👶Your baby this week
Your baby is **full term and ready** for life outside the womb, about the length of a **newborn sleep suit** (~49.8 cm) and typically **6–9 lb**.
All major **organs and reflexes** are go. Baby continues to fine-tune the **brain and nervous system** and may shed remaining **vernix** and **lanugo** (dry skin patches are common as vernix decreases).
The **placenta** is still passing protective **antibodies**; if you plan to breastfeed, early **colostrum** provides an extra immune boost.
Baby’s **skin tone** may look whitish at birth (pigmentation comes later) and vision will be **blurry** at first, but Your voice will be **recognised**.
Space is tight, so movements feel more like **rolls and stretches** than kicks, but you should still feel **regular movement** until birth.
Curled into a **fetal position**, many newborns enjoy **swaddling** after birth because it mimics the womb.
🌸Your body this week
If this is your first baby, you’ll likely have an **antenatal appointment** this week: **blood pressure**, **urine (protein)** and **bump measurements** to screen for **pre-eclampsia**.
More **Braxton Hicks** (‘practice’ contractions) are common. **Real contractions** become regular, longer and stronger, and do not stop with rest or position change.
Labour has **3 stages**: cervix dilates to 10 cm (6–12 hours for many first-time births), **baby is born** (2nd stage), then the **placenta** (3rd stage).
Call your hospital/midwife when contractions last **≥ 60 seconds** and come **every ~5 minutes** for at least an hour, or anytime you’re worried.
You may experience **backache**, **pelvic pressure**, **loose stools**, **insomnia**, a **‘show’** (mucus plug), and a powerful **nesting instinct**.
If your waters break, it might be a **trickle**, not a gush. Clear/odourless suggests amniotic fluid; **green/brown** could indicate **meconium**, call triage promptly.
💛Symptoms you might notice
Every pregnancy is different. These are common around week 40 — speak to your midwife if anything worries you.
Practice vs. real contractions
Braxton Hicks are irregular and ease with rest/hydration. **Active labour** contractions become **regular, longer, closer together and more intense**, and continue despite position changes.
Waters breaking
Amniotic fluid is usually **clear/odourless**. Wear a pad (not a tampon), note **time/colour/amount**, and call triage. **Green/brown fluid** may mean meconium and needs urgent review.
‘Show’ (mucus plug) & discharge
A pink/brown/yellow **mucus plug** can pass as the cervix ripens. Thin white discharge is common. **Fresh red bleeding** needs urgent assessment.
Backache & pelvic pressure
Common as baby engages. Try warm baths/showers, a belly support belt, side-sleeping with pillows, and gentle stretches.
Insomnia & nesting
Racing thoughts and discomfort can disrupt sleep. Limit screens late, try a warm bath, and use extra pillows for support, rest whenever you can.
Diarrhoea
Loose stools can occur as labour nears. Hydrate and eat lightly; seek advice if severe, persistent or accompanied by fever.
Heartburn or indigestion
Small, frequent meals and avoiding spicy/fatty foods can help. Ask your midwife which antacids are safe in pregnancy.
Leg cramps
Often worse at night. Gentle calf stretches, hydration, and magnesium/calcium in the diet can help. Flex toes toward the shin during a spasm.
Cervical dilation & effacement
You won’t feel your cervix opening/thinning, but exams may note **cm dilated** and **% effaced** as labour approaches.
Changes in fetal movement
Movements may change in **quality** (more rolls than kicks) but **should not reduce**. If movements **slow, change or stop**, call triage immediately.
Red-flag symptoms
Seek urgent care for: **vaginal bleeding; brown/pink discharge; severe night itching; severe persistent headache; visual changes; pain under ribs; sudden/extreme swelling of feet/hands/face; persistent abdominal pain; temperature >37.5°C without cold/flu symptoms**.
✨Tips for week 40
8 labour tips to stay in control
Rest if contractions start at night; stay **upright/active** by day; try different **positions** (ball/leaning); warm **bath/shower**; practise **breathing**; ask for **massage/support** from your partner; snack on **light, slow-release foods** (banana, yoghurt); create a **calm environment** (music, low lights).
Induction myths & facts
There’s **no proven safe home method** to start labour (e.g., spicy foods/sex/teas). Always discuss options like **membrane sweep** or **induction** with your midwife/doctor.
Know when to call
Contractions **≥ 60s** every **~5 min** for an hour, **waters breaking**, **reduced movements**, **green/brown fluid**, **fresh bleeding**, or if you’re **worried**, call your maternity unit.
Kick counts matter
Keep track of Your usual movement pattern. **Any** noticeable **slowdown or change** warrants **immediate** assessment.
Birth plan & pain relief
Review the **stages of labour** and your **pain relief** preferences (gas & air, opioids, water, TENS, epidural, self-help). Stay **flexible**, you can change your mind.
Be ready for waters
Pop a pad in your underwear if you suspect a leak and **note colour/odour/time**. Bring your notes and **call triage** for guidance.
Pack & prep
Keep your **hospital bag** and notes by the door; line up childcare/pet care; save key phone numbers (midwife/triage/taxi).
Vaccinations & newborn screening
If not yet done, ask about **RSV** (offered until labour). Discuss **newborn screening** so you’re ready to consent after birth.
Healthy habits now
Short walks, gentle stretches, **balanced meals** (only ~**+200 kcal/day**), limit caffeine, avoid alcohol/smoking, and take **vitamin D (10 µg/day)** unless told otherwise.
Mindset & fear
Your body and baby **know what to do**, the pelvis softens, the cervix opens, baby’s head moulds, and the vagina stretches then recovers. **Kegels** help pre- and post-birth.
Feeding & the first hours
Expect **skin-to-skin**, early feeds (colostrum), and that baby recognises your **voices**. Ask for **latch support** and consider **swaddling** if baby enjoys it.
After-birth planning
Line up **postnatal support**, discuss **contraception**, and read up on **your body after birth** (bleeding, perineal care, pelvic floor, rest).