Pregnancy Week 40 – The Journey Comes To An End

Week 40 is almost the last week of pregnancy; almost because some of the pregnant women will give birth in 41 or 42 weeks of pregnancy.

Once these few days are over, then you can return to the normal pre pregnancy regimen [planning pregnancy]. You won’t observe any major changes during this week.

But, some of the changes that occur in you and your baby include:

What are the physical changes that occur in your body during pregnancy week 40?

This time, you are very anxious to hold your new baby in your arms. Your baby completely occupies your uterus and your belly looks as big as it can.

Do you know about the phases of labor?

Phase I: This phase is also called as early labor. If you are first time mother, finally you will understand just how fake Braxton-Hick contractions are. Finally, you will get to know that real labor contractions are more painful, more intense and they occur in frequency of 3-4 times for every 10 min and each contraction lasts up to 60 seconds.

When you experience real labor contractions, then you cannot even walk around your house, watch a movie or even take a warm bath for relaxing to the forthcoming birth.

For first time mother, you need to experience the signs of early labor for up to 8 hours. At this point, the amniotic sac naturally breaks down. If this happens with you, immediately go to the birth center even the contractions are not yet started.

If you experience contractions for every five minutes over an hour and breakage of water does not take place, then immediately you can head to the birthing center.

Phase II: This phase is also called as active labor. The dilation of cervix up to 10 cm leads descending of your baby into the pelvis region and this is accompanied with the feelings of rectal pressure same as the feelings that you experience before a bowel moment. In most of the cases, even the mother is completely dilated, the baby won’t move down until much later in the labor process.

When the baby is descended, the contractions push your baby to move through the birth canal. Don’t strain too much, if your uterus slowly pushes the baby downwards. In a first time mother, the baby will be descended more slowly.

Phase III: In this phase, the placenta will expel within half an hour after the delivery. Expelling the entire placenta is most important because any residual parts can cause infection and bleeding later.

If you don’t deliver your baby during this week, then it will happen in 41 or 42 weeks. You won’t be considered as post due until you reach 42 weeks. So, don’t be afraid that much. Your doctor will recommend induction if he/she feels that the pregnancy has continued long enough.

What are the changes that occur in the fetus during pregnancy week 40?

By this week, your baby is about the size of 22 inches long and weighs up to 7.5 pounds. The weight of full term babies varies greatly. So, your baby can be 6 pounds or weigh as much as 10 pounds.

By this time, your baby may or may not be engaged in your pelvic region. This entirely depends on whether you are first time mother or a repeater. Usually, at this time, the baby’s position is with his head downwards and back is facing against your abdomen. This is the ideal position for delivery.

Fact for pregnancy week 40:

Your placenta will expel 20-30 minutes after the birth. This amazing organ must come out completely; otherwise you will be at a risk of hemorrhage. Your doctor will examine your placenta after it has been expelled to make sure that no fragments remain.

Related Posts:

1. Pregnancy Week 20 – Successfully Accomplished Half The Journey
2. Pregnancy Week 34 – Breathing Becomes Easier From This Week Onwards
3. Pregnancy Week 39 – Only One Week To Go
4. Pregnancy Week 36 – Great Fluctuations In Your Energy Levels
5. Pregnancy Week By Week! Interesting To Know Baby’s Growth Every Week!
6. Pregnancy Week 37 – Beginning Of Full-Term Pregnancy