Welcome to your week-by-week pregnancy guide! As you reach the final stretch of your pregnancy, we’re here to provide you with all the essential information regarding what to expect during this time: from symptoms and fetal development to appointments and ultrasounds. Here’s what you should know about week 40.
Your Body at 40 Weeks Pregnant
Labor Is Just Around the Corner
At 40 weeks pregnant, you could go into labor at any moment. While the third trimester has been an experience, you are undoubtedly eager to meet your little one. Contrary to popular belief, only about 15% of women experience their water breaking prior to labor.
If your water breaks, which is the amniotic fluid that has protected your baby for the last nine months, it’s known as premature rupture of membranes (PROM). You might find it challenging to determine if your water has truly broken, leading to a few false alarms. A trickle of urine can sometimes be mistaken for the momentous occasion!
When your water does break, it can feel like a slow leak or a sudden gush. The fluid is usually clear or pale yellow and lacks any odor, which can help you distinguish it from urine. If you’re uncertain, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. If you are fairly certain your water has broken, jot down the time and start monitoring your contractions.
While your water may or may not break before labor begins, you will definitely recognize the onset of contractions. In early labor, these contractions will last 30 to 60 seconds, with breaks lasting five to 20 minutes. As labor progresses and the contractions intensify (and yes, they will become painful), you’ll notice they last longer—between 45 to 60 seconds—and the intervals between them will shorten to three to five minutes. This indicates active labor, and it’s time to head to your chosen healthcare facility as your baby is ready to greet the world.
Your Baby at 40 Weeks Pregnant
At this stage, your baby is roughly the size of a turducken—though they are, of course, a real baby! Typically, they weigh between six and nine pounds and measure about 19 to 22 inches long. If your little one is slightly smaller or larger than this range, there’s no need to worry.
Space in your uterus has become quite limited, so you might feel approximately ten kicks, jabs, or rolls each hour as your baby awaits their debut. If this is your first pregnancy, it’s common for such babies to arrive a bit later than expected, so hang tight!
Aside from the skull, your baby’s bones are now solid. The skull remains soft and flexible to aid in the journey through the birth canal, and this will continue to develop over the next eight to 15 months. If you opt for a vaginal birth, your baby’s head may appear cone-shaped and possibly bruised upon your first meeting, but they will be perfect in your eyes.
Your Symptoms and Health at 40 Weeks Pregnant
Cervical Changes
As labor approaches, your cervix will begin to dilate and thin out—a process known as dilation and effacement. This can start earlier for some women and is often imperceptible. However, during week 40, it’s likely that these changes are occurring. Dilation and effacement will persist into early and active labor.
Expect the Unexpected
You may have meticulously planned every detail of your birth experience, and while some aspects may unfold as you envisioned, remember that not everything is within your control. Stay calm if things diverge from your plans; you’ve got this, Mama! It’s time to welcome your baby.
For further insights into the journey of pregnancy and home insemination, check out this other blog post. For those looking to boost fertility, consider exploring fertility supplements from trusted sources. Additionally, IVF Babble offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, reaching 40 weeks pregnant means you’re on the brink of meeting your baby. Pay attention to your body’s signals, be prepared for labor, and embrace the unexpected moments that may arise along the way.