WeMoms
9 Apr 2024

My baby at 40 weeks of pregnancy

Your baby at 40 weeks
As big as a pumpkin
Length
20.1
Weight
7.6
Congratulations, you've reached the 40-week mark! 

Your baby is now the size of a large pumpkin, fully grown and preparing for their big debut. 

With an average weight of around 7.9 pounds and a length of approximately 20.4 inches, babies at this stage are ready for the outside world, though sizes can vary.
What's new this week?
Baby's Changes Overview
Open 3D Baby to see all changes
  • Nail Growth: Your baby's nails may extend beyond their fingertips, ready for their first manicure post-birth.

  • Baby Fat: Your baby has gained adorable baby fat, contributing to their cuteness and helping regulate their body temperature outside the womb.

  • Lung Development: The lungs are fully developed, priming your baby for their first breath of air.

  • Movement Changes: As space becomes tighter, you might notice a decrease in kicking but an increase in pressure as the baby settles into the birth canal.
They are in the final position for birth, which might reduce the frequency of kicks but increase pressure in your lower abdomen.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
Helping baby's development
  • Rest Well: Prioritize rest to conserve energy for labor and the exciting moments post-delivery.

  • Stay Hydrated: Keep up with fluid intake to stay hydrated, which is essential for your well-being.

  • Embrace Cravings: It’s okay to indulge in your cravings moderately during these final days.

  • Gentle Exercise: Continue with light activities like stretching or walking to maintain your health and potentially encourage labor.

  • Comfort with Pillows: Use pregnancy pillows for additional support and comfort as you rest.

  • Enjoy Personal Time: Relish in activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, watching your favorite shows, or any other hobbies that relax you.

  • Savor the Moment: Although anticipation is high, take time to reflect on your journey and the incredible experience of bringing a new life into the world.
Top Asked Question
What are some interesting facts about my baby's fingernails?

At 40 weeks, your baby's fingernails have grown long enough to extend beyond their fingertips. It's amazing how these tiny features develop.

Can my baby recognize light or changes in lighting conditions?

Yes, your baby may be able to detect changes in lighting conditions at 40 weeks, as they can perceive variations in light filtering through the womb.

How does my baby's digestive system prepare for the first feeding after birth?

By 40 weeks, your baby's digestive system is well-prepared for their first feeding. They have been swallowing and processing amniotic fluid to practice.

Is it common for my baby to have hiccups frequently, and is it a sign of readiness for birth?

Frequent hiccups are common for babies at 40 weeks, but they are not necessarily a sign of imminent birth. They continue practicing reflexes.

Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
View Sources
All I need to know
C
Cinda
19 Jan 2024

First time moms with NO COMPLICATIONS / HEALTH PROBLEMS when did you deliver your baby? My OBGYN thinks I'm gonna go the full 40-42 weeks

8 comments
S
Savannah
With my first I went to 42w 3d and they had to induce me
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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C
Crystal
I went 2 weeks past and they would not let me go longer I was 100 percent effaced and only dilated to a tight one when I got induced. After 32 to 38 hours later I only dilated to a tight 4. I ended up getting a emergency c section due to baby’s heart beat dropping to 12 bpm. There did end up being some complications they did not know about but I never had complications before.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Karynna
7 Jan 2024

Tomorrow I’ll be 37 weeks with my first baby! I’m super curious how far along you guys got in your first pregnancy 👀 I don’t think I can handle having him any earlier than 40 weeks. I’m not mentally prepared 😂

3 comments
J
Jaliah
I went 39 weeks and 5days my first pregnancy currently on my second will be 37weeks in two days and still closed so probably going to be the same 😂😂
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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M
Monai
My first I was 40 weeks and 5 days Second I was 40 weeks 3rd I was 41 weeks With this Lil man I'll be 39 I'm having an induction due to diabetes
27 Mar 2024

Answer


L
Latoya
8 Dec 2023

Hello ladies, I had my handsome baby boy 11/26/23 at 40 weeks 4 days in labor for 23hrs! 😍🥹 9lbs 6oz 22inches long

2 comments
F
Francess
😍 handsome ❤️ congrats 👏 momma ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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L
Latoya
Thank you!❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer


J
Jennifer
21 Nov 2023

Everyone having their babies at 38-39 weeks and I’m 40 weeks today 😭 I want to meet my son already.

1 comments
C
Caliann
Most of the moms are being induced.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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D
Dani
21 Jul 2023

My sweet baby boy was born at 40 weeks and 4 days Wednesday, July 19, 2023 19 3/4 inches 7 lbs 3.5oz Blake Arlo Joseph

2 comments
D
Dani
Thank you💕
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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Q
Quayanna
28 Mar 2023

Mommies that had their babies at 25 , 26 , 27 week or anytime before 40 weeks …. Did you know you were going in labor ? How did you feel prior to your little one arrival ? Any pain ? Bleeding ? I’m curious !

5 comments
N
Naomi
I had my first baby at 38 weeks . I did not know i was in labor . I was at my doctors appointment and she had me hooked up to the machine and was like oh you’re in labor and you’re going to have to go to the hospital asap. You’re having this baby today . She told me i was having intense contractions, but i didn’t feel it at all . Tbh i just thought i had to poop LOL. I thought she was on her bs saying i was gonna have the baby today . By the time i got to the hospital i was 3cm . No pain before
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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Q
Quayanna
Lol baby was ready to come out , I’m seeing so many females go in labor early & im afraid I might be go in sooner than I think , I have so much pressure down there but when I go to my doctors , they said everything’s looking fine 😩
27 Mar 2024

Answer


N
Nazli
26 Feb 2023

İn 40 weeks and 4 days my baby boy has arrived at 02.22.2023. It was my 3rd pregnancy and I pushed only 6 minutes

4 comments
L
Latoya
Congratulations 🎊 💐 🎉
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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Y
Yendry Vanessa
congratulations 😍😊
27 Mar 2024

Answer


S
Soklin
5 Jan 2023

40 weeks in 4 days but still no sign of labor at all!! Does anyone experience that??

5 comments
j
jenna
Yes my son came exactly at 41 weeks
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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S
Soklin
I hope she come earlier than that 🤞🏻
27 Mar 2024

Answer


E
Emily
26 Oct 2022

My water broke at 1:10 this morning I'm still in labor baby decided to come 40 weeks +6 days

4 comments
K
Khadijah
i hope you have a safe delivery love !!!! CONGRATULATIONS 🎊🎊🎉🎉🎉
27 Mar 2024

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W
Won3Love
May you have a safe and Healthy labor and delivery❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Keisha "Da Pregnant"
13 Jul 2022

Anybody else woke up 40 weeks and still pregnant with your belly still sitting this high? This whole earth is ghetto I wanna leave!

5 comments
K
Keisha "Da Pregnant" Doula
Achotiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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