Trimester 3
Week 40
Your baby is about the size of a pumpkin.
Length: 51.2 cm · Weight: 3400 g
Common this week: Pelvic pressure, Braxton Hicks, Back pain, Nesting, Emotional highs and lows, Cervical changes.
Baby development
- Your baby is fully ready. The skull has soft spots (fontanelles) to allow safe passage.
- Lungs, brain, and all organs are mature.
- The baby is sleeping in preparation for the hard work of birth.
- Eye colour at birth may differ from the final colour — pigmentation continues after birth.
Changes for you
- Due date week — excitement and anticipation are at a peak.
- Only about 5% of babies arrive exactly on the due date.
- Labour signs may be stronger and more frequent.
- You are incredible — you have grown a human being.
Tips
- Your due date is a guide, not a deadline — it's normal to go a few days over.
- If you haven't gone into labour, keep your weekly antenatal appointments.
- Stay mobile if you feel up to it — walking can help encourage labour.
- You've got this. Trust your body, trust your care team, and welcome your baby.
Appointments
- Weekly antenatal check.
- Induction of labour typically offered at 41–41+6 weeks if labour has not begun — discuss with your OB or midwife.
Warning signs
- Any decrease in fetal movement — call your hospital immediately
- No labour signs past 41 weeks — contact your provider
- Any bleeding or fluid
Australian notes
- Post-dates pregnancy (beyond 40 weeks) is common. RANZCOG recommends discussing induction options from 41 weeks.
- After the birth, contact Pregnancy, Birth and Baby for postnatal support: 1800 882 436.
- PANDA postnatal depression support: 1300 726 306.