Week 40: Expected Due Date
Week forty is the expected due date! Your baby is ready to be born.
Baby size: Watermelon (170-175 mm)
Baby development
Fully Ready for the New World
Your little one has completed all stages of intrauterine development. He continues to accumulate fat that will help him in the first days of life.
What’s happening this week:
- Lungs: Fully mature and ready for the first breath.
- Brain: Continuing to develop.
- Size: He has reached his final size before birth.
- Movements: He is very cramped, so you mainly feel rolling.
Your fetus weighs on average 3.4-3.5 kg, and his length is over 51 centimeters.
Changes for mom
Awaiting the Main Signals
Your body is at the peak of readiness. You may experience a full range of emotional and physical symptoms.
What you might notice:
- Weight loss: Some women lose about a kilogram before labor.
- Frequent and strong Braxton‑Hicks contractions.
- Back pain and pelvic pressure.
- Intense fatigue or, conversely, a surge of energy.
Knowing the signs of labor onset is the key to your peace of mind. Reread our article "Signs of Labor Onset".
Overview
Week 40: Expected Due Date!
Congratulations! You have reached week forty — the official due date calculated by your doctor. This is an incredible moment you have been working toward for nine long months. Your baby is fully ready to be born.
He is now the size of a small watermelon. All of his organs and systems are fully mature. He is waiting for his time to signal readiness for the meeting.
This may be a week of impatient waiting for you. It’s important to remember that only about 5% of women give birth exactly on term. Carrying the pregnancy to 42 weeks is considered normal. Try to stay calm and trust the process.
This is the moment of truth. You are on the brink of the greatest miracle in your life. Whether labor starts today or in a week, know that you have done wonderfully, and your body knows what to do.
You’re at the finish line! To be prepared for everything, reread our detailed overview "Third Trimester: What You Need to Know".
Tips for mom
Trust in Yourself and Your Body
Now is the time to let go of control and trust the natural process.
What to do:
- Rest. This is the most important.
- Communicate with your doctor. If you are carrying, the doctor will tell you about the next plan of action (tests, possible induction).
- Try natural stimulation methods (after consulting your doctor!). These can include walks, sex, acupuncture.
- Surround yourself with calm. Avoid stressful situations and people who make you nervous.
It’s important to be ready for different scenarios. Read the article about types of labor to know the possible options.
Tips for partner
Readiness, Patience, and Support
Your role now is to be a reliable pillar and stay calm, even if the waiting drags on.
Your contribution to the shared effort:
- Be patient. Don’t ask every five minutes “So, has it started?”.
- Ensure her comfort. Massage, tasty food, favorite movie — anything that pleases her.
- Stay in touch with the doctor together with her. Help her ask questions and understand the answers.
- Check everything again. Bags, car, phones — everything should be ready.
Your role in labor is very important. Reread the article about partnered birth, to feel more confident.
Checklist
Your Action Plan for Week 40
Waiting for the miracle!
- ✅ Attend the scheduled doctor’s appointment.
- 😴 Sleep, rest, relax.
- 📞 Keep your phone nearby and charged.
- ❤️ Spend time with your partner, enjoying the last moments together.
- 🧘♀️ Practice breathing and relaxation.
- 📚 Refresh your knowledge about the postpartum period, by reading the article on physical recovery.