40 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Baby Growth & Development!
This is the baby’s official deadline to pop out of your tummy. Here’s a 40 Weeks Pregnant Guide that will help you navigate through this stage By now you must have installed the car seat, packed your hospital bag, and are all set for the D day. During this time you can start using a waterproof cover for the mattress in case the water breaks at night. This period can be mentally very challenging as you will be under the constant stress of delivery and labor pain. Try to relax and not stress out too much.
Symptoms of 40th weeks of Pregnancy
What are the symptoms of 40th-week pregnancy?
In the last weeks of pregnancy, the following are the symptoms that you should be experiencing –
It will be very difficult to catch up on some sleep. It is ok if you want to get up and do some other work. However, limit the work to calming activities like reading or writing your diary.
Continue doing hamstring or calf stretches for keeping the leg cramps away. Baby will be dropping in your pelvis thereby increasing the discomforts and aches. All the discomforts and extra baby weight will increase fatigue and tiredness.
Braxton hick’s contractions will keep continuing till delivery. You will feel a tightening in the abdomen. If the contractions are very frequent and get painful then they may be signs of labour.
You will feel anxious and there will be a feeling of fear. Just remember that the baby will come when it is time. Do not stress.
Common problems during 40th-week pregnancy
What are the common problems you will experience in the 40th week of pregnancy?
The start of labor can make you feel anxious and nervous. Water breaking is a very scary time for new moms. But remember that most of the time it is going to be a trickle and not a sudden gush. Your doctor will monitor you during your prenatal appointments and decide when you must go into labor.
Precautions/Warning during week 40 of pregnancy
What precautions you should take during week 40 of pregnancy?
40 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Baby Growth and Development
How is your baby growing and developing during the 40th week of pregnancy?
The baby will be cramped inside the limited space of the uterus. The baby is so perfectly folded up inside the womb that you will feel so surprised that how it was fitting inside your body.
You must keep an eye on the baby’s movements and how active they are. You must also keep a record of any change in the pattern.
Baby Size in the 40th Week of Pregnancy
What is the baby’s size in the 40th week of pregnancy?
In the 40th week of pregnancy, your baby is approximately 51.2 cm long and is the size of a Pumpkin.
Parental care during the 40th week of pregnancy
What parental care is needed during the 40th week of pregnancy?
Forty weeks is undoubtedly full term and your baby can arrive anytime from now. The woman must watch out for contractions, water breaks, and vaginal discharge. Take enough rest, eat healthy, and stay hydrated. You must prepare yourself for the upcoming labor. The doctor will check you internally this week for examining the dilation or effacement of the cervix and fetal position.
40 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Changes in feelings
How will you feel during the 40th week of pregnancy?
What changes you will experience in feelings during the 40th week of pregnancy?
You must be feeling super anxious and scared about childbirth especially if this is your first pregnancy. Women tend to get very emotional as they have come a long way and can’t wait to hold the little bundle of joy in their arms.
Changes in the 40th week of pregnancy
What changes you will experience during week 40 of pregnancy?
Your body is continuously changing as it is nearing its end. The water breaks when the membranes holding the amniotic fluids will rupture. This is not going to happen in every case before labor starts.
40 Weeks Pregnant Guide – Change in the look
What will you look like during the 40th week of pregnancy?
You will be looking full-term pregnant and the baby can pop out of the tummy anytime. The boobs will be appearing bigger and there will be mild swelling on your feet, ankles, etc.
You may also be feeling very congested and heavy in the pelvic region this week. It is better to sit and relax comfortably.
The skin over your tummy is stretched tight and will be tight like a drum. The belly button will be protruding out.
Diet during the 40th week of pregnancy
What should you eat during the 40th week of pregnancy?
Which food you should avoid during the 40th week of pregnancy?
Sex during the 40th week of pregnancy
Is it safe to have sex during the 40th week of pregnancy?
Some doctors ask not to have sex at this time but it is completely dependent on how healthy your pregnancy is. Many women are asked to induce labor by having sexual intercourse, nipple stimulation, etc.
Doctor consultation in the 40th week of pregnancy
Do I need to visit a doctor in the 40th week of pregnancy?
What should you discuss with the doctor?
You must be going to the doctor this week. Discuss with the doctor about any labor signs that you are experiencing.
Test/ Procedure in the 40th week of pregnancy
What are the tests or procedures you should have in the 40th week of pregnancy?
You must be going to the doctor this week for a weekly check-up at week 40. You will have to undergo an abdominal examination to check the position and determine the size of the baby. An internal examination will find out if the cervix is ready for the delivery process.
Supplements in the 40th week of pregnancy
Do you need to take supplements during the 40th week of pregnancy?
It is very important to take supplements of folic acid, iron, and calcium during pregnancy. Folic acid helps to reduce the risk of birth defects, and neural tube defects in babies such as spina bifida. Iron is also important to prevent anemia and fulfill the demand for increased blood flow. To absorb folic acid and iron you must consume vitamin C in the form of oranges, lemonade, etc. Calcium is important as the bones are getting harder day by day. Omega 3 fatty acid (DHA) is a very important supplement to be consumed especially during the third trimester. It reduces the risk of premature labor and postpartum depression. E.g. Salmon, Tilapia, shrimp, red snapper, catfish, etc.
40 Weeks Pregnant Guide –Important points to know
What is important to know during the 40th week of pregnancy?
It is very important to find out the labor signs as you continue till week 40. Some babies may come out during this time so it is important to find out about appropriate medical care if your water breaks or anything else happens which indicates signs of labor. It is also important for you to track your baby’s movements. Keep an eye on the baby’s movements. Any slow activities can mean that your baby is getting congested in the limited space of a small womb and it is important to confirm with the doctor.
Preparation Guidelines for Baby
How should you start preparing for a baby’s birth?
Make sure you have completed all the obvious tasks related to your baby’s birth. Packing your hospital bag is one of them. Pack comfortable, front-opening clothes if you are planning to breastfeed. If you don’t intend to breastfeed then you will have to carry your formula baby milk and the equipment used for feeding.
If you are getting restless and have had enough of it, then you may consider options to get induced. Discuss these options with your doctor.
Note down the contact details of friends, family, spare drivers, etc in one place so that they can be contacted when the moment arrives. Do not stay alone at this point. Always be accompanied by a partner, family, or a friend.
