40th Week of Pregnancy

Baby

Baby's Growth and Development When You're 40 Weeks Pregnant

Your due date arrives during the 40th week of pregnancy, but it might come and go without fanfare. Changes in your baby’s body prior to birth include:

1. A surge of hormones in your baby’s body might play a part in initiating labor.

2. Your baby weighs between 7 and 8 pounds and measures between 18 and 20½ inches long. More or less is OK

Your body

Your Changing Body When You're 40 Weeks Pregnant

When you’re 40 weeks pregnant, your body makes many final preparations for labor and delivery.

1. Your bones, muscles, and joints continue to relax.

2. The ligaments in your pelvis loosen to enable it to open up during birth.

3. You might feel pressure on your pelvis.

4. You might have lower-back aches.

5. You might have trouble finding a comfortable sleeping position.

6. Rest as much as you can to prepare for the upcoming labor and delivery.

7. Your cervix might open (dilate). Dilation can begin in the weeks, days, or hours prior to labor.

8. The mucous plug that once blocked your uterus to stop bacteria from entering your cervix might release. This small brown or blood-tinged discharge from your vagina might go unnoticed. This normal process is commonly called the show. It is a sign that your body is preparing for labor.

9. In 10% of women, the amniotic sac of water breaks prior to labor. It can gush or leak slowly.