Everything you need to know about week 40 of pregnancy

You are now 40 weeks pregnant: the official home straight of your pregnancy. It could happen at any moment. Perhaps your hospital bag is already packed, your birth plan has been carefully thought through and every little change makes your heart beat faster. The past few months have been filled with anticipation, uncertainty and plenty of courage. Now the big moment is just around the corner, and everything else fades into the background. Only you, your happiness and your soon-to-be first meeting count.

The 40th week of pregnancy is characterised above all by waiting. Many pregnant women experience this time as emotionally challenging: their thoughts constantly revolve around possible signs of labour, how the birth will unfold and the first hours together with their baby. At the same time, your body is working at full capacity: your uterus is huge, your hormones are causing emotional highs and lows, and you can probably feel every movement of your baby very intensely.

In this article, you will find all the important information about your baby’s development, the changes in your body and helpful tips for the 40th week of pregnancy.

Your baby in the 40th week of pregnancy:

Size, weight and posture: Your baby is now about 51 cm long, weighs around 3,400 grams and is about the size of a small watermelon. It is now very cramped in the uterus. Their arms and legs are strongly bent to make room at all.
Head and skull: Ideally, your little one’s head has already descended into the pelvis. Thanks to the soft fontanelles in their skull, the bones can overlap as they pass through the birth canal. A brilliant feature of nature.
Reflexes: Your baby is ready: more than 70 reflexes are fully developed. These include the sucking reflex, the grasp reflex and the Moro reflex. They help your baby not only during birth, but also in the first few days of life.
Organs and digestion: All the important organs are functioning. The lungs are ready for the first breath, and the gastrointestinal tract is also working, although the stomach is still producing little acid. This is why breast milk is perfectly adapted to your little one’s needs.

Your body in the 40th week of pregnancy:

Uterus and breasts: Your uterus has now reached around five times its original size. Yellowish or slightly orange-coloured drops may come out of your nipples – this is colostrum, your baby’s first food.
Skin, bump and discomfort: Your bump feels very tight and your skin may itch. Rich moisturising creams or gentle oil massages can help. Discomfort such as nausea, diarrhoea or headaches is also typical: these are often the first signs that labour is approaching.
Signs of labour: You may notice lightening contractions, your mucus plug may come away or the pressure downwards may increase. These are all completely natural signs. Regular, strong contractions five minutes apart or your waters breaking are also clear indications. Then it is time to contact your midwife or doctor.
Hormones & mind: Stress hormones may increase. You may feel restless, nervous or exhausted. But don’t worry: this is completely normal. Your body is working intensely, both physically and emotionally.

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Your baby’s development in the 40th week of pregnancy

By the 40th week of pregnancy, your little one is about 51 centimetres long and weighs around 3,400 grams, roughly the size of a small watermelon. They are usually lying with their head deep in the pelvis and have little room, which is why they keep their arms and legs tightly bent. Movements are less frequent and smaller, but can usually still be felt clearly.

Your baby’s skull bones have not yet completely hardened. Thanks to the soft fontanelles, the bones can shift and overlap during birth, allowing the head to fit through the birth canal more easily.

Your baby’s reflexes are also fully developed: around 70 reflexes, including the grasping, sucking and Moro reflexes, are ready for use. The organs are working independently, although the stomach cannot yet produce much stomach acid. This is why your baby can only tolerate milk well during the first few weeks.

Your body in the 40th week of pregnancy

Your body has achieved something amazing and is now preparing intensively for the birth. Your uterus is now five times larger than it was before pregnancy. Many pregnant women now experience lightening contractions or a strong pulling sensation in the lower back. A yellowish or orange-coloured discharge from the breasts is also possible: this is colostrum, your baby’s first food.

The pressure downwards may increase significantly as your baby’s head presses on the cervix. You may also experience nausea, diarrhoea or headaches – all possible signs that the birth is approaching. The mucus plug may also come away, and the cervix shortens.

Emotionally, this phase can be very intense. Hormonal changes can cause mood swings, nervousness and impatience – all of this is completely normal. The important thing is to listen to your body and give yourself time to rest.

Tips for the 40th week of pregnancy

💡 1. Gently encourage contractions: If your little one is keeping you waiting a little longer, you can try gentle methods to help things along: going for a walk, having sex, stimulating the nipples or eating spicy food may help. However, only do this if your body is ready. Please do not force anything.
💡 2. Keep your hospital bag ready: Now is the perfect time to check your hospital bag one last time. Do you have all the important documents with you? Your maternity record, ID, health insurance card and, if applicable, your birth plan should be ready to hand. Don’t forget comfortable clothes, snacks and charging cables either.
💡 3. Choose light, energy-rich foods: Easily digestible, carbohydrate-rich meals help maintain your energy reserves for the birth. Small portions such as porridge, soups, bananas or steamed vegetables are ideal. It is better to avoid heavy, fatty dishes, as they can often sit heavily in your stomach at this stage.
💡 4. Take mindful breaks: A warm bath, an audiobook, a walk in the fresh air or an afternoon in bed: consciously take moments to pause and breathe. Giving birth is a major physical and emotional achievement. You are allowed to gather your strength without feeling guilty.
💡 5. Stay in touch with your midwife: If you are unsure whether you are experiencing labour contractions or if any questions arise, do not hesitate to contact your midwife. She is your most important point of contact now and can safely guide you through this phase.

Antenatal care: If the estimated due date has passed, check-ups will take place every two days from now on. Your doctor or midwife will regularly check that you and your baby are doing well. Very few babies are born exactly on their due date. Trust that your baby will find the right moment of their own.

The 40th week of pregnancy is the final step on your journey towards one another. You are ready, and your baby is ready. Trust yourself, your body and the strength within you. Soon you will be able to hold your little one in your arms.

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Frequently asked questions about the 40th week of pregnancy

What happens if my little one goes past the due date?

You’ve reached the final stretch and the countdown is almost at zero. Usually, only five per cent of all babies are born exactly on their due date. Keep looking ahead, because after 40 weeks of pregnancy it is perfectly normal for the birth to take a little longer. As a mother, you can now focus entirely on yourself and taking things easy. We are here to support you and your little one every step of the way.

Which medical aspects are important at the end of the final trimester?

During the ultrasound, your doctor will check whether your baby is in the right position and whether their movements are strong. Medically speaking, your little one is now ready for the world: the liver stores glucose and the metabolism prepares for life outside the womb. The skull plates are also still flexible and can move slightly, so that this first precious moment of birth can happen safely.

How do birth weight and my body change during the final stretch?

Birth weight is now usually between 3,000 and 4,000 grams, with a large proportion consisting of important fat. During this time, many women notice an increase in size and water retention in their feet. If you drink enough fluids and avoid unnecessary stress, this should not affect your wellbeing. At my junior, we know that every mum deserves support during this phase.

Why is the release of hormones so important now?

Your body controls the release of important substances to initiate labour and give you new energy. Avoid stress and create a calm space for yourself so that feelings of relaxation can prevail. There is no need to worry if you feel a little impatient as a mum now. Your body knows exactly what it is doing to bring your little one safely into the world.