40 Weeks Pregnant

Waiting for your baby to be born can be tough from a mental point of view but also a physical point of view. You might be over it by now or you could be uncomfortable. If you can relate then try and take your mind off things by going for a walk, chill out and watch TV, perhaps even do some yoga (if you feel up to it!). We promise, within the next few weeks, you’ll be knee-deep in nappies, so do try and enjoy this time if you can!

How Big is Baby at 40 Weeks?

At 40 weeks, your baby has reached his or her full-term size, which typically ranges from 6 to 9 pounds (2.7 to 4 kg), measuring about 19 to 20 inches (48 to 51 cm) from head to heel. The baby’s size and weight can vary significantly, influenced by genetics, your health, and the environment in the womb. However, they are usually about the size of a small pumpkin at this stage.

For many women, your baby’s size at this stage can be quite daunting. We get it, the thought of pushing out a small pumpkin seems impossible! The good news is that your baby is designed to travel through the birth canal and this is because their head actually moulds to fit (and then unmoulds after birth!). Your baby’s body also isn’t the size of a pumpkin because a pumpkin is round and hard, and your baby’s body just isn’t. This means that comparing to a pumpkin is nonsense. Your baby is now the size of a newborn baby, and they are designed to travel down through the birth canal and out into the world – in their own time. 

Although there is very little room for your baby to move around now, their pattern of movements should not change. If you notice less or no movement, you need to seek urgent medical help. You should be monitoring movements daily. The Kicks Count website is a great resource for all things baby movement.

Late Pregnancy: Antenatal Appointments

If this is your first pregnancy, you will have an antenatal appointment around now. At this appointment, your doctor or midwife will measure the size of your bump and test for signs of pre-eclampsia by taking your blood pressure and a urine sample. Very high blood pressure and protein in your urine are two signs of this condition. Although rare, re-eclampsia is a serious condition that can develop from week 20 of pregnancy. Your antenatal care from week 20 is geared towards spotting signs of pre-eclampsia early on.

Labour vs Practice Contractions (Braxton Hicks)

Recently, you may have noticed “practice contractions”, known as Braxton Hicks contractions, in the weeks leading up to giving birth. Braxton Hicks can be uncomfortable for some women. On the flip side, many women don’t even notice them. When real contractions start, you might feel like you have lower back pain, period pains, or tightening. There is no hard and fast rule about where your contractions start and how they feel – everyone is different.

Contractions in early labour are typically sporadic, and you can usually talk through them. By the time you are fully dilated (approximately 10cm), your contractions change to push your baby down and out through the birth canal. The final stage of labour is the placenta coming out. By this time, you should be laid back, babe in arms, getting kick-started with breastfeeding! 

Many women worry about when to head to hospital. The answer to this is when you cannot talk through contraction any more and they are coming in thick and fast.

Your Body at Week 40 of Pregnancy

By week 40, your body is making final preparations for labour. Many of the changes occurring in the body are designed to facilitate these processes, and this includes an increase in hormones that make you want to nest and focus on your baby.

Physical Changes at Week 40 of Pregnancy

Increased Braxton Hicks Contractions: As already mentioned, these “practice” contractions may become more frequent and intense as the body prepares for real labour.

Pelvic Discomfort: As the baby descends into your pelvis, ready for birth, you might experience increased pressure and discomfort in the pelvic area. This can include needing to wee more often.

Changes in Weight: Most women will have gained between 25 and 35 pounds (11.3 to 15.9 kg) by this point in their pregnancy, though this range can vary. Weight gain is totally normal in pregnancy.

Dilation and Effacement: The cervix will begin to dilate and efface (thin out), which are signs that the body is preparing for labour. The more your cervix has effaced and softened – the closer you are to the start of labour.

Nesting Instinct: Some women experience a burst of energy used to prepare the home for the new arrival, known as the nesting instinct. Remember not to overdo it!

Common Pregnancy Symptoms at 40 Weeks

Fatigue: Despite the nesting instinct, many women feel extremely tired due to the physical burden of late pregnancy.

Back Pain and General Discomfort: The additional weight and altered centre of gravity can cause significant discomfort and lower back pain.

Frequent Urination: The baby’s position may exert pressure on your bladder, resulting in a need to urinate more often.

Swelling: Swelling of the feet, ankles, and hands can occur due to increased fluid retention.

Reminder – Signs of Labour

Water Breaking: The rupture of the amniotic sac can happen at any time now, signalling that labour is imminent or has started. This will be more of a trickle rather than a gush, as is seen in movies! Although this is a sign of labour, it’s usually one of the last things to happen during labour, as your baby starts to travel down through the birth canal.

Contractions: Contractions that increase in intensity, frequency, and duration are a clear sign that labour has begun. Remember, contractions are usually sporadic at the start of labour!

Mucus Plug and Bloody Show: The discharge of the mucus plug, which may be tinged with blood, is a pre-labour sign. This can happen days or even weeks before contractions start and is classed as the start of labour.

Week 40 of pregnancy is a time of waiting and watching as signs of impending labour become more pronounced. It will be a period of immense excitement as well as anxiety for both you and your family.

Rest up, listen to your body and when the time comes, know that you are built to birth. If you ever need support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!