospital bag ready together with the important and most needed items.
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If possible, organise some help around the house for the first few days and weeks after your baby is born. getting help with cooking, cleaning, (the non-stopping baby laundry), looking after pets etc.
Remember, although you’ve reached 40 weeks pregnant, there’s no guarantee that your baby will want to come out just yet.
Very few babies arrive on their due date and in reality, they could turn up anytime between weeks 37 and 42.
And also, you've got this, don't panic or let the worries take over, enjoy this moment because before you know it, you'll have a little tiny baby just gazing at you, and giving you the most beautiful and contagious smile ever.