40th Week of Pregnancy

Changes in the Baby at 40 Weeks of Pregnancy

As of the 40th week, the pregnancy will conclude, meaning birth will take place. Enough fat has been stored to regulate the baby’s body temperature upon birth. The expectant mother continues to produce antibodies to protect the baby against infection risk during the first six months, and through breastfeeding, these antibodies play a role in developing the baby’s defense mechanism.

What is the Baby’s Height and Weight at 40 Weeks of Pregnancy?

During this week of pregnancy, the average weight of the baby is about 3,750 – 4 kilograms. The height ranges between 48 – 55 cm (however, not every baby is born with the same measurements). Since the skull bones are not yet fully fused, the baby can easily pass through the birth canal.

What Changes Occur in the Expectant Mother at 40 Weeks of Pregnancy?

In some pregnancies, birth exceeds the 40th week and occurs in the 41st or 42nd week. However, doctors do not allow the pregnancy to exceed 42 weeks. Meanwhile, the expectant mother has gained a significant amount of weight. Having gained about 2–3 kilograms in the early stages of pregnancy, the mother now completes the pregnancy having gained nearly 15 kilograms.

As the pregnancy nears its end, heartburn increases significantly. Contractions intensify. But how can you tell if it is a labor contraction? If these contractions decrease while walking or with other movements, they are not labor pains. If the contractions continue regularly at certain intervals, it indicates that the time for birth has arrived. Since the intestines have been compressed throughout the pregnancy and continue to be so in the final week, diarrhea may start. Changes in the intestines are a sign that birth is very near. In the last week, cramps begin to occur in the legs.

In the 40th week of pregnancy, the baby’s movements slow down considerably. The expectant mother now finds it very difficult to sleep. Her energy decreases, and there is a constant state of drowsiness. This is a very normal situation and there is no need for concern.