Welcome to your week-by-week pregnancy guide! We’re here to provide you with everything you need to know about your journey—covering symptoms, fetal development, and appointments. Here’s a rundown of what to expect at week 40.
Your Body at 40 Weeks Pregnant
Almost Time!
At 40 weeks, you’re on the verge of labor at any moment. While the third trimester has been an experience, you’re likely eager to meet your little one. Contrary to popular belief, only about 15 percent of women will experience their water breaking before labor begins. If it does happen, it’s known as premature rupture of membranes (PROM).
Sometimes it’s tricky to determine if your water has broken, and you may experience a few false alarms. For instance, a small trickle could easily be mistaken for urine. When your water breaks, you might feel a gush or a slow leak, and the fluid is usually clear or pale yellow and odorless—this helps distinguish it from urine. If you suspect your water has broken, take note of the time and start timing your contractions.
While your water may not break prior to labor, contractions will definitely begin. During early labor, you can expect contractions lasting 30 to 60 seconds, with breaks of five to 20 minutes in between. As you enter active labor, these contractions will become more intense—lasting 45 to 60 seconds with shorter breaks of three to five minutes. It’s time to head to the hospital when this occurs, as your baby is ready to make their entrance!
Your Baby at 40 Weeks Pregnant
At this stage, your baby is roughly the size of a turducken—typically weighing between six and nine pounds and measuring 19 to 22 inches in length. Don’t worry if they’re slightly smaller or larger; it’s perfectly normal.
Space is tight in your womb, so your baby may not be moving as much. You might feel around ten kicks or jabs per hour as they wait to arrive. If this is your first child, they may take their time, so hang in there!
Most of your baby’s bones are now solid, except for the skull, which remains soft and flexible to ease the journey through the birth canal. This means they may have a slightly cone-shaped head or some bruising at birth, but they will still be utterly perfect.
Your Symptoms and Health at 40 Weeks Pregnant
Cervical Changes
As labor approaches, your cervix will gradually begin to open and thin out—this process is known as dilation and effacement. While it often starts earlier for some women, you may not feel it happening. By week 40, these changes are likely underway and will continue throughout labor.
Expect the Unexpected
You may have a well-laid birth plan, but remember that not everything is within your control. If things don’t go as planned, stay calm—you are ready for this, Mama. It’s almost time to meet your baby!
For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this resource from a leading authority.
If you’re interested in exploring home insemination options, visit this link for more insights. You might also find the at-home intracervical insemination syringe kit helpful for boosting your fertility journey.
Summary
At 40 weeks pregnant, you are nearing the finish line, with your baby ready to arrive. Be aware of the signs of labor, and remember that every birth experience is unique. Stay prepared and trust your instincts as you approach this exciting moment.
Keyphrase: 40 weeks pregnant
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]