A big congratulations, mommy, for getting this far! I am sure you have gone through a lot, but amidst the discomfort, you’ll be meeting your angel a few moments from now!
Table of Contents
How Big Is My Baby
After 40 weeks pregnant, your baby’s going to weigh 128 ounces like a fully ripe watermelon and measure more than 20 inches long. Since you’re expecting the due date by this time, your baby’s probably positioned head towards the pelvis.
My Baby’s Development
In week 40, most mothers are usually past their due dates. That’s normal, and there’s no need to be alarmed. But to be sure, you have to consult your doctor.
Your baby’s physical development is complete. For a normal delivery, the head’s position should be towards the pelvis. If you’re in week 40, it’ll just be a matter of days or hours before you start going into labour.
What Is My Baby Doing
Upon fully developing his or her physical features, your baby will most like be cramped inside of the uterus. Your baby may show signs of discomfort such as frequent poking and kicking. When the due date is nearing, expect that your baby’s going to be more active.
Belly Ultrasound
Usually, mothers do not opt to have an ultrasound when it’s near the due date. However, if you want to see how your baby’s doing during its final moments in the womb, you’ll notice his or her developed fingers, arms, legs, toes, and head.
The baby’s head should be facing down towards your pelvis; otherwise, you’ll undergo a C-section operation. You can also determine your baby’s position through where his or her head is facing. Here are some things that you might expect to see:
- Anterior Presentation: Your baby’s head is down, facing your spine.
- Cephalic or Occiput Posterior: Your baby’s head is down, facing your abdomen
My Changing Body—Week 40
You went through both physical and emotional changes throughout your pregnancy. Now that you’ll soon welcome your baby into the world, there are still some final laps that you have to endure. Here’s what your body is going to look like:
- Enlarged Breasts and Nesting Instincts – Your breasts will be swollen and heavy. Colostrum, the first form of milk produced, will be leaking out in small amounts from time to time. This leaking can be very painful for some mothers because the colostrum can be really sticky.
- More Stretch Marks – These become more prominent as you come near the due date. These can be very itchy and painful when they start to dry, so be sure to apply moisturizing creams or ointments to relieve the irritation.
- Swollen Hands and Feet – Expecting mothers grow a bit bigger during pregnancy. It can be frustrating not being able to fit into most of your usual wears. But for the sake of reducing discomfort, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Mood Swings – Anxiety and impatience may heighten during this time. You’ll feel super uncomfortable, and it’ll seem that everything is irritating. That’s normal especially with mothers past their due dates. To reduce your frustration, try calming your nerves by listening to soothing music, watching good films, or doing anything you enjoy.
Common Symptoms
These are the things you might experience during this week:
- Insomnia – With the discomfort you’re experiencing with the changes in your body, it must be hard to get some sleep. Do not drink any pills unless it’s allowed by your doctor. Try listening to soothing music or audiobooks to distract yourself from the stress and help you drift to sleep.
- Leg Cramps – By this time, you must have gained more pounds than you expected. Your weight may cause leg spasms. Try investing in shoes that improve blood circulation and prevent cramps.
- Water Breaking – It happens when there’s a sudden gush of water that leaks from your pelvis. When this happens, have someone bring you to the hospital right away. Within the next 24 hours, you’ll be in labour.
How Is My Life Changing
Having a baby is indeed a gift whether it’s planned or not. Changes in your life will surely be dramatic as you now hold the responsibility of taking care of another human being. Although it’s understandable you may sometimes feel lost in the whole motherhood experience, do not forget to make time for yourself.
Continue your hobbies, do the things you love, or maybe get a higher educational degree. Living your life does not have to end by having a child.
Week 40 Mommy Checklist
This week is when you’ll most likely go into labour. Here are some of the most important things to take note of in week 40:
- Have your doctor on speed dial in case you suddenly go into labour.
- As much as possible, have someone accompany you when going out.
- Be ready for vaginal discharge and your water breaking.
- Buy your cold packs in the drugstore in case the hospital runs out.
- Labour is excruciating and can last for hours, so have a comfortable pillow or something to squeeze to help with relieving the contractions.
Tips For The Partner
For the next few weeks, you will be the errand person. As much as possible, do not complain because your partner is giving you the gift of life no matter how cranky she might get.
Here are some tips to get you through this period:
- Be emotionally supportive and tolerate her mood swings.
- Be informed of what she needs for delivery and post-partum and have them ready during this week.
- As much as you can, stay with her especially during labour.
- Prepare the house and get the baby things ready in time for his or her birth.
- Stay positive and do not be afraid to show excitement and enthusiasm upon meeting the baby.
A Sneak Peak to Your Week 41
On week 41, it’s either you have already given birth or you are still waiting for your little angel to be born. Although you may grow tired and impatient, do not worry because you’ll give birth eventually when your body is ready. Go to your doctor more frequently during this week and ask for advice to lessen discomfort. Also, go for short walks to trigger the labour process.
