40 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Baby Development & Signs of Labor

Congratulations – You are 40 weeks pregnant! You are officially on the finish line of your pregnancy trip. For months, you have seen to change your body, track your child’s growth, and prepare for this moment.

Now, you are probably wondering: Why has the labor not started yet? What are the real signals to see? Is it still normal to be pregnant in week 40?

In this blog, you need to know about 40 week pregnancy – from your child’s development to your 40 weeks pregnant abdominal change, symptoms, labor signs, and safe natural ways to move things.

40 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect

At pregnancy week 40, you are at your estimated due date. However, only about 4–5% of women actually deliver on this exact day. Many give birth within two weeks before or after.

Here’s what to expect this week:

Your child is considered a complete word and is fully prepared for life outside. You can feel heavy, slow, and more uncomfortable. Frequent urination, pelvic pressure, and back pain are common. Some mothers feel a burst of nesting energy, while others feel tired. You and the child are often pre-delivery to monitor the child.

Is she 40 weeks pregnant? Absolutely. Some pregnancies last 41 or 42 weeks before they start naturally.

Common 40 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms

Your body is working overtime to prepare for delivery. Some 40 weeks pregnant symptoms you may notice:

Braxton Hicks contractions: “Practice” contractions that are irregular.

Pelvic pressure: Baby’s head pressing down.

Back pain: Especially in the lower back.

Insomnia: discomfort and anticipation can disrupt sleep.

Increased discharge: like water, white, or mucus.

Inflammation: Legs and ankles may feel puffy.

Mood Swing: Hormone and waiting feelings can make the feelings unpredictable.

These are normal, but to know that it is not normal is equally important.

40 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms Not to Ignore

While most changes are expected, some 40-week pregnancy symptoms should never be ignored:

Heavy vaginal bleeding – Could signal placental issues. Severe stomach pain – not specific to labor contractions. Sudden swelling in the face/hands – may indicate pre-phlebitis. Severe headache or blurred vision – immediate attention is required. Fetal deficiency – If your child runs less than normal, call your doctor immediately. If you notice any of these, go to the hospital immediately.

40 Weeks Pregnant Belly & Body Changes

When you are 40 weeks pregnant, your stomach increases completely. Abdominal size: About 35–40 cm from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus. Skin changes: stretch marks, itching, or linea nigra (dark line). Baby “Drop”: Many mothers saw their collision, as if the child was descending. Body changes: Increase in loose joints, swelling of legs, and vaginal pressure. Your 40 weeks pregnant belly is a visible reminder that your baby is almost here!

Baby Position in the Womb

By 40 weeks pregnant, most babies are in the head-down position (cephalic presentation).

Head engaged: Baby’s head sits in your pelvis, ready for birth.

Other positions: Rarely, some babies may still be breech or sideways, in which case your doctor may discuss delivery options.

Movements: You’ll still feel kicks, rolls, or stretches, though space is limited.

If your provider feels your belly, they can often tell the baby’s position at 40 weeks.

40 Weeks Pregnant in Months

Pregnancy is often tracked in weeks, which can be misleading. 40 weeks pregnant = 9 months + 1 week (depends on how you count). You have officially completed the third quarter. You are at the end of pregnancy. So if you are 40 weeks pregnant, think of it as “about 10 months”.

Signs of Labor at 40 Weeks Pregnant

At this point, you’re watching your body closely for any labor signs. Here’s what to expect:

Regular contractions – Strong, frequent, and rhythmic.

Bloody show – Mucus plug mixed with blood leaving the cervix.

Water breaking – A gush or steady leak of amniotic fluid.

Pelvic pressure – Baby’s head pressing down more firmly.

Back pain – Persistent lower back ache.

Loose stools or nausea – Body preparing for labor.

When these signs of labor at 40 weeks pregnant appear, it’s time to head to your hospital or birthing center.

Why is Labour Pain Not Coming at 40 Weeks?

It’s natural to feel impatient when there’s no labor pain at 40 weeks. But here’s why it may not have started yet:

Every baby is different – Some need more time to be ready.

Due dates are estimates – You may ovulate later than average.

Genetics – Some women naturally go past their due date.

First pregnancies – Often last a little longer.

If labour pain is not coming at 40 weeks, don’t panic. Your doctor may wait until 41–42 weeks before considering induction.

40 Weeks Pregnant White Discharge

It is very common to notice white discharge in a 40-week pregnant woman. This is the way to keep your body clean and infection-free. If it is thick and jelly-like with blood lines, it may be your mucus plug. If it is water, it may mean that your amniotic bag is leaking. Always inform your doctor if you are uncertain whether the discharge is amniotic fluid or not.

Natural Ways to Induce Labor (Safe Options)

If you are ready to meet your child and are tired of waiting, there are safe, natural ways to motivate labor in 40 weeks. Always check with your doctor before trying them:

Walking – gravity helps press the child’s head against the cervix.

Nipple stimulation – releases oxytocin, which can trigger contractions.

Sex – Semen contains prostaglandins that soften the cervix.

Dining dates – Some studies suggest that the date helps in cooking the cervix.

Squats and soft exercises – encourage the child to go down.

Acupressure or prenatal massage can relax the body and stimulate labor.

Avoid unprotected methods such as castor oil or unpublished herbs, as they can cause complications.

FAQs About 40 Weeks Pregnant