Baby Development
The week 40 edition:
If your baby has not arrived, know that its normal! 60% of pregnancies go past the 40th week. Your baby is practising breathing movements and getting stronger. The babies lungs release more surfactant, which is known to kick-start labour. The baby should be the size of a watermelon by now, weighing ~3.5 kg and ~51.4 cm long.
Here is list of everything you need to know about your newborn:
- Talk to your baby. It is a really good way to bond. Play your favourite songs and sway along, it helps the baby jiggle into the right position for birth.
- The baby’s vision is still a little blurry and will continue to be blurry for a few months after birth.
- Vernix is still coating your baby’s skin protecting it from the amniotic fluid.
Mother
Track your growth at week 40:
You may be having increased sensations and feeling done with being pregnant. Try to get as much rest as possible before your baby arrives as that’s when there will be a lot of work. This is a time to do a birth project- any hobby or project- artwork, nature walks, grounding to keep your mind occupied and frustrations at bay. Know that due dates are only an estimation and your baby decides their birthday!
Here is a list of all the changes you may undergo this week:
- Your cervix may be changing with any and all uterine activity that you are having.
- Know that you are getting a period of rest before the postpartum and newborn care phase of your life starts.
- You will continue to feel the baby’s movements, only subtler.
- Rest during the day.
- Go for the last few dates with your partner before your baby arrives.
