40 Weeks Pregnant: Your Due Date & What Happens Next

40 Weeks Pregnant: Your Due Date & What Happens Next

At 40 weeks pregnant, you've reached your due date. Only about 1 in 20 babies arrive on the day, so if yours isn't here yet, you're in good company. Here's what happens if you go past your due date, the signs to look out for, and how to rest and stay comfortable while you wait.

Baby's size
Around 51cm long and 3.4kg on average, though healthy babies vary a lot
Milestone
Your due date
Common symptoms
Pelvic pain, swelling, broken sleep and impatience
This week
Know what happens if your baby isn't here yet

What's happening this week

Your baby is fully developed and ready to be born. Their hair and nails are still growing, and they're adding fat right up until birth. Your due date is an estimate, and most babies arrive somewhere between 37 and 42 weeks.

Ready to meet you

All set

Your baby's organs, reflexes and senses are ready for life outside the uterus, including the rooting and sucking reflexes they'll use to feed.

Still moving

Rolls and squirms

There's less room, so movements may feel different, but they shouldn't slow down. Contact your hospital straight away if they do.

Every baby is different

Big or small

Healthy newborns can weigh anywhere from around 2.5 kg to over 4 kg. Your care team has been checking your baby's growth.

If your baby isn't here yet

Going past your due date is very common, especially with a first baby. Here's what usually happens next.

  1. Your due date check-upAround 40 weeks

    Your midwife or doctor checks your blood pressure and your baby's heartbeat, growth and position, and talks you through the plan from here.

  2. A membrane sweepFrom around 40 to 41 weeks

    You may be offered a sweep, where your cervix is gently stimulated during an internal exam to help labour start. It's your choice.

  3. Extra monitoringFrom around 41 weeks

    You'll usually have more frequent checks, such as monitoring your baby's heart rate and an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid.

  4. InductionUsually between 41 and 42 weeks

    If labour hasn't started, you'll be offered an induction to help it begin. It may be offered earlier if there are any concerns.

Signs labour is starting

Look out for regular contractions that get stronger and closer together, your waters breaking, a show, and a dull lower backache or period-like cramps. Here's how to tell real labour from false labour and when to call your hospital.

Can you bring labour on naturally?

It's tempting to try everything, but there's little evidence that most home remedies work, and some aren't safe. Always talk to your midwife or doctor first.

Fine to keep doing

  • Gentle walks and staying active
  • Resting and napping
  • Sex, if your waters haven't broken and you have no complications
  • Relaxing activities that help you feel calm

Check first or avoid

  • Castor oil, which can cause cramping and dehydration
  • Herbal supplements or teas taken to start labour
  • Nipple stimulation, unless your midwife says it's OK
  • Anything that leaves you exhausted before labour

Symptoms at 40 weeks pregnant

  • Pelvic pain. Your baby's head may be pressing on nerves and your bladder. A warm bath, a heat pack on your lower back, a support belt and a pregnancy massage can help.
  • Swelling. Wear comfortable shoes, rest with your feet up, drink plenty of water and keep moving gently.
  • Bursts of energy, then exhaustion. It's common to swing between nesting and needing a nap. Pace yourself and save your energy for labour.
  • Impatience. Feeling frustrated or fed up is completely normal. Your due date was always an estimate.

Contact your hospital straight away if your baby's movements slow down, stop or change. Don't wait until the next day. Also call if your waters break, you have bleeding, strong regular contractions, a severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling.

Resting and staying comfortable

These last days are a good time to slow down. Nap when you can, go to sleep on your side with plenty of pillows, and take warm baths or showers to ease aches. Keep up gentle walks or swims, eat well and stay hydrated. Make a plan to keep busy, like a film, a catch-up with a friend or a slow walk, and let family know you'll share your news when you're ready.

Your hospital bag is packed, your support person knows how to help, and you're ready. It won't be long now.

Your to-do list for week 40

Helpful for this stage

The postpartum recovery listCare for you after the birthSee the list Maternity padsFor the days after birthShop maternity pads Breast pads and careFor those first feedsShop breast care

Week 40 FAQs

What happens if I go past my due date?

It's very common and usually nothing to worry about. Your care team will keep a closer eye on you and your baby, may offer a membrane sweep, and will talk to you about inducing labour, which is usually offered between 41 and 42 weeks.

What is a membrane sweep?

Your midwife or doctor gently sweeps a finger around the inside of your cervix during an internal examination. This can release hormones that may help labour start within a few days. It can be uncomfortable and may cause some spotting or cramping afterwards.

When will I be induced if I'm overdue?

In Australia, induction is usually offered between 41 and 42 weeks if labour hasn't started on its own, as the risks for your baby start to rise after this point. It may be offered earlier if there are concerns about you or your baby.

Are there natural ways to start labour?

Staying active, resting and keeping calm are good for you, but there's little evidence that any home remedy starts labour. Avoid castor oil and herbal supplements unless your midwife or doctor says they're OK. Always check with your care team before trying anything.

Should my baby still move at 40 weeks?

Yes. Your baby should keep moving right up until labour. The movements may feel more like rolls and squirms, but they shouldn't slow down. Contact your hospital straight away if you notice a change.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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