Welcome to your week-by-week pregnancy journey with Home Insemination Kit! We’re here to share everything you need to know about your pregnancy, including symptoms, baby development, and important appointments. Let’s dive into what’s happening at week 40.
Your Body at 40 Weeks Pregnant
You’re on the verge of meeting your little one! At 40 weeks, labor could start at any moment. While the third trimester has been quite the adventure, you’re likely eager to welcome your baby into the world. Contrary to popular belief, only about 15% of women experience their water breaking before labor begins.
When the water breaks (which is actually the fluid in the amniotic sac that has protected your baby), it’s called premature rupture of membranes (PROM). It can sometimes be confusing to discern if your water has truly broken—many women mistake it for a trickle of urine. When it happens, you might feel a slow leak or a gush of fluid that’s usually clear or light yellow and odorless. If you’re uncertain, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. If you feel confident that your water has broken, take note of the time and start timing your contractions.
While your water may not break before labor, contractions will definitely let you know that it’s time. In early labor, these contractions can last from 30 to 60 seconds with breaks of five to twenty minutes in between. As they intensify (and yes, “intense” means painful), the duration will increase to 45 to 60 seconds, with breaks getting shorter, around three to five minutes. This is your cue to head to the hospital, as your baby is ready to make their grand entrance!
Your Baby at 40 Weeks Pregnant
At this stage, your baby is roughly the size of a turducken or, more importantly, a newborn! They typically weigh between six and nine pounds and measure about 19 to 22 inches long. If your little one falls outside of this range, that’s perfectly normal.
Space is tight in your uterus, so you may only feel about ten movements—kicks, rolls, or jabs—per hour as they prepare for their debut. If this is your first pregnancy, be prepared for the chance that your baby may arrive a bit later than expected, so hang in there!
While most of your baby’s bones are solid by now, the skull remains soft and flexible for the journey through the birth canal. It won’t fully harden until your child is around eight to fifteen months old. If you have a vaginal birth, your baby’s head may appear cone-shaped and slightly bruised, but rest assured, they’ll be absolutely perfect.
Your Symptoms and Health at 40 Weeks Pregnant
As you approach labor, your cervix will begin to dilate and efface, which means it’s slowly opening and thinning out. This process can start well before week 40 and often goes unnoticed, but you can expect it to happen as you get closer to delivery.
Expect the Unexpected
You may have everything planned out, but remember that the birth experience can be unpredictable. Stay calm if things don’t go as envisioned—you’ve got this, Mama! It’s time to meet your little miracle.
For further insights on fertility and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource from Science Daily, as well as this valuable information on fertility support. And if you’re interested in more experiences and advice, make sure to read about other journeys in our blog.
Summary
At 40 weeks pregnant, you’re on the brink of labor, with your baby the size of a turducken. As you prepare for delivery, be aware of the signs of labor and know that while you may have plans, unexpected events can occur. Stay positive and embrace the journey ahead!