40weeks
pregnant

Written by Danielle Townsend

IN THIS ARTICLE

Highlights this week

What you really need to buy for your baby before they arrive.

Baby development at 40 weeks

Although it's a tight squeeze in there, your baby is still busily growing. Their hair and fingernails will be getting longer too. Read more about how your baby's developing this week.

It's worth popping a pair of mittens in your hospital bag. Your baby may be born with quite long nails, but these should not be trimmed too soon. Popping a pair of mittens on your newborn's tiny hands will protect them from scratching their skin.

It's hard to predict how big your baby will be at birth. However, we do know that the average newborn weighs about 3.3kg.

Your baby's skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit as she moves through the birth canal during labour. This is called moulding, and is the reason your baby's head may look a little cone-shaped if you give birth vaginally. Rest assured that it's normal and temporary. Your baby will have soft spots on their head for at least the first year, though.

baby with head with soft spots called fontanels

Your baby's head has soft spots called fontanelles
The average newborn is 3.5kg (7.6lb) and 51.2cm (20.2in), from head to heel
Hair and nails continue to grow

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Your baby is the size of a small pumpkin

length

51.2

head to toe

weight

3.5

How your life's changing

After months of anticipation, your due date goes by, and... you're still pregnant. It's a frustrating, but common, situation. If you're running out of patience, it may help to remind yourself that your due date is only an estimation. At 40 weeks, your doctor or midwife won't consider you overdue for a week yet.

A few mums-to-be have what is called a prolonged pregnancy, which lasts longer than 42 weeks. Your midwife will keep an eye on you during these final days. You should have an antenatal appointment each week. If your pregnancy has been straightforward, your doctor or midwife will probably offer you an induction after 41 weeks.

What you need to know

Are your friends and family ringing or messaging you every day to find out how things are going? If it's frustrating you, explain that you'll call when your baby is definitely on her way and not before!

Try to have all those last-minute things sorted for when you do go into labour. A fully charged phone and camera, your car topped up with petrol, your bags packed.

If time's dragging and you have the energy, fit in a few last-minute treats with your partner. It won't be so easy after your baby's born.

Here are more suggestions for getting through the final days:

Sure you've settled on a name? For last-minute inspiration, take a look at our baby names section for ideas.
Use this time to double-check your birth plan. Compare it with our sample birth plans in case you've missed something out or want to rethink some points as the big day approaches.
From day one your baby's navel and umbilical cord will need looking after. Find out how to keep their umbilical stump clean.
You'll need to take care of yourself as well as your new baby once you're a mum. Read up on what to expect after the birth.
If you think your labour has started, but you're not sure, phone your midwife and ask for advice. Don't hesitate to give them a call if you're worried. Remind yourself of the signs of labour.

Not long now - soon you'll be able to kiss, cuddle, change and bath your baby.

Parent tip: breastfeeding help

"I'd only been home from hospital for a day when I knew I needed help with breastfeeding. My baby wasn't latching on, and we were both frustrated. A friend suggested ringing an Australian Breastfeeding AssociationOpens a new window counsellor on 1800 MUM 2 MUM (1800 686 2 686). She was such a help, even at 11pm. A few tips from her and a much needed confidence boost, and my baby and I were fine." Glenda

Real labour pains are regular and (usually) painful
Your provider may do a cervical check to see if your body's prepping for birth

How your life's changing

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A few mums-to-be have what is called a prolonged pregnancy, which lasts longer than 42 weeks. Your midwife will keep an eye on you during these final days. You should have an antenatal appointment each week. If your pregnancy has been straightforward, your doctor or midwife will probably offer you an induction after 41 weeks.

What you need to know

Here are more suggestions for getting through the final days:

Sure you've settled on a name? For last-minute inspiration, take a look at our baby names section for ideas.
Use this time to double-check your birth plan. Compare it with our sample birth plans in case you've missed something out or want to rethink some points as the big day approaches.
From day one your baby's navel and umbilical cord will need looking after. Find out how to keep their umbilical stump clean.
You'll need to take care of yourself as well as your new baby once you're a mum. Read up on what to expect after the birth.
If you think your labour has started, but you're not sure, phone your midwife and ask for advice. Don't hesitate to give them a call if you're worried. Remind yourself of the signs of labour.