What to expect 40 weeks pregnant
What to expect at 40 weeks pregnant. What happens during the 40th week of pregnancy?
It’s your due date! But did you know that only 4% of babies actually arrive on their due date? So it can feel like a bit of an anti-climax. I would recommend that today you do something to keep yourself busy. Have a massage, get your nails done, anything to help distract you from the fact that baby was meant to be here today.
How big is baby at 40 weeks pregnant?
Your baby is now the size of… well, a newborn baby! No more fruits here! They are weighing roughly between 3kg and 4kg, which is about between 6lb 6oz and 8lb 8oz.
What is happening with me at 40 weeks pregnant?
You may be experiencing swelling in your feet or hands now you are due. The best thing you can do is to drink plenty of water. This allows your body to know it has more water coming in and it is less likely to hold onto water. If you do have any swelling, particularly in your face, it is important to let your midwife know as it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Another way to help reduce swelling is by raising your feet. When you are chilling in the evening, pop your feet up on a pillow as this can really help with drainage.
40-week midwife appointment
This week it is likely that you will see your midwife for an appointment. She will do all the usual checks like taking your blood pressure, dipping your urine, listening to baby’s heartbeat, and chatting to you about your baby’s movements.
Now you are due, your midwife can offer you something called a “stretch and sweep”. This will likely be offered at this appointment. This is a more natural way to “kick start” your labour and has been shown to reduce the need for a medical induction for 1 in 8 women.
A stretch and sweep is something that is completely your choice. This is a brilliant time to utilise EBRAN to decide if you would like to accept or decline to have one.
Stretch and sweeps can be a little uncomfortable. This is a brilliant opportunity to practice your breathing techniques and visualisations. After a stretch and sweep it is really normal to have some of your “bloody show” come away, and labour may start within 24 hours. From your due date you can have up to 3 stretch and sweeps from your community midwife.
