Baby development at 40 weeks
Estimating Your Baby’s Size
Anticipating Your Baby’s Size
Predicting the exact size of your baby is challenging, but newborns in the United States typically weigh between 7 and 8 pounds, with an average length of around 20 inches.
The Palette of Your Baby’s Skin
Regardless of ethnicity, newborns initially exhibit reddish-purple skin, transitioning to a pinkish-red hue within a day or so. This tint results from visible red blood vessels beneath the skin. Due to ongoing blood circulation maturation, your baby’s hands and feet may appear bluish for a few days. Babies born to darker-skinned parents often start with lighter skin, gradually gaining pigment over the initial months. By approximately 6 months old, your baby’s skin will settle into its permanent color.
Navigating Soft Spots
The structure of your baby’s skull is distinct. Unlike an adult’s solid bone, a newborn’s skull comprises separate bones connected by flexible tissue. After birth, you’ll notice soft spots, known as fontanels, located on the top and back of your newborn’s head.
Your baby is about the size of a small pumpkin
Pregnancy symptoms during week 40
Cervical Maturation
Your healthcare professional may assess the condition of your cervix to determine its “ripeness.” The softness, thinning, and dilation (opening) of the cervix can serve as indicators that labor may be approaching. However, these signs are not foolproof predictors, so don’t be discouraged if the progress is not as expected. Keep in mind that even if dilation and effacement have begun, labor might still be several days away.
Rupture of Membranes
Contrary to cinematic depictions, the breaking of the water in labor is not always a dramatic gush. In reality, less than 15 percent of women experience their water breaking before other labor symptoms manifest. For most, the water breaks once contractions are already underway. If your water breaks before labor, known as premature rupture of membranes (PROM), labor typically commences within 24 hours. If not, induction may be considered.
Identifying whether your water has broken can be challenging, as it might not be an obvious event. A slow leak of amniotic fluid may be mistaken for discharge or urine. To differentiate, consider the color and smell: urine is typically yellow, discharge is often creamy or white, while amniotic fluid should be clear with a slightly sweet scent. If uncertain, wearing a pad for half an hour can help determine if the liquid is amniotic fluid.
Back Discomfort
At full term, with your baby weighing around 7 to 8 pounds, back pain is common due to the added strain from the baby’s weight, placenta, fluids, and breasts. Finding relief through activities such as swimming, getting a massage, gentle stretching, and walking can alleviate discomfort. Sudden changes in back pain may signal the onset of labor, especially if the pain intensifies or starts for the first time.
Contractions
Distinguishing between Braxton Hicks contractions and actual labor contractions is crucial. Braxton Hicks are usually painless, irregular, and can be relieved by rest and hydration. They are typically felt on the front of the belly. In contrast, real contractions are painful, occur at regular intervals, intensify over time, and persist despite attempts to relax. Follow your provider’s guidance on when to proceed to the hospital once real contractions begin.
Insomnia
Insomnia is common in late pregnancy, affecting about two-thirds of women. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and finding comfortable sleep positions with extra pillows can help manage sleep difficulties. Napping during the day is acceptable if it aids in getting sufficient rest.
Pelvic Pain and Pressure
As your baby descends in preparation for delivery, you may experience increased pelvic pain and pressure, felt as tightness or discomfort in the hips, groin, and pelvic floor. Resting, applying ice, and finding comfortable positions may offer relief. If the pain is severe, consult your healthcare provider for additional pain relief options. The descent of the baby into the pelvis, known as “lightening,” may result in changes such as increased waddling and more frequent trips to the bathroom. However, the expanded space in your lungs allows for deeper breaths.
Pregnancy checklist at 40 weeks
Engage in preparatory exercises for childbirth
While you can’t accelerate the labor process, incorporating straightforward exercises into your routine can potentially ready your body for the upcoming exertion. Undertaking these exercises not only promotes your well-being leading up to delivery but may also contribute to a more comfortable experience when the time comes to give birth.
Complete your list of baby names
If you prefer to wait until you meet your baby before making a final decision on names, that’s perfectly acceptable. However, it’s advisable to have a selection of quality baby name options prepared in advance.
Gain knowledge about postnatal experiences
Invest time in understanding the post-birth journey for your baby and familiarize yourself with what to anticipate during your hospital or birth center stay. In the meantime, revisit your birth plan; it will prove invaluable in the near future.
Unwind and enjoy
Indulge in moments of relaxation by watching your preferred shows, delving into a good novel, reconnecting with old friends through calls, catching up on sleep, or taking short naps whenever possible. The arrival of your baby is just around the corner.
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