Week 40
Your baby is the size of a watermelon
What's happening this week
This is it — week 40, your due date week. Your baby is approximately 20 inches long and weighs around 7.5 pounds, though healthy babies range from under 6 pounds to over 9 pounds. Every measurement from here is an estimate — the only way to know your baby's true size is to meet them.
Your baby is fully developed. The lungs are ready to take their first breath. The heart has been beating for 37 weeks and is ready for independent circulation. The digestive system is primed for breast milk or formula. The brain — the most complex organ in the known universe — is ready to begin processing the overwhelming flood of sensory information that will come with birth.
Your baby has been receiving antibodies from you right up until delivery, strengthening their temporary immune protection. The placenta — that remarkable organ that has nourished and protected your baby throughout pregnancy — is completing its work.
Inside the womb, your baby may be less active than in previous weeks simply because there is so little room to move. You should still feel movement daily — rolls, stretches, and pushes — but the big kicks may be less dramatic. Continue your daily kick counts and contact your provider if you notice a significant change.
Your baby has fingernails, toenails, eyelashes, eyebrows, and possibly a head of hair. They can see, hear, taste, and feel. They have a personality — researchers have found that temperament traits visible in newborns were often consistent with activity patterns observed in the womb. The baby you've been imagining for nine months is about to become the baby in your arms.
Your body this week
Your due date is here — or very close. Take a breath. Whether your baby arrives today, tomorrow, or in a week or two, you are at the finish line of an extraordinary journey.
If you haven't gone into labor yet, you're in good company. Most first-time parents go past their due date. The waiting at this point can be agonizing — every day feels like a week, and the well-meaning 'still no baby?' texts from friends and family don't help. It's okay to silence your phone or set up an auto-reply: 'We'll let you know when there's news!'
Your provider is monitoring you closely with weekly or twice-weekly visits that may include non-stress tests (monitoring your baby's heart rate and movement) and amniotic fluid checks. These ensure your baby is doing well and the placenta is still functioning effectively.
Physically, you may experience more signs that labor is approaching: stronger Braxton Hicks, lower back pain, loose stools, increased discharge, and possibly the loss of your mucus plug. Some people experience a 'nesting burst' of energy right before labor begins.
If you go past your due date, your provider will discuss the timeline for induction. Most providers recommend induction by 41-42 weeks, as the risk of complications (reduced amniotic fluid, placental aging, larger baby) increases slightly past that point. The specific plan depends on your individual circumstances.
Wherever you are in the process — in early labor, waiting for contractions to start, or scheduled for induction — know this: you have done something incredible. You grew a human being. And very, very soon, you're going to hold them for the first time.
For dads
The due date. Maybe the baby came today. Maybe you're still waiting. Either way, this is the culmination of nine months of preparation, worry, excitement, and growth — yours as much as hers. If you're still waiting: be patient. Don't ask 'any contractions?' every hour. Don't suggest castor oil or spicy food. Do suggest a walk, a movie, or anything that distracts from the waiting. And shield her from the barrage of 'is the baby here yet?' texts from well-meaning relatives. Take over text management and send a polite 'we'll let everyone know when there's news' message so she doesn't have to field them.
When the moment comes — whether it's a 3 AM wake-up or a scheduled hospital arrival — remember this: you are about to meet your child. The person you've been imagining, preparing for, and quietly falling in love with for nine months is about to be real. It will be overwhelming. It will be the most emotional moment of your life. And in the chaos of delivery rooms and monitors and medical staff, there will be a moment of absolute stillness when they place your baby on your partner's chest — or in your arms — and the world narrows to just the three of you. You're going to be a great dad. Not because you have all the answers, but because you showed up. You're here. And that matters more than anything.
Common concerns
Is it normal to go past my due date?+
Very normal. Only about 5% of babies arrive on their exact due date, and first-time parents are more likely to go past it. The due date is an estimate based on a 40-week calculation from your last period. Normal delivery ranges from 37 to 42 weeks. If you go past 40 weeks, your provider will increase monitoring and discuss the timeline for induction. Most healthy pregnancies that go past the due date result in perfectly healthy deliveries.
What is a non-stress test?+
A non-stress test (NST) is a simple, painless monitoring tool used in late pregnancy. A belt with sensors is placed around your belly to track your baby's heart rate and any contractions. The test typically lasts 20-40 minutes. Your provider is looking for accelerations in heart rate when the baby moves — a sign of good health. NSTs are routine for pregnancies past the due date and for certain high-risk situations. A reactive (normal) result is reassuring; a non-reactive result may warrant additional testing.
When should I expect to be induced if I go past my due date?+
Most providers recommend induction between 41 and 42 weeks for uncomplicated pregnancies. The specific timing is individualized — your provider will consider your cervical readiness, baby's size and well-being, amniotic fluid levels, and your preferences. Induction methods include medication (like misoprostol or pitocin), membrane sweeping, or mechanical dilation (like a Foley bulb). Your provider will explain the options and help you make an informed decision.
How long does labor usually last for first-time parents?+
Labor length varies enormously. For first-time parents, active labor (from about 6 cm dilation to delivery) averages about 8-12 hours, though it can be shorter or much longer. Early labor (0-6 cm) can last hours to days and is often the longest phase. Pushing typically lasts 1-3 hours for first births. Second and subsequent births tend to be faster. Remember that your experience is unique — don't compare your timeline to anyone else's. Your healthcare team will guide you through each stage.
Product picks for week 40
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Thank you gift for your healthcare team
A small gift or card for the nurses and providers who guided you through pregnancy — a thoughtful gesture that means a lot.
Newborn photo announcement cards
Have announcement cards ready so you can share the news beautifully once your baby arrives — just add the name, date, and weight.
Postpartum recovery underwear
High-waisted, stretchy, disposable-friendly underwear designed for postpartum recovery — comfortable enough to sleep in.
A quick note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns. Learn how we create our content.
Content based on guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Mayo Clinic, and peer-reviewed medical literature. Learn more about how we create our content.