Nesting is where pregnant women feel a sudden burst of energy to clean, cook and take care of the home and their partner. Go with it, scrubbing the floor can kick start labour!

Your baby at 40 weeks

Your baby’s body is 15% fat just now, and he or she is looking gorgeous! The bones in your baby’s skull are softer than the rest of the body to ensure a safe vaginal exit. This also allows your baby’s head to accommodate his or her rapidly growing brain.

Your baby may decide to stay put this week, but don’t worry – a healthy, full term baby can be 2 weeks overdue before your doctor induces labour.

Your baby will be around 20 – 21 inches from head to toe, and weigh around 8 pounds, comparable to a small watermelon.

Your body at 40 weeks

If you haven’t gone into labour yet, you will do soon! Your doctor will induce labour before the end of the 42nd week, so you will be celebrating the arrival your newborn soon, one way or another. You’ll know labour is starting when your cervix dilates, producing a bloody show (which is when a mucus discharge contains traces of blood). Contractions will be stronger and closer together, and you feel them coming every five minutes.

You may also experience diarrhoea and vomiting a day or two before you give birth.

Pregnancy fact

Having sex can be a natural way to bring on labour. Feel free to indulge if you’re getting impatient! You can find other methods of bringing on labour here.

How you’re feeling at 40 weeks

If you’ve yet to give birth, you may find yourself feeling impatient and desperate to start being a mum. Try to remain calm (which is easier said than done!); your baby will come when he or she is ready. In the meantime, feel free to daydream about how your life is about to change and the things you’ll get to experience with your son or daughter!

Pregnancy advice

• Labour could begin at any moment now, so make sure that hospital bag is packed and your birth plan is up to date! It’s also a good idea to keep your mobile phone charged up too.
• Do you know about the benefits of delaying the clamping of the umbilical cord? It can be better for baby if you wait to cut the cord.
• Keep an eye out for any signs of labour, such as frequent, powerful contractions. If you don’t go into labour on your own, your doctor will normally induce it when you’re a week or two overdue. Your doctor may induce labour sooner if your baby is considered to be a risk while still in the womb.
• Good luck with your delivery, and congratulations!

39 weeks pregnant ← 40 weeks pregnant

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