Pregnancy Week 40
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Your Baby's Growth and Development
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Congratulations! You made it to pregnancy week 40! Your baby probably weighs at least 7 pounds by now. Some babies will weigh as much as 10 pounds, and others as little as six. It really varies! By now your baby us simply bursting from your belly. Your baby doesn't have a lot more room to grow inside your uterus.
You may notice Braxton Hicks contractions are stronger and more frequent these days. You are probably wondering just when your little one will make their appearance in the world. Any day now!
Changes In Your Body
You are probably more anxious than ever to have your baby by now. Instead of wondering when your baby will come, take some time to appreciate the last few moments of your pregnancy. It may seem weird, especially when you consider the bloating and fatigue that accompany late pregnancy, but before you know it you won't be pregnant anymore!
Take this time to rejoice in your baby. I always think about that now. It is very important as a mother you take some time during your last few weeks of pregnancy to cherish the bond you and your baby share. While you will always share a unique bond, the bond you share while pregnant is one of a kind... one you simply will never duplicate.
Don't worry about when you will deliver. It will happen, it always does. There are some simple steps you can take however, to help things along if you are truly anxious about having your baby. Keep in mind most first time moms however, often deliver at 41 weeks rather than 40 weeks pregnant.
Here are some natural labor inducers you may try if you are 40 weeks pregnant. Now keep in mind, if your baby is just not ready to come out, none of these will necessarily work.
- Sex - semen contains prostaglandin's that can help stimulate labor by effacing the cervix or preparing the cervix for labor and delivery.
- Walking - while walking may not necessarily start labor, it can help a sluggish labor progress. It may also help dilate and efface your cervix, especially if your baby is in a head down position, which places pressure on the cervix.
- Spicy Food - this may or may not help stimulate labor. Normally this works by stimulating your colon. This can inspire contractions at times, or heartburn at others.
- Nipple Stimulation - this can be a very strong way to help stimulate labor, but you shouldn't do it unless supervised by a doctor. Nipple stimulation can ultimately result in very strong and long contractions. This can cause fetal distress in many cases.
- Castor Oil - I do not recommend this for anyone. However, sometimes midwives recommend castor oil to help stimulate the bowels. This can trigger uterine contractions if you are ready to go into labor. It can also just make you uncomfortable and diarrhea prone if you aren't ready.
- Membrane Stripping - you may ask your doctor to strip your membranes if you are past your due date. This can sometimes help stimulate labor by increasing your body's natural prostaglandin production. Remember prostaglandin's help dilate and efface the cervix, a necessary part of labor.
I know you don't want to hear this, but you will have your baby very soon. Try to hang in there. It is over before you know it, and you may find you actually miss it!
If you really want to make life more enjoyable while you wait for your baby to arrive, or while you rest after delivery, then make sure you have a Snoozer Full Body Pregnancy Pillow. Sometimes women find these pillows provide better support for them AFTER they have baby then before. You can use your pillow to rest gently against while healing from delivery.
Many mothers find these pillows are the ideal pillow to use for support while nursing their infants. Dads, you can get into the action too. A pregnancy pillow for you is really the support pillow of your dreams. Use your full body support pillow to help cradle your baby. If you have headaches or shoulder problems, you will find full body pillows like the Snoozer Full Body Pregnancy Pillow ideal for supporting your aching body. Your baby will also thank you for selecting a pillow that allows you to get a good night sleep. Remember all newborns eventually start sleeping through the night. Once your baby starts sleeping in their own bed, you can enjoy the ultimate luxury, a full night sleep using the one and only pregnancy pillow guaranteed to bring you comfort night after night for years after you deliver your baby.
Think you can’t own a pregnancy pillow because you have a large bed? Well then, think again. One of the benefits of the Snoozer line of pregnancy pillows I they are easily shaped and sized for just about any couple no matter the size of your bed. You can even use them to nap in a cozy recliner as you come to enjoy your newborn in the weeks following delivery. Congratulations, you made it through the hardest part of pregnancy, now get some sleep, and enjoy your life as a parent!
Read next about your baby's growth and development, as well as the changes in your body during pregnancy week 1 & 2.
