Welcome to Pregnancy Week 40! Your estimated due date may be around this time, and you could meet your baby very soon.
However, it is important to remember that a due date is an estimate. Some babies arrive before the estimated date, while others arrive a little later.
Even at Week 40, your baby continues to develop and prepare for life outside the uterus. You may also notice stronger signs that your body is preparing for labor, including contractions, pelvic pressure, back discomfort and changes in vaginal discharge.
Your baby's movements should still remain noticeable, and any significant reduction or concerning change should be reported promptly to your maternity care provider.
What Happens During Pregnancy Week 40?
At Week 40, your baby is continuing important final development.
The brain and nervous system continue to mature, and your baby's body continues preparing for:
- Breathing
- Feeding
- Maintaining body temperature
- Adjusting to life outside the uterus
Your baby may arrive at any time, although pregnancy can also continue beyond the estimated due date.
How Big Is the Baby at Week 40?
Your baby may be approximately the size of a small pumpkin or watermelon, although size and weight vary significantly between babies.
Your healthcare provider will assess your baby's growth and well-being according to your individual pregnancy.
There is no single "perfect" weight or size for every baby.
Baby's Position at Week 40
Many babies are positioned head-down in preparation for birth.
If your baby has moved deeper into your pelvis, you may notice:
- Increased pelvic pressure
- Pressure on the bladder
- More frequent urination
- Discomfort when walking
- A feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen
Your healthcare provider can check your baby's position during prenatal appointments.
Baby's Movement at Week 40
Your baby should still move regularly.
You may notice:
- Kicks
- Stretching
- Pushing
- Shifting
- Turning
- Hiccups
- Pressure under your ribs
- Movement in the lower abdomen
Because there is limited space inside the uterus, movements may feel different from earlier in pregnancy.
You may feel more stretching and pushing instead of large rolling movements.
However, do not assume that reduced movement is normal because you have reached your due date.
If you notice a significant reduction or concerning change in your baby's usual movements, contact your maternity care provider promptly.
Understanding Your Baby's Movement Pattern
Every baby has their own pattern of activity.
Your baby may have active periods followed by periods of sleep.
The most important thing is knowing what is normal for your baby.
Continue paying attention to your baby's usual movement pattern every day.
If something feels different or concerning, it is better to contact your maternity care provider rather than waiting.
Baby's Brain Development
Your baby's brain continues developing.
Important connections between nerve cells continue forming.
These connections support important functions such as:
- Movement
- Coordination
- Sensory processing
- Learning
- Communication
Brain development continues after birth and throughout childhood.
Baby's Lungs
Your baby's lungs have developed significantly by this stage.
However, pregnancy continues to support overall maturation and development until birth.
After delivery, your baby will begin the important transition from receiving oxygen through the placenta to breathing independently.
Baby's Skin and Body Fat
Your baby has developed a layer of body fat that helps with temperature regulation after birth.
The skin is smoother, and your baby's body has a fuller appearance.
Some vernix, the protective creamy substance that covered your baby's skin during pregnancy, may still be present at birth.
Common Symptoms During Pregnancy Week 40
You may experience:
- Pelvic pressure
- Back pain
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty sleeping
- Tiredness
- Heartburn
- Constipation
- Mild swelling
- Leg cramps
- Breast tenderness
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- Stronger or more frequent contractions
Every pregnancy is different, and symptoms can vary from one person to another.
Pelvic Pressure
Pelvic pressure can become intense during Week 40, especially if your baby has moved lower into the pelvis.
You may feel:
- Heaviness
- Pressure while walking
- Discomfort when standing
- Difficulty changing positions
- Increased bladder pressure
Rest when needed and avoid activities that cause significant discomfort.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions can become more noticeable as you approach labor.
They may feel like tightening or hardening of the uterus.
They are often irregular and may become less noticeable after:
- Resting
- Drinking water
- Changing position
However, contractions that become more regular, stronger, longer and closer together may be a sign that labor is beginning.
Signs of Labor
Labor can begin differently for every person.
Regular Contractions
True labor contractions often become:
- More regular
- Stronger
- Longer
- Closer together
Unlike many Braxton Hicks contractions, labor contractions usually continue despite rest or changing position.
If you are unsure whether you are in labor, contact your maternity care provider.
Your Water Breaking
Your water may break before or during labor.
This can feel like:
- A sudden gush of fluid
- A continuous trickle
- Persistent leaking
If you think your water has broken, contact your maternity care provider or maternity unit for advice.
Bloody Show
You may notice mucus containing a small amount of blood.
This can happen as the cervix begins to change in preparation for labor.
However, heavy vaginal bleeding is not normal and requires urgent medical attention.
Increased Pelvic or Rectal Pressure
As your baby moves deeper into the pelvis, you may feel increasing pressure.
However, pressure alone does not always mean that active labor has started.
Changes in Vaginal Discharge
You may notice changes in your vaginal discharge during Week 40.
Possible changes include:
- Increased discharge
- Thick mucus
- Jelly-like mucus
- Mucus with small streaks of blood
If you experience heavy bleeding, fluid leakage or discharge with a strong unpleasant odor, contact your healthcare provider.
Back Pain During Week 40
Back discomfort can become more noticeable as your body prepares for birth.
You may find relief through:
- Changing positions regularly
- Using pillows for support
- Gentle walking if appropriate
- Pregnancy-safe stretching
- Resting when needed
Severe, sudden or unusual pain should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Nutrition During Pregnancy Week 40
Continue eating a balanced and varied diet.
You do not need to follow a special "labor-inducing" diet.
No specific food can guarantee that labor will begin.
Protein
Choose healthy protein sources such as:
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Lean meat
- Beans
- Lentils
- Yogurt
- Tofu
- Nuts
- Low-mercury fish
Fruits and Vegetables
Include a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide:
- Fiber
- Vitamins
- Minerals
Whole Grains
Good choices include:
- Oats
- Brown rice
- Whole-wheat bread
- Quinoa
- Whole-grain cereals
Healthy Fats
Choose healthy fats from:
- Avocado
- Olive oil
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Low-mercury fish
Staying Hydrated
Continue drinking water regularly.
Hydration supports:
- Digestion
- Circulation
- Normal body functions
It may also help prevent constipation.
Even if frequent urination is uncomfortable, do not intentionally reduce your fluid intake.
Foods to Avoid
Continue following pregnancy food-safety recommendations.
Avoid:
- Alcohol
- Raw or undercooked meat
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- Raw shellfish
- Fish high in mercury
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
Caffeine During Pregnancy
A commonly recommended limit is 200 mg of caffeine per day.
Remember that caffeine can be found in:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Chocolate
- Energy drinks
- Some medications
Consider your total daily caffeine intake.
Exercise During Week 40
If your pregnancy is uncomplicated and your healthcare provider has not recommended restrictions, gentle activity may still be appropriate.
Possible activities include:
- Walking
- Gentle stretching
- Prenatal yoga
- Swimming
Listen carefully to your body.
Stop exercising and seek medical advice if you experience concerning symptoms.
Sleep During Week 40
Sleep can be difficult because of:
- Pelvic pressure
- Frequent urination
- Heartburn
- Baby movements
- Contractions
- Anxiety or excitement
- Difficulty finding a comfortable position
Use pillows to support your body.
Try to rest whenever possible.
Short periods of rest during the day can also be helpful.
Prenatal Care at Week 40
Continue attending all scheduled prenatal appointments.
Your healthcare provider may monitor:
- Blood pressure
- Your baby's movements
- Baby's position
- Amniotic fluid
- Your pregnancy symptoms
- Your overall health
Depending on your individual situation and how far your pregnancy continues beyond your estimated due date, your healthcare provider may discuss additional monitoring or options for delivery.
What If My Baby Does Not Arrive on My Due Date?
It is common for babies not to arrive exactly on their estimated due date.
Your due date is an estimate based on pregnancy dating.
If your pregnancy continues, your healthcare provider may recommend additional monitoring depending on your health, your baby's well-being and local medical guidelines.
They may also discuss when induction of labor could be considered.
The best plan depends on your individual pregnancy, so follow the advice of your maternity care provider.
Preparing for the Birth
Your baby may arrive at any time.
Make sure you have:
- Your hospital bag ready
- Important documents prepared
- Transportation arranged
- Important phone numbers saved
- Essential newborn supplies ready
- A safe sleeping space for your baby
- A plan for support after birth
You may also want to review when to contact your maternity unit.
Emotional Well-Being
Waiting for labor to begin can be emotionally challenging.
You may feel:
- Excited
- Impatient
- Nervous
- Happy
- Worried
- Tired
- Overwhelmed
Try to focus on rest and simple activities that help you feel calm.
Talk with your partner, family, friends or healthcare provider about any concerns.
If sadness or anxiety becomes persistent and interferes with your daily life, speak with a healthcare professional.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
Contact your healthcare provider or maternity unit promptly if you experience:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Fluid leaking from the vagina
- Regular or increasingly painful contractions
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Severe headache
- Vision changes
- Sudden significant swelling
- Fever
- Fainting
- Sudden or severe difficulty breathing
- A significant reduction or concerning change in your baby's movements
Do not ignore severe or unusual symptoms during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Week 40 Checklist
- Attend all scheduled prenatal appointments.
- Continue taking recommended prenatal supplements.
- Pay attention to your baby's normal movement pattern.
- Keep your hospital bag ready.
- Keep important documents accessible.
- Confirm transportation.
- Review the signs of labor.
- Save important phone numbers.
- Prepare newborn essentials.
- Prepare a safe sleeping space.
- Eat balanced meals.
- Drink enough water.
- Rest whenever possible.
- Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Week 40 the due date?
Week 40 is around the estimated due date for many pregnancies. However, a due date is an estimate, and babies can arrive before or after this date.
Should my baby still move at Week 40?
Yes. Your baby's movements should still be noticeable. Movements may feel different because there is less space, but a significant reduction or concerning change should be reported promptly.
Can I naturally induce labor with food or exercise?
There is no guaranteed food, drink or exercise that will safely start labor. Talk with your healthcare provider before trying methods intended to induce labor.
What should I do if my water breaks?
Contact your maternity care provider or maternity unit promptly for advice.
What happens if I go past my due date?
Your healthcare provider may recommend additional monitoring and discuss the safest next steps, including whether induction of labor should be considered.
When should I go to the hospital?
Follow the instructions given by your maternity care provider. Contact them if you have regular contractions, think your water has broken, experience bleeding, notice reduced fetal movement or have other concerning symptoms.
Conclusion
Pregnancy Week 40 is the final milestone in this week-by-week pregnancy journey. Your baby may arrive at any time, while your body and your baby continue preparing for birth.
Remember that the estimated due date is not an exact deadline. Some babies arrive before it, while others need a little more time.
Continue paying attention to your baby's movements, attending your prenatal appointments, eating balanced meals, staying hydrated and resting whenever possible.
Keep your hospital bag and practical plans ready, and know when to contact your maternity care provider.
Soon, this pregnancy journey will lead to one of life's most unforgettable moments: meeting your baby for the first time.
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