40 weeks pregnant: what to expect, baby development advice and symptoms

It’s the official end of your pregnancy, but your baby may not realise it yet. After all they have been tucked away snug in your tummy for so long. But even though some babies come on time, around 30 per cent of pregnancies last longer than 40 weeks. If you are a first-time mummy, then this week you’ll have an antenatal appointment, your blood pressure will be checked, your bump measured and you'll give in a urine sample, to show how well you and baby are.

How many months is 40 weeks pregnant?

At 40 weeks pregnant, you are 9 months pregnant, and your baby is full term. This is the last week of your 9th month and baby will be due any day now.

How big is my baby at 40 weeks pregnant?

Your baby probably weighs anywhere from 6 to 9 pounds and measures between 19 and 22 inches (about the size of a little pumpkin) — bearing in mind that a lot of perfectly healthy babies are born smaller or bigger.

What's my baby doing at 40 weeks pregnant?

Your baby is getting slightly compressed now but should still be active and moving around in their usual pattern. The NHS says movements should not be reduced or stopped, and if you happen to come across or notice any changes, then please contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away – there will be someone there to answer calls 24 hours a day.

Your baby's movements at 40 weeks pregnant

By week 40 your baby is practising the art of coordination and they can now respond to sounds, blink, clench their first and even turn their head. They are ready to enter the world and see you. Plus they are getting in position further down into the pelvis, ready for birth. It is likely your baby is head down and waiting.

Your baby's body at 40 weeks pregnant

Your baby is still growing hair and nails and even though your little one's organs are fully formed, they are still working on lung development. The fine hair (lanugo) that covered your baby's body will be mostly gone, although there may be a little bit still there when they are born.

Your pregnancy symptoms at 40 weeks pregnant

Braxton Hicks contractions

You're probably experiencing a lot of practice contractions now, which are referred to as Braxton Hickscontractions (and if we’re being honest, feel like a burning sensation, but don’t panic, they shouldn’t cause you too much pain). But, when you start getting labour pains, you'll feel it, as real contractions hurt when your bump feels close-fitted, and then the pain disappears when the muscles relax, and then picks up again.

Cramps or period pain

If you feel period-like pains or cramping at any time around 40 weeks pregnant, this could be a sign that your labour is about to start. Let your midwife or doctor know if you notice this.

Losing the mucus plug

For most of your pregnancy, the opening to the uterus – known as the cervix – has been sealed with a plug of mucus, known as the mucus plug. At 40 weeks pregnant, the mucus plus might come away, but this doesn't necessarily mean you are going into labour.

Waters breaking

Waters breaking is a sign that labour is starting, although it can happen before contractions start, during labour, or right before baby is born. Some babies are even born still in the sac (or caul). Dr. Tiffany Phamadvises that "amniotic fluid is normally clear and does not have the same odour as urine. Contractions or cramping may or may not be present. As always, if you are uncertain of whether your water has broken or not, contact your midwife or maternity unit for further advice."

Diarrhoea

As you get closer to labour, you might find that the sluggish bowels and constipation you might have suffered with the last few weeks, changes to diarrhoea which is another sign that labour might be close.

Your body at 40 weeks pregnant

High five to you, your body has done a brilliant job of shielding, protecting and nourishing your little one throughout your pregnancy journey, and by now you’re probably anxious to start caring for your newborn baby in a different routine and way. You might experience fatigue at the end of your pregnancy, as well as pelvic pressure because your baby is probably very low and engaged ready for delivery. You may also find yourself waddling with the weight of your bump, and because baby is low down. Nerves may also get compressed so don't be alarmed by shooting pains in your crotch region.

Looking after yourself at 40 weeks pregnant

You've experienced being 39 weeks pregnant, but at 40 weeks you’ve now reached your due date, but while baby is still living inside your tummy, you’re still delivering the antibodies they need to fight away infections for the first few months of their life, through the umbilical cord, so you must look after yourself.

At 40 weeks pregnant you might start to feel even more anxious about the impending birth. For most mums-to-be labour begins to show signs between 38 weeks and 42 weeks of pregnancy. As the birth of your baby comes near, there’s still time for you, and your birth partner (if you’ll have one), to read up on all the aspects of labour and childbirth, and make a list of any questions that you may have for your doctor of midwife. In preparation, you might want to ask the following questions:

This is a fabulous way of planning for every possibility during the birth and will also help to reassure you. If there’s an alteration in your birth plan during your labour, you might not have time to digest new information and ask questions, and you may also be exhausted and not able to think straight. So, to be precise, if you aren’t thinking about having a caesarean section, it’s still worth getting all important information and advice on what will happen if it does become necessary.

At 40 weeks pregnant it’s a good idea to review your pain relief options for labour if you’re planning to give birth vaginally. Speak to your midwife or doctor about what comfort measures are available to you at the hospital or birthing centre. Also now might be the perfect time for a chat with your birth partner caregiver about your wants for labour and childbirth, so that he or she can give you the support and backing that you need.

Although, you may be eager to kiss and hold your baby, focus on self-indulgence and you-time. If you’re 40 weeks pregnant and see no signs of labour, why not treat yourself to a new hair-do, go out for brunch or catch a film, or read a book or a listen to a podcast that makes you (and baby) laugh. Once your baby is born, you'll be on call 24 hours a day, and it'll be a while before you can squeeze in a little ‘me time’.

What to expect during labour

Stay calm and comfy, be fully aware of the signs of labour, and don't be embarrassed about speaking to your midwife for whatever you need to maintain things that way.  whether it's some soothing music, a foot rub or a cold flannel for your head.

Remember, even when you get agitated, remember your birthing partner or midwife is going to have a tough time understanding your wants and needs — especially if this is your first time going into labour.

When your contractions start to feel sturdy, causing difficulty for you to talk through them, this is where your breathing exercises come in, if you decide to use them. Between your contractions, changing positions can help. Bear in mind, staff at the hospital will be there to support you and watch your gorgeous baby's position and development.

If you are having an epidural, you'll be hooked up to an IV to maintain your fluids after it’s managed and possibly an on-going fetal monitor. If you have a walking epidural, moving your legs will be minimal, but increase changing positions if you can.

According to expert Midwife Pip: "The simpliest things often make the biggest difference and your bladder is one of those things during labour and birth. Remember to wee. A full bladder may stop your baby descending through the birth canal leading to slower progress."

In terms to what labor feels like, Midwife Marley says: "Remember there is a difference in sensation between labour that is left to run its course naturally, and one that is induced with synthetic oxytocin. The answer is it varies from person to person. I can personally only describe it to an upset stomach, the cramps you get with a higher intensity. these cramps may be felt in the lower abdomen or back, usually depending on which way the baby is facing."

Meeting your baby

Once they are born, you’ll no doubt first check to see the sex of your little one, and whether you have a boy or a girl! But there is so much to take in when you first meet your little one, from their tiny and adorable hands and feet, their hair colour, and of course, their little eyes blinking open.

Babies at birth can only see about an inch away, so you may look a little fuzzy to begin with, but make sure you talk lots and interact with your little one, because they will recognise, you and your partner’s voice.

And, when your baby comes out, you might notice that they are still coiled up, almost like the foetal position. After being in one position for so long, it’ll take a while for your little one to begin to understand that they have plenty of room to spread out - plus, it’s soothing for them to be in the foetal posture, as it’s the only position they have ever known.

How to prepare at 40 weeks pregnant

Make a note of all the people you want to tell the good news to when your little one’s born. In the excitement and tiredness after birth, it can be easy to forget.

Get your hospital bagready together with the important and most needed items to ensure you are ready to get to the hospital when labour starts. You might always want to ensure the car is filled with petrol.

If possible, organise some help around the house for the first few days and weeks after your baby is born (if you would like it). Getting help with cooking, cleaning, (the non-stop baby laundry), looking after pets can ease pressure and let you focus on all those newborn snuggles and establishing feeding.

Is it normal to be 40 weeks pregnant?

Yes, 40 weeks is the length of a normal pregnancy, although this can be shorter or longer. In fact, being 40 weeks pregnant means your baby has had the maximum time to develop and grow and reaching 40 weeks pregnant will protect your little one from the risks associated with premature birth.

What causes a baby to be overdue?

Remember, although you’ve reached 40 weeks pregnant, there’s no guarantee that your baby will want to come out just yet. Very few babies arrive on their due date and in reality, they could turn up anytime between weeks 37 and 42. There is no real reason why babies go overdue, it could be genetics, or sometimes it is thought first babies are more likely to be overdue. There are some things to try if you are overdue such as drinking raspberry leaf tea, eating a spicy curry, having sex, acupuncture, long walks or hot baths, but there is no evidence for this as the NHS advises.

What happens if you don't go into labour at 40 weeks pregnant?

While 40 weeks is the length of a normal pregnancy, that doesn't mean baby will arrive on time. If labour hasn't started by 42 weeks pregnant then it is likely you will be induced. If you are being induced due to complications or because your little one is overdue then you there are various methods such as a membrane sweep, Prostaglandin pessary or gel, breaking your waters or the hormone drip. This will trigger labour and before you know it you will have your baby in your arms.

About the expert

Dr. Tiffany Pham is a board-certified obstetrician and gynaecologist based in Houston, Texas. She also works as a medical advisor for Flo Health, one of the largest women’s health apps globally, and a telehealth physician for Allara Health, a virtual care service for hormonal, metabolic & gynecological conditions. Pham is passionate about helping women get access to necessary health services and medically-accurate health information and better understand their bodies.

Midwife Pip is an experienced, practising Midwifery Sister, MSc graduate, founder of Midwife Pip Podcast, Hypnobirthing and Antenatal Educator, co-author of published research and importantly a mum. She is on a mission to ensure all expectant and new mums feel like superwomen during pregnancy and when they give birth.

Marley Hall is a registered midwife who lives with her partner and five children (including a set of twins) in Surrey. She has practiced midwifery for more than a decade in both the NHS and the private sector, and is an expert in all things antenatal, pregnancy and postnatal care for women. Marley’s passion for education and informed consent shines in everything she does.

Adejumoke Ilori is a Commercial and Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mommy of one and enjoys writing about baby world, mothership, true life stories (especially single parenthood), and celebrity gossip. And, with a degree in Creative Writing, she has also worked with media platforms like, OK! Magazine, New, She Rose Revolution and Fab Magazine.