Third trimester · 40 weeks pregnant
Week 40: your due date
Only about 1 in 20 babies arrive exactly on time.
This is the week of your due date, but most babies arrive within two weeks either side of it. Your baby is fully developed and still adding fat. The skull bones will overlap slightly during birth.
Size and weight
About the size of
a small pumpkin
Length
51.2 cm
Weight
3.5 kg
Averages from standard growth charts. Measured crown to rump until week 20 and head to heel afterwards.
How your baby is developing
- The baby is fully developed and continues to gain fat.
- Skull bones can overlap during birth; the head may look moulded at first.
- Nails may extend past the fingertips.
- The baby keeps practising breathing and swallowing until birth.
How you may feel
- Impatience
- Pelvic pressure and difficulty walking
- Contractions that may start and stop
- Insomnia
- Discharge or a show
- Swelling
Going past your due date is common and usually fine. Your care team will offer more monitoring from 41 weeks and discuss induction if your baby has not arrived by 41 to 42 weeks.
What's next
Tests and appointments
- 40-week appointment: blood pressure, urine, movements and position.
- A membrane sweep may be offered.
- Discussion of monitoring and induction options if you go past 41 weeks.
What to do this week
- Rest and distract yourself: a film, a walk, time with friends.
- Keep noticing movements and call the same day if anything changes.
- Ask any remaining questions about induction so you can decide calmly.
Call your doctor or maternity hospital if
- Your baby is moving less than usual, or the pattern has changed
- Vaginal bleeding, or your waters break, especially if the fluid is green or brown
- A severe headache, vision changes, pain under the right ribs, or sudden swelling of your face and hands
- Regular painful tightenings before 37 weeks, or severe itching of your palms and soles
If something feels wrong, trust yourself and call 103 or your maternity hospital. You will never be wasting anyone's time.
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