What is happening in week 40
Doctors count pregnancy weeks from the first day of your last period, so week 40 sits in the third trimester (week 28 until birth). That is the week many due dates fall on, and about 9.2 months by a rough conversion. At about 51.2cm in week 40, the baby is quite squashed up but should still move as usual.
Your baby
The NHS guide gives about 51.2cm, a pumpkin, and describes the baby as quite squashed up now. It should still move in its usual pattern.
Your body
Practice Braxton Hicks contractions, PMT-like feelings or lower backache may signal early labour. Swollen hands and feet, dizziness and heartburn may continue.
This week’s to-do
- If this is your first baby, the NHS says to expect an antenatal appointment this week.
- Contact the hospital when contractions last at least 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes.
- Keep moving gently and rest.
When to call
Call your doctor or hospital straight away if the baby’s movements slow or stop, if your waters break (even a trickle), or if you have any bleeding.
Chaitanya Hospital in Kadapa, near RTC Bus Stand, Simhapuri Colony, provides delivery and emergency care 24/7. Our antenatal check-ups team can answer questions about your own pregnancy.
Use the week-by-week guide to jump to your week, or the due date calculator to work out your dates. Timings for scans and tests come from NHS guidance in the UK and can differ from your doctor’s schedule, so always follow your own doctor’s advice. This page is educational and not a substitute for a doctor.
Sources
Text on this page is paraphrased from the sources above. Sizes are averages and vary between babies.