Pregnancy – Week 40

If you haven’t already had your bub, you will probably be impatient for labour to start as your estimated delivery date approaches. Try not to be disappointed if nothing has happened by your due date.

Only about 5% of babies actually arrive on the date they were expected. Keep yourself busy and make plans for each day so you’re not just sitting around waiting for something to happen.

At this time you might feel more confident wearing a sanitary pad in case your waters break.

Mum

It’s just a matter of time for delivery now that you are 40 weeks pregnant and you may be getting impatient as your estimated due date approaches. Keep up your fluids and healthy diet as you’ll need the energy for your labour.

You will not be considered overdue until you have passed 42 weeks but 95% of pregnancies occur in the two weeks prior and two weeks following the due date with only 5% giving birth on their actual due date.

You may have some discomfort and achiness in your pelvic area, increased backache and heaviness and more difficulty sleeping. Braxton Hicks contractions may become more intense and frequent, maybe even painful now.

By this week, you might feel irritable, overly sensitive, restless, and impatient which are all normal feelings but you won’t be pregnant much longer.

Bub

Baby is now weighing about 3.4kg (7.5 pounds) and measuring 52cm (20 inches) in length.

Bub is settling into the fetal position with his head down against the birth canal, legs tucked up to his chest and knees against his nose readying himself for birth.

The soft and flexible bones of his head will ease the process of delivery through the birth canal. He is good and ready for life outside mum’s womb now.

Miraculously bub has been growing inside your body all this time and it is thought that he contributes to the triggers for his own birth by releasing certain hormones that work in conjunction with hormones released by your body.

Tips

Your Braxton Hicks contractions will give you a chance to practice your breathing techniques.

Don’t eat if you think you’re in labour as even something light in your stomach can cause nausea.

If you are concerned at any time about your baby’s welfare, or feel that something might be wrong, call and talk to your health care provider, no matter how vague the feeling is.