Our Baby Journey40 weeks pregnant
40 weeks pregnant is about 9 months. It falls in the ninth month of pregnancy. You are in week 40 of 40, in the third trimester. Here is what is happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is about the size of a pumpkin.
Length: about 51.2 cm (20.2 in) from crown to heel · Weight: about 3.5 kg (7.6 lb)
Your baby at 40 weeks
Your due date has arrived. Only a small share of babies are born exactly on their due date.
Your baby is ready to be born. The skull bones are still able to overlap slightly during birth, so it is normal for a newborn's head to look a little elongated for a day or two. Your baby may still have some vernix in skin folds and patches of fine hair on the shoulders or back.
The immune system has stored antibodies from you, the lungs are ready to inflate with the first cry, and the circulation is prepared for a big change: at birth, the blood flow shifts so the lungs, not the placenta, take over supplying oxygen.
If your baby stays inside a bit longer, growth and brain development continue. Babies vary widely in size near term, and healthy babies born around their due date can range from well under to well over the average weight.
Your body at 40 weeks
If labor hasn't started, your provider may monitor you more closely or talk about induction.
Reaching your due date without labor starting is very common, especially with a first baby. Your due date is an estimate, and only a small percentage of babies arrive on that exact day. You might feel heavy, uncomfortable, and tired of answering questions about when the baby is coming. Practice contractions may come and go, and the pressure in your pelvis can be intense. Try to rest, eat well, and do things that help you relax. Keep paying attention to your baby's movements, and do not hesitate to call if anything feels different.
Your belly at week 40
In month 9 (weeks 36–40) your baby may drop lower into your pelvis, so your bump can look lower than before. This is more common in a first pregnancy. Breathing may get easier, but you will feel more pressure low in your belly and pelvis, and fundal height may stop increasing or dip slightly.
Belly size and shape vary a lot depending on your build, whether this is your first pregnancy, your baby's position and the amount of amniotic fluid. At checkups your doctor or midwife may measure your fundal height to track your baby's growth, and may arrange an ultrasound if the measurement is quite different from what they expect.
Symptoms at 40 weeks pregnant
- Heaviness and pelvic pressure
- On-and-off contractions that may not settle into a pattern
- Difficulty sleeping
- Impatience or frustration at waiting
- Increased discharge or a show
Checkups around week 40
Around your due date, your provider will usually see you to check on you and your baby and plan next steps. Depending on where you live, you may be offered a membrane sweep and a date for induction if labor has not started, often somewhere between 41 and 42 weeks. Extra monitoring, such as heart rate checks or an ultrasound, may be offered if you go past your due date. Practices vary by country.
Tips for week 40
- Stay in touch with your provider about next steps.
- Keep counting movements and report any decrease right away.
- Be patient — your baby will arrive soon.
Common symptoms in the third trimester
The third trimester runs from week 28 until birth, usually around week 40. Your baby gains most of their weight, their lungs mature, and your body prepares for labor. Not everyone has every symptom, and it is normal for symptoms to come and go. Common ones include:
- Shortness of breath as your uterus presses up on your diaphragm
- Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions
- Swelling of the feet and ankles
- Trouble sleeping and getting comfortable
- Pelvic pressure and pain
- Needing to urinate more often again
- Heartburn and back ache
Read the full third trimester guide.
When to call your doctor or midwife
Contact your healthcare provider or maternity unit straight away, or get emergency care, if you have:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain or cramping
- A severe headache, blurred vision, or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
- A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
- Fluid leaking from your vagina
- Severe vomiting where you cannot keep fluids down
- Your baby moving less than usual or a change in their pattern of movements (later in pregnancy)
- Regular contractions before 37 weeks
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Feeling very low, anxious, or having thoughts of harming yourself
Have a question about week 40?
Ask our AI pregnancy assistant about symptoms, nutrition, scans or anything else on your mind this week.
Frequently asked questions
How big is my baby at 40 weeks pregnant?
At 40 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a pumpkin. That is about 51.2 cm (20.2 in) from crown to heel, weighing about 3.5 kg (7.6 lb).
How big is my belly at week 40 of pregnancy?
In month 9 (weeks 36–40) your baby may drop lower into your pelvis, so your bump can look lower than before. This is more common in a first pregnancy. Breathing may get easier, but you will feel more pressure low in your belly and pelvis, and fundal height may stop increasing or dip slightly. Bump size, shape and when you start to show vary a lot from person to person.
What happens if I go past my due date?
Many pregnancies continue past 40 weeks. Your provider will keep a closer eye on you and your baby and may offer a membrane sweep to help labor start. If labor does not begin on its own, induction is usually offered at some point between 41 and 42 weeks, as risks for the baby slowly increase after that. Talk to your doctor or midwife about your options.
What is a membrane sweep?
A membrane sweep is done during an internal exam. Your provider gently sweeps a finger around the cervix to separate the membranes from it, which releases hormones that may help labor start within a couple of days. It can be uncomfortable and may cause some cramping or light spotting afterward. It is offered in many countries around or after the due date.
How accurate is my due date?
Your due date is an estimate based on your last period or an early ultrasound. Only a small percentage of babies are born on their exact due date, and most arrive within the two weeks before or after it. Being born anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks is considered within the normal range, although care plans often change after 41 weeks.
What trimester is 40 weeks pregnant?
Week 40 is in the third trimester, which covers weeks 28 to 40.
How many months is 40 weeks pregnant?
40 weeks pregnant is about 9 months. It falls in the ninth month of pregnancy. The ninth month covers weeks 36 to 40. Pregnancy is about 40 weeks, or roughly 9 months, counted from the first day of your last period.
This page is general educational information and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife. Every pregnancy is different, and baby sizes are approximate averages. Last updated 2026-11-07. See our medical disclaimer.