Your baby this week
Your baby is ready — fully developed, all systems go. The skull bones are soft so your baby can make the journey to you. Your baby has everything it needs — strong lungs, a warm layer of fat, a brain full of connections, and a heart that's been beating since week 5. Your baby might come today, tomorrow, or in a few more days — but when it does, the first thing it will want is to be close to you. You've been your baby's home for 40 weeks.
Your body this week
This is your estimated due date week — but only about 5% of babies arrive exactly on their due date! If labour hasn't started yet, don't worry — it's very common, especially for first pregnancies. Your doctor will likely schedule more frequent monitoring. They'll discuss induction options if you go past 41 weeks. Stay patient, stay rested, and know that your baby will come when they're ready. You've done something truly incredible these past 40 weeks.
Common symptoms this week
Every pregnancy is different — you may notice some of these, all of them, or none at all. None of this is a checklist to worry over.
- Strong pelvic pressure
- Frequent Braxton Hicks
- Early labour signs may appear
- Restlessness and impatience
- Trouble sleeping
This week’s checklist
- Attend all monitoring appointments your doctor schedules
- Discuss induction options if you go past your due date
- Continue kick counting — baby should still be active
- Stay calm — going past due is very common for first pregnancies
- Enjoy these last moments — the next chapter begins soon!
What’s normal this week
Most of what you’re feeling is your body doing exactly what it should — the everyday symptoms don’t need a call. The signs below are the rare exceptions: noticing one doesn’t mean something’s wrong, just that it’s worth a quick check.
When to call your doctor
- Labor signs: regular contractions, water breaking, bloody show
- Any decrease in baby's movements
- Green or brown amniotic fluid
- Going past 41 weeks without labour starting
This guide offers general information for a typical pregnancy and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always follow your doctor or midwife’s guidance for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
How big is my baby at 40 weeks pregnant?
At 40 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a watermelon.
What are common symptoms at 40 weeks pregnant?
Common symptoms around 40 weeks pregnant include strong pelvic pressure, frequent Braxton Hicks, early labour signs may appear, restlessness and impatience, trouble sleeping. Every pregnancy is different — you may notice some of these, all of them, or none at all.
What is developing at 40 weeks pregnant?
Your baby is ready — fully developed, all systems go. The skull bones are soft so your baby can make the journey to you.
When should I call my doctor at 40 weeks pregnant?
Call your doctor at 40 weeks if you notice labor signs: regular contractions, water breaking, bloody show; any decrease in baby's movements; green or brown amniotic fluid; going past 41 weeks without labour starting.
Last updated June 2026
References
Ovyacare’s guidance is written in-house and aligned with leading medical authorities: