You’ve reached the finish line, mums! You’re now officially 40 weeks pregnant.
It’s time to give birth to the new life that has been growing inside of your for the past nine months.
Now that it’s the end of your third trimester, labour is imminent.
At this stage, your baby is ready to meet the world, while your body is prepping itself for the incredible process of childbirth.
Here’s what you should expect now that your due date is mere days away.
Your Baby at 40 Weeks of Pregnancy
At 40 weeks, your baby is fully developed and ready for life outside the womb.
This week is full of excitement and wonder as your little one makes their debut.
Interestingly, it is believed that the baby plays a key role in initiating labour by releasing hormones that stimulate uterine contractions.
Almost as if they’re saying “Okay, mummy, I’m ready!”
Here’s your baby’s status as they await their due date:
- Fully functioning organs: Your baby’s organs are fully functional. Their kidneys are producing urine, their liver is operational, and their gut is filled with meconium—the substance that will be their first bowel movement.
- Newborn reflexes: Your baby is already sucking, gripping, and startling demonstrating their readiness for life outside the womb.
- Sensory abilities: They can see, smell, hear, touch, and taste, experiencing the world in a basic yet remarkable way. Movements, including kicking and squirming, continue as they shift to find a comfortable position.
- Placenta: While the placenta has aged, it continues to supply oxygen and nutrients to your baby until they cord is cut and your baby takes their first breath of air.
The average baby at birth is about 50 to 51 centimetres long and weighs approximately 3.5 kilograms, though individual sizes can vary widely.
Your baby’s bones and skull are still soft and pliable. This allows them to squeeze out of the birth canal without much difficulty.
Your Body at 40 Weeks of Pregnancy
Your body has undergone an incredible transformation over the past nine months, and now it is at its peak readiness for childbirth.
You will still be going through a lot of the symptoms from the previous weeks such as pelvic discomfort, insomnia, back pain, feet swelling, varicose veins and others.
However, every changed you’ve experienced so far has played its part to support your baby and prepare for the birthing process.
This is what’s going on your body as it prepares to bring new life out into the world:
- Body changes: Your uterus has expanded to accommodate your baby, while your internal organs have shifted to make space. Breasts are primed for breastfeeding, having developed the capability to produce milk.
- Cardiovascular health: Your heart has worked harder throughout pregnancy, circulating an increased volume of blood to nourish both you and your baby.
- Bonding: Beyond physical changes, you may feel a strong emotional connection to your baby as your mind and body prepare for labour and the responsibilities of motherhood.
- Postpartum recovery: Although your body is in its most altered state now, it is designed to return to its pre-pregnancy condition over approximately six weeks following delivery. This includes the gradual reduction of your uterus size and the repositioning of your organs.
While these transformations are remarkable, they also bring a mix of physical sensations and emotional experiences. It’s essential to be gentle with yourself during this time.
Pain Relief During Labour
Now that you are 40 weeks pregnant and awaiting your due date, you would have already discussed possible pain relief options during your labour.
Pain levels varying widely among women.
Fortunately, there are numerous options for managing discomfort, ranging from natural techniques to medical interventions.
Here are some of the more common ones:
- Analgesics: Provide partial or full pain relief but may pass to the baby through the placenta. Doctors typically avoid this close to delivery.
- Epidural block: A popular choice for complete pain relief in the lower body. Administered by trained professionals, it involves placing a catheter to deliver anaesthesia. Side effects can include mild itching or shaking but are usually manageable.
- General anaesthesia: Reserved for emergency C-sections, this option ensures the mother is asleep during delivery.
Choosing the right pain relief method depends on your preferences and medical conditions.
Discuss your options with your healthcare provider in advance to make an informed decision.
Labour Preparations
Now that you’re 40 weeks pregnant, you’ve probably read everything there is to read at this point about how to prepare for your due date.
But there is no harm in reminding.
There will be several different things that may happen now that you are 40 weeks pregnant.
Best case scenario, your water breaks right on your due date and you go into labour immediately as you arrive at the hospital.
If not, you may get contractions out of the blue.
While you don’t have to rush to the hospital immediately, it’s important to start getting the car warmed up.
If you have painful contractions that last one minute each and occurring at least every five minutes for more than two hours, then it’s time to hit the road.
As labour approaches, there are steps you can take to ease the process and manage discomfort effectively both at home and at the hospital.
Contractions at Home
Many women prefer to stay comfortable at home first before they go to the hospital.
After all, it can be anywhere between 12 to 24 hours before labour actually starts after contractions begin.
Practice deep breathing to stay calm.
Use hot or cold compresses to relieve back pain and cramping.
Engage in light activities, like walking, to encourage the baby’s descent into the birth canal.
Contractions in the Hospital
Upon admission, your healthcare team will monitor your contractions, vital signs, and baby’s heartbeat.
Your doctor will perform several pelvic exams to assess the stage of labour.
Stay informed about your care and communicate your preferences, including your pain relief plan.
Walking, standing, or even taking a warm shower can provide relief and facilitate labour progress.
Remember, every labour journey is unique, and your healthcare team is there to support you.
It’s Now or Never, Mummies!
Your due date is right around the corner mums, and you’re probably a jumble of emotions at this points.
You’ve carried this baby for nine months through tears and laughter and now it’s time to finally meet them.
There are no words that can describe the overwhemling feeling of being a mother (even if its your second, third, etc. time).
Just know that your baby is also waiting to meet the incredible woman who has brought them into this world.
And they couldn’t be any luckier to have the privilege of calling you ‘Mum’! Congratulations, mummies!
References
- Curtis, G. B., & Schuler, J. (2016). Your Pregnancy Week by Week (8th ed.). Hachette Books.
- Kaye, P. (2021). Your Pregnancy: Week by Week. SPCK Publishing.
- Riley, L. (2006). You and Your Pregnancy: Your Ultimate Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Meredith Books.
- Shanahan, M. K. (2002). Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide. Da Capo Press
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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