Pregnancy Calendar at Week 40
What's Happening with the Baby
At 40 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is fully developed, with organs and systems ready for independent life. The average length is 19-23 inches, and the weight ranges from 6.6 to 8.8 pounds:
- The baby's nervous system is divided into sections and structures, each performing its own function: formation of innate and conditioned reflexes, coordination of movements, and processing incoming information;
- The cardiovascular system can function autonomously, maintaining stable blood pressure, and the heart beats at a rate of 140-160 beats per minute;
- The gastrointestinal tract is already working, with the presence of meconium (the first stool) in the intestines, formed by the baby swallowing amniotic fluid in the womb;
- Motor activity decreases due to the baby's growth and the reduced free space in the uterus, as well as the stabilization of the nervous system function and movement coordination;
- The baby's skull bones are not fused, which facilitates passage through the birth canal, and the baby can already focus their gaze.
What's Happening with Mom
Feelings
If the pregnancy has reached 40 weeks, in 90% of cases, this mom will be giving birth for the first time. It's during the first pregnancy and when the woman is calm that labor usually happens around this time or even a bit later. Subsequent births often start at 37-38 weeks. The sensations during this time indicate the approach of the next significant stage in the family's life.
Waddling or "Duck" Walk
The softening of the bones in the woman's pelvis and the large mass of the uterus with the baby shift the center of gravity and cause the spine to extend, which changes the walk. Everything returns to normal right after childbirth.
Maximum Belly Size
It makes it difficult for the mom to do many things – putting on shoes by herself, working in a bent-over position, even getting a good night's sleep. There's just a little bit left, and after birth, recovery happens very quickly.
Swollen Legs
Due to the compression of the pelvic veins by the enlarged uterus, as well as fluid retention and excessive weight gain, leg swelling can be bothersome. It's hard to find comfortable shoes, legs "ache" after exertion, and the woman may experience significant discomfort. The swelling will subside in less than a day after delivery.
Psychological Instability
There are very few women who don't get anxious at 40 weeks pregnant. The waiting process drags on, so anxiety and emotional outbursts can disrupt the expectant mother's peace. It's important to remember that 40 weeks is an approximate due date; not all pregnancies reach this point due to differences in physiology and individual pregnancy characteristics. Be patient, labor can start at any moment.
Colostrum Leakage
This indicates that the mother's body is ready to transition to breastfeeding and provide the baby with full nutrition. For some, leakage only occurs when the areola is compressed, while for others, colostrum may leak spontaneously—both are normal. If necessary, use clean pads in your bra cups.
Heartburn
This symptom occasionally bothers pregnant women, more often those with a history of gastrointestinal issues. To ease discomfort, it's recommended to eat small portions, follow a fractional diet, and stay active for 20-30 minutes after meals.
Vision Deterioration, Headache, Nausea, and Vomiting
This combination of symptoms likely indicates a pregnancy complication, which is a reason for an immediate doctor's examination.
Vaginal Discharge
It's normal to have a small amount with a slightly sour smell. At this stage, you might lose the mucus plug, which can sometimes be pinkish. You could also notice a large amount of clear fluid, which indicates that your water has broken. In either case, immediate hospitalization and a doctor's examination are necessary.
Medical Examination
When being monitored at the women's clinic, by the 40-week mark, a pregnant woman is usually fully examined. Additional check-ups or tests are scheduled based on medical indications. If the woman hasn't been monitored up to this point, a certain minimum is required to control the upcoming delivery.
Doctors
- Obstetrician-Gynecologist. Assesses the maturity of the birth canal, the general condition of the pregnant woman, and the activity and well-being of the fetus.
- Therapist. A specialist in extragenital pathology examines the woman for conditions unrelated to pregnancy, identifies issues, and refers her to more specialized doctors if needed.
Tests
- Complete blood count.
- Urinalysis.
- Blood type and Rh factor.
- Blood tests for HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis.
- Assessment of the pregnant woman's coagulation system.
- If there is an Rh conflict, blood tests for antibody levels.
- Biochemical tests as prescribed by the doctor.
Examinations
- Electrocardiogram for the mother, especially if there is high blood pressure or shortness of breath.
- Fetal biometry to assess heart activity.
- Ultrasound to determine the position of the placenta and clarify the condition of the baby.
Challenges of Carrying to Term
Any difficulties at 40 weeks are usually short-lived, but as labor approaches, an expectant mother might experience:
- Dropping of the belly due to the baby's head pressing down into the pelvis, positioning for birth;
- More frequent and looser stools because of pressure on the intestines and preparation for labor;
- Loss of appetite in the final days before labor, sometimes accompanied by stomach discomfort and nausea.
What You Can and Can't Do
The period of restrictions is coming to an end, and it's important for the health of both mom and baby to follow some advice.
What an Expecting Mom Can Do:
- Choose physical activities wisely, avoiding sudden movements and heavy lifting;
- Take medications as prescribed by a doctor;
- Take walks outside in good weather, preferably in a park or wooded area;
- Enjoy the positive effects of classical music and reading favorite books.
What an Expecting Mom Can't Do:
- Get irritated, nervous, or find herself in stressful situations;
- Lift weights over 3 kg or engage in high-intensity sports;
- Eat prohibited foods or consume alcohol in any form or amount;
- Take medications without a doctor's prescription.
Signs of Labor
Some of these signs are noticeable to the woman herself, while others can be assessed by a doctor during a vaginal exam. A pregnant woman may experience the following changes:
- Increased vaginal discharge due to the loss of the mucus plug, which appears as a thick, pinkish or clear mucus;
- Weight loss in the final days before labor, caused by hormonal changes and preparation for childbirth. This may sometimes be accompanied by a decrease in appetite;
- Irregular contractions, which are the body's way of preparing the uterus and pelvic muscles for delivery, can start a few weeks before labor and continue up to the actual process;
- Discomfort and pulling sensations in the lower abdomen and back, indicating upcoming changes and the training of muscle groups involved in labor.
The Mucus Plug Has Dislodged
The dislodging of the mucus plug signals the onset of labor and is characterized by the release of thick, mucus-like discharge from the vaginal canal, typically amounting to a few milliliters. However, for some pregnant women, this process occurs gradually and goes unnoticed.
Once the pathway for the baby is cleared, the risk of infection increases, so sexual intercourse is not recommended to avoid complications. Gynecologists advise taking a warm shower, as a bath can be risky at this stage, packing a hospital bag, or heading straight to a medical facility since labor can be considered to have begun.
Sometimes, after the mucus plug is released, there may be a leakage of amniotic fluid from the vaginal canal, indicating a rupture of the amniotic sac and necessitating the pregnant woman's hospitalization in the maternity ward.
Helpful Tips
The end of the pregnancy period is approaching, and with it comes new responsibilities and the joy of meeting your new baby. It's important to stay calm, get plenty of rest, sleep well, and follow your doctor's orders.
Make sure to give birth in a medical facility under the supervision of experienced professionals. If your doctor recommends pre-labor hospitalization, it's best to agree and follow all their advice.
Labor
If irregular contractions become more regular and longer, it means the labor process has begun. The pregnant woman is placed in the pre-labor room under the supervision of a doctor and a midwife. It is advisable for the expectant mother to carefully listen to the medical staff's advice and follow it:
- During the intervals between increasing contractions, deep breathing is crucial for supplying oxygen to both the baby and the mother;
- Physical activity during the absence of contractions helps distract from anxiety and promotes the progression of labor;
- To maintain energy levels, the woman is allowed to have something sweet or drink tea with cookies;
- While in the pre-labor room, the cervix softens and dilates in preparation for childbirth. This process varies individually and is shorter for subsequent births;
- After sufficient dilation of the cervix, contractions become longer, and there is an urge to defecate;
- At this point, the pregnant woman is moved to the delivery room for the final stage of labor;
- As the baby passes through the birth canal, it is important for the woman to listen to and follow the medical staff's commands for optimal delivery and to avoid tears.