Pregnancy Week 40
You made it to Week 40! Your baby has reached the estimated due date and is fully prepared for life outside the womb. Your baby’s brain and lungs continue maturing, while your body gets ready for labor and delivery.
Your Baby This Week
Fully Grown & Ready
At week 40, your baby has reached the estimated due date.
Your baby is fully developed for birth, although the brain and nervous system continue developing even after delivery.
Brain & Nervous System
Your baby’s brain continues to mature and develop important connections.
These connections support breathing, feeding, movement, temperature regulation, and other essential functions after birth.
Mature Lungs
Your baby’s lungs are prepared for breathing outside the womb.
Surfactant helps the tiny air sacs in the lungs remain open when your baby takes those first breaths after delivery.
More Body Fat
Your baby has accumulated a significant amount of body fat beneath the skin.
This gives your baby a fuller appearance and provides energy and helps regulate body temperature after birth.
Ready to Meet You
Your baby is about the size of a small pumpkin. Your baby is fully developed and ready for life outside the womb.
Your Body This Week
Your body is now at the end of the typical 40-week pregnancy timeline and may show signs that labor is approaching.
Signs of Labor
You may experience regular contractions that gradually become stronger, longer, and closer together. Other possible signs include your water breaking or changes in vaginal discharge.
Pelvic Pressure
Your baby's position may create increased pressure in your pelvis, hips, and bladder.
More Frequent Urination
Pressure on the bladder can make frequent urination particularly noticeable during these final days.
Cervical Changes
Your cervix may gradually soften, thin, and begin opening as your body prepares for labor.
Tips for week 40
- Continue taking your prenatal vitamin unless your healthcare professional advises otherwise.
- Eat balanced meals containing protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Continue including iron-rich foods.
- Choose calcium-rich foods.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat fiber-rich foods to support digestion.
- Rest whenever you feel tired.
- Continue gentle activity if approved by your healthcare professional.
- Keep your phone and important contact numbers accessible.
- Keep your hospital or birth-center bag ready.
- Make sure transportation arrangements are available.
- Review your birth preferences with your healthcare team.
- Know when to contact your maternity care team.
- Continue paying attention to your baby's usual movement pattern.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs.
- Limit caffeine to 200 mg or less per day.
Important
If you experience vaginal bleeding, your water breaks, regular painful contractions, severe symptoms, or a significant decrease in your baby’s movements, contact your healthcare professional or maternity care team promptly.
Nutrition This Week
Even at the estimated due date, maintaining a balanced diet helps support your energy needs and overall well-being.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Iron Rich Foods
Calcium Sources
Protein Rich Foods
Folate Rich Foods
Healthy Fats
Fruits & Vegetables
Whole Grains
Stay Hydrated
Nutrition Tip
At Week 40, focus on nourishing your body rather than trying to eat extra food. Choose balanced meals, stay hydrated, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness signals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Week 40 my due date?
Week 40 marks the estimated due date for a typical 40-week pregnancy. However, the exact timing of birth varies, and many healthy babies are born before or after this date.
Is my baby fully developed at Week 40?
Your baby is fully developed for birth, but development does not stop after delivery. The brain and nervous system continue developing throughout infancy and childhood.
How big is my baby at Week 40?
Your baby is approximately the size of a small pumpkin. Actual weight and length vary considerably between babies.
What are the signs that labor is starting?
Signs can include regular contractions that become stronger and closer together, your water breaking, and changes in vaginal discharge.
If you think labor has started, contact your maternity care team for guidance.
What if I haven't gone into labor by Week 40?
Reaching your estimated due date without going into labor is common. Your healthcare professional may continue monitoring you and your baby and discuss what to expect if pregnancy continues beyond the due date.
Should I still monitor my baby's movements?
Yes. Your baby should continue moving according to their usual pattern. A significant decrease or unusual change in movement should be reported promptly to your healthcare professional.
Can my water break before contractions?
Yes. The membranes can rupture before regular labor contractions begin. If you think your water has broken, contact your maternity care team for instructions.
What happens after Week 40?
If labor has not started, your healthcare professional may monitor you and your baby more closely and discuss options for managing the pregnancy as it progresses beyond the estimated due date.
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