Week 40 of pregnancy
What's Happening with Baby During Week 40 of Pregnancy
Congratulations on 40 weeks! Your baby has had time to fully develop and is ready to meet you. All of their organs are complete, their functions are maturing, and they are ready to live outside the womb. You've both made it to the finish line, and now you just need to wait for the big moment.
Your baby now weighs about 7 3/4 pounds and measures 20 1/4 inches long (the size of a small pumpkin). They are ready to be born and will let you know when the time is right.
What You Might Experience During Week 40 of Pregnancy
The time has come! This is the moment you've been waiting for. Your child is ready to enter the world, and you are ready to begin your journey together. As your baby is now fully wedged in your pelvis, your bladder is very compressed, which will result in very frequent visits to the bathroom.
It is important that you feel as prepared as possible for the process of birth, the stages of dilation, and the changes you will experience. Good luck!
Key Things to Keep in Mind During Week 40 of Pregnancy
It is crucial to know the signs of labor. A key sign is the rupture of the amniotic sac (your water breaking), which can happen at any time. For some women, this is a large gush of fluid, while for others, it's a steady trickle. If you think your sac has ruptured, contact your doctor.
So, how will you know if you are in labor? True labor contractions have a distinct pattern:
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They become regular and get increasingly intense and frequent.
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They occur more than five times in an hour.
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They last from 30 to 70 seconds.
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They get worse if you move around.
Call your provider when you think you're in labor. You've got this
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