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Your growing baby

Your baby is now approximately the weight of a small pumpkin 3.5kg and measures 51.2cm (head to heel).

At 40 weeks pregnant it’s hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 3.5kg and is over 51cm long. 

At this point, most of your baby’s vernix is gone, 15 percent of the body is fat and your baby is fully formed and beautiful.

It is worth remembering that only 5% of babies arrive on their due date and that it’s perfectly normal to give birth two weeks either side of this. Being one or two weeks overdue is not considered a cause for concern providing you and your baby are well. 

Pregnancy week 40 – What’s happening to you

Your uterus is taking up all the space in your pelvis and a lot of room in your abdomen so you will be feeling pretty uncomfortable. It is normal to feel impatient after months of anticipation, if your due date comes and goes and you are still pregnant.

You may be experiencing pre-labour and early labour symptoms, such as pre-labour contractions, which are often short and irregular, but stronger than Braxton Hicks contractions. Other symptoms include persistent lower backache, a ‘show’ which is when the mucus plug that sealed the cervix comes away, or your waters may break. All these are signs that labour may not be far away. 

First labours usually last between 12 and 16 hours so it’s best not to go to the maternity ward or birthing centre too soon. As a general rule, your contractions should be coming five to ten minutes apart and lasting at least 45 seconds. You should call the contact number you’ve been given for your midwife who will tell you what to do.

Need to know

Things for you to consider during week 40 of your pregnancy:

• Keep the hospital/midwife numbers in your phone.
• Call the midwife or hospital immediately if you notice a decrease in baby’s movements or a change in the pattern.
• Call the midwife or hospital if you feel unwell or have any concerns.
• If your baby is late you may want to consider having a membrane sweep.
• If you are more than 41 weeks pregnant, induction may be suggested. Make sure you ask your midwife or doctor to explain the procedures so you know what to expect.
• Keep positive and continue to keep physically active by going out for walks every day.

Your baby is about the length of a stick of rhubarb measuring 50cm (head to heel) and weighs just over 3kg…

YOUR GROWING BABY

The hands have fully formed nails that reach the end of the fingers and the grasp is strong. You will soon be able to feel this when your baby grabs your finger for the first time. The organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

The intestines are accumulating lots of meconium (baby’s first bowel movement). The circumference of the head and the baby’s abdomen are about the same size.

If the eyes are grey or dark blue at birth, they may stay grey or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown as your baby gets older. This is because a child’s irises (the coloured part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after birth.

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOU

The next couple of weeks are a waiting game. Try not to be despondent if you are fed up with being pregnant. The end is almost in sight and your baby will soon be here.

It’s important to keep an eye on any swelling in your feet and ankles and remember to elevate your legs as often as possible.

Braxton Hicks contractions, unlike real contractions, don’t build up and are not painful, just uncomfortable. True contractions, however, start at the top of your uterus and then spread over the entire uterus, through your lower back and into the pelvis. True labour will become stronger and more painful and won’t be alleviated by changing position.

NEED TO KNOW

Things for you to consider during week 38 of your pregnancy:

• Take naps, catch up on your reading, and spend uninterrupted time with your partner while you can.
• Use this time to finish preparing your baby’s nursery or to do the tasks you may not get around to for a while after your baby’s born.
• Make sure you have the emails and phone numbers of everyone you want to contact once the baby is born.
• It’s a good idea to get measured for a nursing bra now.
• Consider getting your hair cut into an easy-to-manage style. Time for yourself will be limited once the baby arrives.
• Your midwife will check to see how the baby is lying at your antenatal checks

YOUR GROWING BABY

If you go into labour at 37 weeks pregnant your baby’s lungs will most likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. However, if you are intending to have a Caesarean section and are carrying only one baby your doctor will not usually plan the operation until around week 39. This will ensure the maximum development of the baby’s lungs, brain and other organs before birth.

Many babies have a full head of hair at birth which can measure up to an inch and a half in length, whereas others may come out with only a peach fuzz.

Your baby’s body fat is now around 8% – this will increase to 15% in the next three weeks in time for birth.

Antibodies continue to transfer through the placenta to improve your baby’s immune system and after the birth your breast milk will continue to supply these antibodies. Colostrum, your baby’s first milk, is rich in nutrients and antibodies and the breast milk that follows is nutritionally balanced and will help protect your baby from infections and build immunity.

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOU

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night and you may also be experiencing intense dreams. Anxiety about both labour and becoming a parent can cause your subconscious to go into overdrive.

Braxton Hicks contractions may last longer and feel more uncomfortable and you might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge.

You may experience what is known as a ‘nesting instinct’. This is when you have a sudden burst of energy and start cleaning everything in sight. Try not to overdo it, even if you feel on top of the world. You need to conserve your energy for labour and birth.

NEED TO KNOW

Things for you to consider during week 37 of your pregnancy:

• Keep monitoring your baby’s movements and let your midwife or doctor know immediately if you notice any decrease.
• If you are planning to have your baby in a birth centre or maternity unit you will be given the opportunity to look round before you go into labour. Ask you midwife if this hasn’t happened.
• Try to take it easy through the day, as this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while.
• Make up some meals for the freezer (you will be busy once baby arrives).

…it’s been a while. Been providing you with regular updates with what’s going on each week with the both of us, but not really sharing what’s really happening.

Your Dad and I were at the hospital again today for a quick scan to make sure you’re ok. You are doing awesome. We walked out of there happy, and so excited to meet you. We paid the hospital a visit last week as you weren’t moving as much as usual and we were concerned. Guess you were just chilling. You gave us quite a scare. I was hooked up to an ECG machine to monitor your heartbeat and mine. You weren’t keen on the monitors on you, you kicked and kicked until it was taken off. Ha ha! Make your Dad and I laugh.

Your Dad and I go to a car show every year with friends called Modified Nationals. We drive up Friday night, the show is Saturday and Sunday, and we come home after the show on Sunday afternoon. We had a great time but I think you and I were really tuckered out. With the heat and everything else, my hands really swelled up, to the point that I had to removed my engagement ring, which I almost couldn’t. Scary! On the plus side, we bought two gorgeous dresses, one of which you might be wearing on your Mum and Dad’s wedding day in a couple months.

Our wedding rings that we ordered were ready to collect on Monday just gone, but my hands were still too swollen to try them on properly. Ha ha! Still looks beautiful though. VERY much looking forward to your Dad putting that on my finger our wedding day. We still can’t believe you will actually be there! Crazy!

A couple of my friends were kind enough to throw us a baby shower, and they were so unbelievably generous. Your Dad and I were blown away by amount of awesome gifts we received for you. Pretty clothes, useful gadgets and loads of nappies and other bits.

You are getting so big and strong. Your heartbeat and kicks are stronger than ever. Just a few weeks and we will get to meet you, and your Dad and I cant wait.

Your baby is the size of a head of romaine lettuce 2.7kg and measures 48cm (head to heel)…

YOUR GROWING BABY

At this stage you are likely to feel jabs from the elbows and feet and complete body rolls as your baby changes position.

The downy hair that has been covering your baby’s skin until now is being shed and the waxy vernix, which has protected the skin, is also disappearing. These substances are swallowed by your baby in the amniotic fluid and result in the dark first bowel movement after birth called meconium.

After this week your baby will be considered term and should be waiting in the head-down birth position.

Only 3-4% of babies are in a breech position at term and your midwife will discuss the risks and benefits of turning the baby and the best way for it to be born.

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOU

Small more frequent meals may be easier to manage as your stomach is being squashed by your growing baby. Hopefully, the heartburn has eased and your breathing is easier now that the baby has moved down into your pelvis.

If baby is engaged you may feel extra pressure in the pelvic area. This could cause discomfort and walking might be uncomfortable for you.

Braxton Hicks contractions are more frequent now in preparation for the real thing.

At 36 weeks pregnant these last few weeks should be a straightforward waiting game, but if you experience any vaginal bleeding or if you think that the amniotic fluid is leaking you must seek medical help. Other warning signs to be aware of include constant abdominal pain, persistent or severe headache and blurred vision.

NEED TO KNOW

Things for you to consider during week 36 of your pregnancy:

• Contact your healthcare professional if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.
• If you have any reason to be concerned about a reduction in your baby’s movements you should contact your midwife or healthcare professional immediately.
• Antenatal checks are often weekly from now on until you give birth.
• It’s perfectly normal to be having vivid dreams now.
• If your baby’s head becomes ‘engaged’ this week – this means dropping down into the pelvis ready for birth – you will notice that your bump has moved lower down.