Overview
Your due date! Remember, only a few babies arrive exactly on time. This is your due-date week, and one of the most important truths is that due dates are estimates, not deadlines your body has failed to meet.
Third Trimester · Weeks 28–42
Week 40 Pregnancy
Your due date! Remember, only a few babies arrive exactly on time.
About the size of a small pumpkin3 min read10 sections
On this page
Baby Development
The baby is fully developed enough for birth and continues to gain small amounts of fat and practice breathing and feeding readiness while waiting. Movement remains an essential sign of wellbeing, even this late.
Baby Size
A playful size comparison for this week is small pumpkin. That pumpkin-sized baby is due, but only a small number of babies arrive on the exact expected date.
Mother's Body Changes
You may feel deeply ready, physically uncomfortable, or strangely normal while waiting for labour, and all of those experiences are valid. Your cervix may still be gradually changing even if nothing dramatic seems to be happening.
Common Symptoms
Week 40 can bring irregular contractions, pelvic pressure, mucus discharge, swelling, backache, and sleep that feels nearly optional. Movements may feel more like firm rolls and pushes, but they should still be clearly present.
Nutrition Tips
Eat and drink in a way that keeps your energy steady because labour may begin at any time or not for several more days. Simple, digestible meals often feel better than overeating in anticipation.
Exercise & Movement
Gentle walks and upright movement can support comfort, but so can naps and quiet rest. There is no one movement that guarantees labour, so choose what makes your body feel most capable and calm.
Emotional Wellbeing
Due-date week can feel tender, impatient, exposed, and full of messages from other people asking whether the baby is here yet. It is okay to put boundaries around those updates.
Partner Support
Partners can protect your mental space now by handling calls, keeping things calm, and staying responsive without constantly asking if every sensation is labour. Patience is part of support.
Warning Signs
Urgent warning signs this week include heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fever, fainting, leaking fluid, or a severe headache with vision changes. Call immediately for reduced movement, waters breaking, heavy bleeding, severe headache, or contractions that are strong, regular, and increasing. From week 28 onward, contact your care team promptly if the baby's usual movements slow down, weaken, or stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
That is very common. Your care team will usually discuss monitoring and next steps rather than treating it as an emergency right away.
ParentVibes Tip
Try to rest — labour can begin any day now. Try to rest more than you think you need to; labour often asks for energy on very little warning.
Continue your journey
Explore the full third trimester guide.
ParentVibes offers general information, not medical advice. Always follow your doctor or midwife.