40 Weeks Pregnant
At 40 weeks pregnant your baby is about the size of a small pumpkin. You are in the third trimester, and this week brings its own small changes — for your baby and for you.
This is your due date week — only about 1 in 20 babies arrive exactly on the date.
- Size of
- a small pumpkin
- Length
- 51.2 cm
- Weight
- 3.46 kg
- Trimester
- 3
Your baby this week
- Your baby is ready to be born — growth continues right up to labour.
- The skull bones stay soft and separate so the head can pass through the birth canal.
- Movements become smoother and more coordinated.
Your body this week
- Contractions can start at any time now.
- The cervix starts to open once true labour begins.
Common symptoms
- Contractions that get longer, stronger and closer together
- A dull ache in the lower back
- Broken sleep and difficulty getting comfortable
What to expect
The last stretch asks a lot of your body. Sleep gets harder, movement slows down, and your appointments become more frequent. With 0 weeks to go, focus on rest, on knowing the signs of labour, and on having your bag ready.
Tips for this week
- Know the signs of labour and when to call: regular contractions, waters breaking, bleeding.
- Reduced movement always needs checking, even after your due date.
- Line up help for the first two weeks at home — meals, laundry, company.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is 40 weeks pregnant?
40 weeks is about 9 months. Pregnancy months do not divide evenly into weeks, so counting in weeks is more precise.
How big is my baby at 40 weeks?
At 40 weeks your baby is around a small pumpkin — roughly 51.2 cm long and about 3.46 kg. Healthy babies vary a lot around these averages.
What symptoms are normal at 40 weeks pregnant?
The most common ones this week are listed above. Contact your doctor or midwife about heavy bleeding, severe pain, a fever, or any change in your baby’s movements.
Pregnancy weeks are counted from the first day of your last period, so week 1 begins before conception.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy.