Trimester 3
40 weeks pregnant: Your due date is here
Here is what to expect this week for you and your baby.
Baby Size Watermelon (tarbooz) 51.2 cm Average ~51 cm. Only ~5% of babies arrive exactly on the due date.
Baby Development
- Due date week! Baby weighs 3-3.5kg typically
- Skull bones not yet fused — allows moulding during delivery
- Baby fully ready — just waiting for the signal
- Placenta continues providing nutrition until delivery
Common Symptoms
- Contractions may become regular — this could be it!
- Cervix fully effaced and dilating
- Backache intensifying — back labour possible
- Emotional rollercoaster — excitement, fear, readiness
Tips & Advice
- Time contractions: 5-1-1 rule (5 min apart, 1 min long, for 1 hour)
- Call doctor when water breaks or contractions are regular
- Trust your body — you are ready for this
Nutrition Guide
- Keep eating light: toast, fruits, energy drinks
- Honey-lemon water for energy during early labour
- Pack snacks for labour: dry fruits, glucose biscuits
Medical Checklist
When to see your doctor at week 40
Some symptoms need attention right away. Contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital if you notice any of these:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad within an hour)
- Severe or persistent abdominal or pelvic pain
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
- Sudden severe headache, blurred vision or upper-abdominal pain (possible preeclampsia)
- Decreased fetal movement after week 24 (fewer than 10 movements in 2 hours)
- Watery fluid leak from the vagina before 37 weeks (possible PPROM)
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks (possible preterm labour)
Frequently asked questions
Past my due date?
About half of babies arrive after 40 weeks. Most providers monitor and offer induction 41–42 weeks.
Early vs false labour?
True labour intensifies, lengthens, more frequent, doesn’t ease with rest/hydration/position.
Baby okay if “late”?
Usually yes, with monitoring (AFI, movements, heart-rate).
For partners
Be calm and present — even casual conversation eases her anxiety.
Prepare for your OB visit
- Monitoring plan between now and 41 weeks?
- When would induction be advised?
Medical review Awaiting medical review
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