Baby’s heart ♥️ rate dropped during a contraction on NST today…. Exactly 40w sent to hospital from appt & waiting for transport to take me up to labor & delivery 🥹🥹🥹 I’m about to have me baby girl 👧🏽😍 I’m nervous now
WeMoms
9 Apr 2024
Your body at 40 weeks of pregnancy
Your Body
at 40 Weeks
Welcome to Week 40 of your pregnancy!
While you may have anticipated meeting your little one by now, remember that due dates are just estimations, and every baby has their own timeline for arrival.
As you patiently await the start of labor, let's explore the symptoms, reassurances, and proactive steps you can take during this pivotal time.
Symptoms of the week
Labor Contractions
Labor Stress
Breaking of your water
Exhaustion: Feeling utterly drained? Your body's tireless efforts to nurture and accommodate your growing baby can leave you feeling exhausted, signaling the imminent arrival of labor.
Breaking of Water: The rupture of amniotic fluid, known as your water breaking, may herald the onset of labor, accompanied by a sudden gush or slow leak of fluid.
Signs of Labor: From back pain to cramps and contractions, your body may exhibit various signs that labor is approaching, as it prepares for the monumental task of childbirth.
Breaking of Water: The rupture of amniotic fluid, known as your water breaking, may herald the onset of labor, accompanied by a sudden gush or slow leak of fluid.
Signs of Labor: From back pain to cramps and contractions, your body may exhibit various signs that labor is approaching, as it prepares for the monumental task of childbirth.
Your body is primed for labor. Anticipate your baby's arrival.
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Is it normal?
Fatigue Acknowledgment: Embrace feelings of extreme tiredness as your body's natural response to the demands of pregnancy, viewing them as potential indicators that labor is near.
Water Breaking Awareness: Recognize the potential signs of your water breaking, including fluid leakage, and promptly notify your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.
Labor Symptom Reassurance: Find comfort in knowing that back pain, cramps, and contractions are typical manifestations of your body gearing up for labor, affirming your readiness for childbirth.
Contraction Monitoring: Familiarize yourself with the "5-1-1" rule for timing contractions, empowering you to discern when it's time to head to the hospital for labor progression assessment.
Water Breaking Awareness: Recognize the potential signs of your water breaking, including fluid leakage, and promptly notify your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.
Labor Symptom Reassurance: Find comfort in knowing that back pain, cramps, and contractions are typical manifestations of your body gearing up for labor, affirming your readiness for childbirth.
Contraction Monitoring: Familiarize yourself with the "5-1-1" rule for timing contractions, empowering you to discern when it's time to head to the hospital for labor progression assessment.
Top Asked Questions
Top 5 questions answered
What is infant sleep safety, and how can I ensure my baby is sleeping safely?
Infant sleep safety involves creating a safe sleeping environment for the baby, including placing the baby on their back to sleep, using a firm and flat sleep surface, and avoiding soft bedding and objects in the crib.
What are some common infant health concerns, and when should I seek medical attention?
Common infant health concerns include fever, difficulty breathing, jaundice, and dehydration. You should seek medical attention if you have concerns or if your baby is showing signs of illness.
What are some recommended infant development activities?
Recommended infant development activities include tummy time, reading and singing to the baby, providing age-appropriate toys and stimulation, and engaging in interactive play.
When can I start exercising again after giving birth, and what are some recommended postpartum exercises?
You should consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise after giving birth. Recommended postpartum exercises may include pelvic floor exercises, gentle stretching, and low-impact cardio activities.
What are some tips for bonding with my baby, and how can I make the most of this special time?
Tips for bonding with your baby include cuddling, talking and singing to the baby, and engaging in skin-to-skin contact. You can make the most of this special time by being present, taking photos and videos, and enjoying the moments together.
Taking care of yourself
Activity Promotion: Engage in gentle physical activities such as walking or squatting to encourage labor progress and uplift your mood.
Partner Massage: Enlist your partner's support in providing comforting massages to alleviate discomfort and potentially stimulate contractions.
Intimacy Encouragement: Explore intimacy with your partner as a means to release labor-inducing hormones and foster relaxation.
Nipple Stimulation: Experiment with gentle nipple stimulation to trigger uterine contractions and facilitate labor onset.
Spicy Food Indulgence: Incorporate spicy foods into your diet to potentially stimulate uterine activity and aid in labor initiation.
Relaxation Rituals: Enjoy soothing baths to unwind, reduce stress, and promote relaxation as you await the arrival of your baby.
Partner Massage: Enlist your partner's support in providing comforting massages to alleviate discomfort and potentially stimulate contractions.
Intimacy Encouragement: Explore intimacy with your partner as a means to release labor-inducing hormones and foster relaxation.
Nipple Stimulation: Experiment with gentle nipple stimulation to trigger uterine contractions and facilitate labor onset.
Spicy Food Indulgence: Incorporate spicy foods into your diet to potentially stimulate uterine activity and aid in labor initiation.
Relaxation Rituals: Enjoy soothing baths to unwind, reduce stress, and promote relaxation as you await the arrival of your baby.
Prepare for potential childbirth emergencies or complications.
Plan for potential hospital or birth center logistics, such as parking or admission.
Discuss potential pain relief options with your healthcare provider.
Stay up-to-date with regular prenatal appointments and recommended tests.
Prepare for potential postpartum recovery and self-care.
Stay informed about potential warning signs and complications.
Consider natural induction methods, such as acupuncture or nipple stimulation.
Practice mindfulness and stress management techniques to reduce anxiety.
Teaser for next week
Stay attuned to your body's signals and seek medical guidance if you experience any concerning symptoms or uncertainties regarding labor progression.
All I need to know
Arrival of the Due Date
3 min read
Induced Labor Fears?
3 min read
Newborn Health Collection
1 min read
C
Cheyenne
8 Sep 2023
34w +1 everyone at work is telling me that I’m gonna have her before 40w a lot of people say 37 or 38 weeks …has anyone went into labor around that time ? Did they stop the labor or did they let your baby come ?
Kisha
37 and 38 weeks is considered full term.
27 Mar 2024
Answer
1
See more comments
D
Doniaaaa
1 Sep 2022
I’m 40w 5d and still no baby.. has anyone tried castor oil to induce? What were your experiences and did it work??
Kimberly
I did with my second son and girl let me tell you… it didn’t do anything except give me the shits and dehydrate me
27 Mar 2024
Answer
1
See more comments
Doniaaaa
Yeah I’m undecided on if I want to take it
Answer
0
B
Briana
28 Jul 2022
At 34w2d my baby is 5.7lb is that normal or is my baby gonna be a chonkers? I read they’re supposed to gain 1/2lb every week from here until 40w…
Alora
Mines about the same right now! Not super chonky but definitely got chubby cheeks.
27 Mar 2024
Answer
2
See more comments
Kayla
I will find out monday what my baby girl is and i will be 34 weeks 3 day's then so i will let you know lol
Answer
1
Answer
1
Answer
1