Week 40: Your Due Date Is Here!
Your baby is now about the size of a watermelon.
Avg. Length: 51.2 cm
(Crown to Heel)
Your Baby This Week
Your baby likely weighs around 7.5 pounds, but healthy babies come in many sizes. At birth, they may be covered in vernix, lanugo, and blood. Their vision is blurry, but they already know your voice.
Your Body This Week
Welcome to your due date week! Don't stress if it comes and goes—it's just an estimate. You're probably feeling practice (Braxton Hicks) contractions. Your provider will likely have a specific plan for when to call, often based on contraction frequency or if your water breaks. It is standard practice to contact the delivery unit immediately if there are concerns about the baby's movement or bleeding.
Tips for Your Partner
Your main job is to be present, encouraging, and calm. Help keep the house tidy for when you all return from the hospital. If the due date passes without any action, make sure your partner gets to her checkup to ensure everything is still okay. The big moment is so close!
References
[1]
Fetal development: The third trimester - Mayo Clinichttps://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997
[2]
Normal Labor and Delivery Process - WebMDhttps://www.webmd.com/baby/cm/normal-labor-and-delivery-process
[3]
40 weeks pregnant guide - Best Start in Life - NHShttps://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/week-by-week-guide-to-pregnancy/3rd-trimester/week-40/
[4]
How to Tell When Labor Begins - ACOGhttps://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-to-tell-when-labor-begins