40 weeks pregnant

Your baby

Your baby should continue moving in their usual pattern, even though there is less room inside the uterus. Movements should not slow down or stop because the due date has arrived. Contact your maternity care team right away about a change. The pumpkin comparison gives an approximate length, not your baby's measured size or a reason to judge growth at home.

Your body

Waiting can bring excitement, frustration, discomfort or all three. Practice contractions may continue, but symptoms alone cannot reliably tell you when labor will begin. Rest when you can and keep asking for help with symptoms that concern you. Do not assume that a new or severe symptom is expected simply because you are at the end of this guide.

This week

Planning the next steps while you wait

A due date is an estimate, and your care continues if pregnancy goes beyond it. Confirm the date of your next assessment and the plan for monitoring you and your baby. Ask when induction is recommended in your circumstances, what it involves, and the benefits and risks of waiting or proceeding. This guide ends at week 40; that does not replace ongoing care or mean you should wait without a plan. Keep your maternity contact details available, and seek advice promptly about movement changes, leaking fluid, bleeding or possible labor.