40 Weeks Pregnant

Loving a baby is a circular business, a kind of feedback loop. The more you give the more you get and the more you get the more you feel like giving.

– Penelope Leach

You are finally in the ultimate phase of your pregnancy and your enthusiasm is evident. But hold tight, you will be on your due date any day and will be finally seeing your little ones’ faces and all the pain and hassle that you took for nine months will be worth it finally. But do not rush, do not lose the good patience that you kept intact all this long, let your body do the last moment changes and preparations it needs to make, and naturally, give you indications when it is ready to push your baby/babies out.

During this week your body will be experiencing a lot of changes, your belly will be the biggest as your baby is almost fully prepared and you will be feeling a lot of emotions as well. Make sure you go through this phase with full dedication and enthusiasm because these are emotions you will be cherishing later in your life. Make sure you are organizing your baby’s room, getting your car seat, and doing all the necessary things that you need when your baby will arrive.

What to expect in the 40th week

How big is your baby in the 40th week of your pregnancy?

On the 40th week, your baby will be as big as a Pumpkin. The size will be approximately 20.2 inches and will weigh around 7.6 pounds. All this weight will be very heavy on your body, your belly will stretch to a great extent but you need to take care of yourself the most during this time. know that whatever care you are giving yourself is nourishing and developing your baby in return.

How many months are 40 weeks of pregnancy?

On your 40th week, you will be finally completing a total of nine months. This is literally your finishing line of the race. All these sleepless painful months you spent are going to pay off when you will be seeing your child/children’s faces.

Symptoms in the 40th week of your pregnancy.

During this week your body will be experiencing a lot of things, all the symptoms will be at a point feel intolerable but you have to hold tight. You have been through all these months being very strong and this is the last month, you are almost a few steps away from the finishing line. You have to hold your patience and make it till the end.

The symptoms you will be experiencing during the 40th week are the following.

You are almost near your due date now and your body is also going through a lot. All this pressure and pain will inevitably give you fatigue and also due to the loss of sleep you will feel a lot more tired than usual. Make sure you leave no chance to relax and do whatever makes you happy. Try your best to keep yourself happy, know that your happiness will put an effect on your baby. It will help in maintaining the well-being of your baby.

  • Disturbed sleep.

During this week your baby’s movement will increase to a huge extent. You baby is equally excited to come out at this point and see the world. Your sleep will be compromised to a huge extent due to all of this. Hence make sure you leave no chance to have a proper nap. No matter at what hour it is, make sure whenever you are getting an opportunity you are taking a nap.

  • Cramps or pelvic pain.

Since your baby is sitting very low on your pelvic it will exert pressure there. This will cause discomfort and will cause cramps as well. Cramps are normal at this stage, hence do not panic and confuse it with contractions. Make sure you comfort yourself while you are dealing with these issues properly.

Your baby is arriving in days and you being stressed is absolutely normal. During this week you will be physically stressed and a lot more anxious as well. Make sure you have people around you to support you morally and emotionally in this phase. Try not to let the stress as much as possible instead keep yourself engaged in doing things you like.

Is it normal to be 40 weeks pregnant?

Yes, it is absolutely normal. Your body has its own way of dealing with the pregnancy. It can take a bit longer than others to prepare itself and your baby. Your doctor will let you know about everything regarding the 40 weeks of pregnancy. If there is no requirement of urgently delivering your baby then being 40 weeks pregnant is absolutely fine.

40th-week labor signs.

Your labor will be here any time in the 40th week hence make sure you are in touch with your doctor and prepare yourself to rush to the hospital as you get into labor. One of the major labor signs is contractions and pain. If the contractions and pains persist for a long period make sure you are not delaying to reach the hospital because in such a situation you are in labor. Other than that if your amniotic fluid gushes out of your vagina then you will be in labor in few hours. If your water breaks, immediately rush to the hospital because you need to get admitted and will be delivering your baby soon.

Can labor be induced?

Yes, labor can be induced physically. A lot of walking, acupuncture and even having sex can induce labor. It is advised not to induce labor just because you are anxious about seeing your baby. Let your body do it on its own. Trust your doctor, your doctor will guide you through this and if you need to induce labor your doctor will tell you that. Otherwise do not rush into delivering your baby.

Other than that if there is an emergency your doctor will provide you with medications that will induce labor. These medications will be discussed with you and your doctor will know the best ones hence do not worry in such situations.

Is the delay normal?

Being 40 weeks pregnant is absolutely normal. Overdue babies are normal, this is nothing but your body’s way of dealing with the pregnancy. You do not need to hurry, let your body do the work and you will get the result at the right time. Sometimes delayed delivery runs in the family or if you are having your first baby this can happen as well. There is nothing to worry about it.

The 40th-week ultrasound.

This ultrasound is equally important as the other weeks because your baby’s position will be known and also your baby’s well-being will be known. Depending on this ultrasound your doctor will tell you whether you need to urgently deliver your baby or not. At this point, there is not much left to do. You have to be patient and keep in touch with your doctor that’s it. Your due date will be nearby and finally, you will be seeing your baby’s face.

Tips for the 40th week of your pregnancy.

  • Sleep as much as you can. Once your baby will arrive you will lose your sleep again hence make sure you are getting enough sleep whenever you can.
  • Meditate if you can. You need to relax your mind and body before you deliver your baby. Hence make sure you meditate every day for at least 5 minutes.
  • Keep your things organized. Keep your baby’s room organized and also your hospital bag.

Checklist for the 40th week of your pregnancy

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Precook some meals.
  • Install the car seat.
  • Keep your doctor’s number near.
  • Ask your partner or helper to take leave and be around.

Week By Week Pregnancy

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