40 Weeks Pregnant

You’re in your last week of pregnancy at 40 weeks pregnant. How exciting is this?

OK, so you may feel apprehensive, frustrated and tired, but excited is going to be up there. You’re almost a mother.

You’ll be playing the waiting game right now. Your baby is fully developed and ready to be born. But some of them just like to wait that little longer. Your midwife or doctor may have already booked you in to be induced in two weeks time, just in case your baby decides she doesn’t want to come out on her own.

I know how frustrating this is. I was two weeks overdue and had to be induced. It’s annoying wondering if every twinge or feeling is that one. Use this time to put your feet up and spend some quality time with your partner. It’s going to be hectic once the little one is born.

Your Baby’s Development at 40 Weeks Pregnant

No more development is needed right now. Your little one is ready to come out. While she waits, the only thing that will really happen is that she puts on more weight. Don’t worry too much about it. She will not be too big to push out of you!

Her organs are full matured, and her brain is ready. Hair and eyelashes will also likely have grown by now. Your baby may be born with a full head of hair, but that will not always stay—and it will not be the same color for the rest of her life. Many babies rub their hair out and it can grow back a different color and texture. My daughter was born with thick brown hair, but now she has fine blonde hair.

The senses may still be developing at this stage. These are supposed to develop afterwards, but of course that is under the rule of your little one being born on time! She will certainly not be born with perfect vision. That develops over the next six months to a year.

Your Symptoms at Pregnancy Week 40

You’re more likely to feel extremely tired right now. It’s understandable considering the extra weight you are carrying. Most women who are at a healthy weight at pregnancy will gain up to around 20 pounds. That is providing they eat healthily. Most of that weight will be the baby and placenta, so you’ll lose a lot of it straight after the birth.

The need to pee frequently is likely a symptom at pregnancy week 40. There is little space for your bladder, and she could get herself in a position that puts more pressure on your bladder.

You may be suffering from Braxton Hicks right now. These are perfectly normal, even at 40 weeks pregnancy. Keep timing these contractions though. While they may be false, sometimes they can develop into actual labor contractions mid-way.

Your hospital bag should already be packed for you, but there’s nothing wrong with double checking it. Make sure you have everything you’re going to need for your baby’s visit to the hospital. Have three day’s worth of clothing, nappies etc. at least. You never know what will happen during birthing, and you may need to stay in for a few nights. If you need any more than that, your partner can always go home and bring things back for you.

Spend some time right now relaxing. Your baby will be here before you know it. Getting to 40 weeks pregnant with no sign of your little one coming out can be frustrating, but you are on the home straight. Just two more weeks maximum and you will be holding your little one.