Your Pregnancy: Week 40

Congratulations! You've reached the highly anticipated 40-week mark and your baby is the size of a pumpkin!

At this stage, your baby is fully cooked and ready to make their grand debut into the world. Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks – that's around 280 days from the first day of your last period, and labour usually starts a week either side of this date.

Your little one weighs in at around 7 to 8 pounds and measures about 20 inches in length.

The fine hair (lanugo) that covered your baby's body is now almost all gone, although some babies may have small patches of it when they're born.

It's essential to stay attuned to your baby's movements during this time - their regular movement is a reassuring indicator of their wellbeing. If you notice any changes, such as a decrease in movements, call your maternity unit for guidance straight away.

Your doctor may suggest inducing labour this soon; it's your choice whether to have this or not. Read Choices when pregnancy reaches 41 weeks (PDF, 536kb) to find out more about your options.

Emotionally, you may find yourself on a rollercoaster! From excitement and joy to anxiety and apprehension, it's entirely normal to experience a wide range of emotions as you prepare to embark on this new chapter. Remember, you've got this!

⬅️ YOUR PREGNANCY: WEEK 41

➡️ YOUR PREGNANCY: WEEK 39

Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kicks.count/

Latest

Common Pregnancy Health Problems

From constipation to back pain, discover essential tips for managing nine common pregnancy problems.
Tell your story
Baby movement questions
Shop enquiries

Your Pregnancy: Week 42

42 weeks pregnant? See how your baby is developing, and how your body is changing, through our week-by-week guide.
Your Pregnancy: Week 41

41 weeks pregnant? See how your baby is developing, and how your body is changing, through our week-by-week guide.
Your Pregnancy: Week 39

39 weeks pregnant? See how your baby is developing, and how your body is changing, through our week-by-week guide.
Your Pregnancy: Week 38

38 weeks pregnant? See how your baby is developing, and how your body is changing, through our week-by-week guide.
Your Pregnancy: Week 37

37 weeks pregnant? See how your baby is developing, and how your body is changing, through our week-by-week guide.
Your Pregnancy: Week 36

36 weeks pregnant? See how your baby is developing, and how your body is changing, through our week-by-week guide.
Your Pregnancy: Week 35

35 weeks pregnant? See how your baby is developing, and how your body is changing, through our week-by-week guide.
Your Pregnancy: Week 34

34 weeks pregnant? See how your baby is developing, and how your body is changing, through our week-by-week guide.
Your Pregnancy: Week 33

33 weeks pregnant? See how your baby is developing, and how your body is changing, through our week-by-week guide.
Your Pregnancy: Week 32

32 weeks pregnant? See how your baby is developing, and how your body is changing, through our week-by-week guide.

Anterior Placenta: Your Questions Answered

What is the placenta? What does it mean to have an anterior placenta? The placenta is an incredible organ, belonging to both you and your baby. Learn more about your baby's lifeline and what an anterior placenta means for baby movement.
Your Baby's Movements

Feeling your baby move is a sign they are well. Here's all you need to know about why you should monitor your baby's movements - and how.
Kicks Count Wristbands

How can a Kicks Count Wristband help me? How do you use one? We answer your frequently asked questions.
Hollyoaks star Kirsty-Leigh Porter reveals tragic stillbirth

Hollyoaks star Kirsty-Leigh Porter has revealed her precious baby girl was stillborn on 21st December 2018.
FMH and reduced movements

My baby was born alive thanks to your campaign, I would have taken the advice about baby movements from my parents as gospel otherwise ... after all, they have 6 kids between them, they are the experts ... aren't they???
How many Kicks should I feel in 1 hour?

There is no set number of movements you need to feel in one hour, 2 hours or 24 hours. Get to know what is normal for your baby and report any change immediately.
What can I expect when I report reduced movement?

The care you receive when you report a change in movement will depend on your stage of pregnancy. Here you can find out what to expect.
Why Ditch the Doppler?

In 2017 Kicks Count launched a campaign to regulate or ban the sale of home dopplers to expectant parents in the UK. Here the CEO explains why.
Free Kick Counting App

The Kicks Count app is designed to help you get to know your baby’s regular pattern of movement, once you have recorded sessions the graphs section will show you your baby’s movements over the last 2, 7 and 14 days.
Gary Barlow discusses the heartbreaking stillbirth of his daughter Poppy

Gary Barlow has spoken out about the heartbreaking stillbirth of his daughter Poppy. The Take That singer, 47, described how she was stillborn at full term days before he had to perform at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympics.