Week 40: Your Due Date Has Arrived
You've reached your due date. Remember, this is an estimate, and it's completely normal for labor to begin anywhere from a week before to about two weeks after this date.
Baby's Development
Your baby is fully developed and ready to meet you. Final touches continue, including a bit more fat accumulation and ongoing brain development that will continue rapidly for years after birth.
Many babies' skulls retain some flexibility for the birth process, but the rest of the body is essentially fully formed and ready for life outside the womb.
Changes in Your Body
Your due date has arrived, though remember this is an estimate, not a guarantee — it's completely normal for labor to begin anywhere from about a week before to two weeks after this date.
Try to stay patient, even though this final stretch can feel like the longest part of pregnancy.
Common Symptoms
At 40 weeks, common experiences include:
- Significant discomfort and impatience
- Frequent Braxton Hicks contractions
- Pelvic pressure
- Difficulty sleeping
- Possible signs of approaching labor
Nutrition This Week
Continue eating well, staying hydrated, and resting as much as possible. Your body needs energy reserves for the work of labor ahead, whenever it begins.
Safe Exercises
Gentle movement remains fine if you feel up to it, but rest is just as important. There's no proven way to reliably trigger labor through exercise, so focus on comfort over trying to speed things along.
Medical Checklist
This week:
- Stay in close contact with your doctor about next steps if labor hasn't started
- Keep monitoring fetal movement as usual
- Trust that your body and baby are working together toward this moment
Doctor Visit Guide
Your doctor will discuss your specific situation, including any monitoring tests (like non-stress tests) that may be recommended if your due date passes, and will talk through induction options and timing if relevant for your circumstances.