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🌳Third TrimesterWeeks 28-40

Week 40 of Pregnancy

Your baby is the size of small pumpkin
📏
Length
20.2 inches
⚖️
Weight
7.6 pounds
🍎
Size Comparison
Small pumpkin

👶 Baby Development

  • Baby is ready to meet you and fully prepared for life outside!
  • All organs are functioning perfectly
  • Baby has strong survival reflexes including sucking, rooting, and grasping
  • Coordination is fully developed
  • Baby is at complete development
  • Baby will continue gaining weight if they stay in longer
  • Baby is just waiting for the right moment to arrive

💭 Common Symptoms

  • Emotionally and physically ready to meet your baby
  • Possible increased contractions that may start and stop
  • Feeling anxious, impatient, or frustrated if not in labor yet
  • Labor could start at any time - today, tomorrow, or in 2 weeks
  • Extreme discomfort and difficulty with daily activities
  • Possible signs of labor beginning
  • Mix of excitement and nervousness

🥗 Nutrition Tips

  • Stay well hydrated with water throughout the day
  • Eat light, healthy, balanced meals
  • Keep energy-boosting foods readily available for early labor
  • Avoid overeating which could cause nausea during labor
  • Include foods rich in protein and complex carbs
  • Eat regularly to maintain energy
  • Have easy-to-digest snacks packed for hospital

To-Do This Week

  • Know exactly when to go to hospital (typically contractions 5 minutes apart for 1 hour)
  • Stay calm and patient - your baby will come when ready
  • Try walking, curb walking, or gentle movement to encourage labor
  • Rest and conserve energy when possible
  • Avoid induction pressure - babies rarely come exactly on due date
  • Keep your mind occupied with movies, books, or light activities
  • Trust the process and your body
💡

Did You Know?

Congratulations on reaching your estimated due date! Remember, only 5% of babies arrive on their actual due date. Your baby will arrive when they're ready - typically within 2 weeks of today. You're so close to meeting your little one!