You've arrived at the end of the pregnancy when you are 40 weeks pregnant. Don't worry if your baby is lingering longer. It's worth the wait, so here's all you need to know now for this week:
Baby Development:
Your baby is now size of a small pumpkin
Fetal movement at 40 weeks might feel different as the baby is now positioned lower in the pelvis and due to less space. The size of the baby is in halt due to lack of space. The baby is tightly curled up. 40 weeks pregnant but the baby not moving much? Relax, it's the space. All organs are now fully formed except the brain and lungs which will continue to develop after birth. The fine hair & sticky white coating covering your baby's body has shed. The skin is smooth and hasn't got the pigmentation yet. The baby’s neck muscles have strengthened but you need to support the neck while holding after the birth. The bones in his skull haven’t fused but will continue to grow and fuse after birth. The baby's growth and the amount of amniotic fluid can be determined through 40 weeks pregnant ultrasound
Body Changes
Your baby dropped lower in your pelvis, causing pelvic discomfort. There might be no contractions but a lot of pressure. You might notice an increase in clear or pinkish vaginal discharge called mucous plug due to the baby dropping down in the pelvis. You might still have days for the hospital trip. You will experience increased Braxton Hicks. Watch out for labour signs like a mild headache at 40 weeks pregnant, water breaking, rhythmic back pain, periods like cramping and diarrhoea. Don't worry if you are 40 weeks 1 day pregnant and no sign labour. A simple hospital trip for induction is all you need for a natural delivery.
Find your due date/Calculating your due date:
Unless you've been tracking your ovulation, for a health practitioner to exactly know when you ovulated and conceived is hard to say. Most women ovulate about two weeks after the first day of their period. So, to calculate a standard timing, most health practitioners calculate the due date from the first day of your last menstrual period.
40 weeks pregnant symptoms:
Here are a few number of common symptoms a woman may notice throughout her Pregnancy Symptoms Week 40.- Cervix dilation
- Pelvic pain
- Insomnia
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Diarrhoea & nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Leaky breasts
- Itchy belly
Tips for You This Week
You can support your body to prepare for pregnancy by following the tips below:Don't stress about water breaking. Know that few women feel water gushing while others feel just a trickle. Pack due date needs in a bag and keep it handy. Invest in breast pads to help you with leaky breasts. Elevate your feet slightly when you sit. Always stand slowly after prolonged sitting or sleeping position as the blood pressure of the body is low at this stage. Don't sleep on your back. Try sleeping in a semi-seated position on your left side with one or both knees bent. Avoid exercising, eating or drinking too close to bedtime. Delivery can't be planned perfect, so relax and take each moment as it comes.