Third Trimester
Week 40: Due date week — only 5% of babies are born exactly on their due date.
Here's everything happening with your baby and your body this week.
Your baby is the size of a
Small pumpkin
Length
20.2 in
Weight
3.5 kg
Week
40 / 40
💡 Expert tip
Going past your due date is normal. Most providers will induce by 41–42 weeks. Trust your body and your care team.
🌱 Baby's development this week
- Fully developed and ready for birth
- Brain will continue developing for the next 25 years
- Gut microbiome will begin developing at birth
- Ready to meet you
Science fact
The due date — calculated as 40 weeks from LMP — was based on 19th-century observations and assumes a 28-day cycle. Only 4–5% of babies arrive on their due date. The
🤰 Your symptoms this week
Irregular strong contractions
your body is preparing; track them carefully
Extreme pelvic pressure and heaviness
baby is fully engaged
Emotional peaks
anxiety, excitement, impatience all intensify at due date
💛 Changes in your body
- Due date — only 5% of babies born exactly on due date
- Normal to go 1–2 weeks past due date
- Induction may be offered or recommended
- Emotional cocktail of excitement, anxiety, readiness
💙 Mental health this week
Going past your due date is emotionally exhausting. Set a new focus date (41 weeks, 41+5) rather than fixating on a date that was always an estimate. Induction is safe and effective when needed.
🥗 Nutrition focus
- Your body is ready regardless of what you eat this week — focus on light, nourishing foods
- Stay well hydrated — labor is physical work requiring sustained hydration
- Post-birth nutrition is equally important — stock your kitchen with easy, iron-rich recovery foods
📅 Appointment / test
If not in labor: non-stress test and biophysical profile to confirm baby
✅ This week's checklist
Trust your body — it knows when to begin labor
Stay active with gentle walking to encourage labor onset
Call your provider if baby
Track your pregnancy week by week
Interactive guide · 40 weeks · Fruit size visualizations · Personalized tips
Open Week 40 in Interactive Guide → →