How Does a 40 Weeks Fetus Look Like

What is going on with your baby during week 40?

Note: The length, weight and size mentioned below are only a guideline, as these vary from baby to baby and from one pregnancy to another.

Your baby weighs about 7.5lb (3.4kg) and its total length is 21.5in (48cm); from crown to rump baby measures at 37-38cm or 14¾-15¼. Your baby is about as big as its going to get. It now fills your uterus and has very little room to move. Before your baby is born, bilirubin is transferred easily across the placenta from the uterus to the maternal circulation. Bilirubin is a breakdown product from red blood cells; through this process your body is able to get rid of it from the baby. Once your baby is born and the umbilical cord is clamped, the baby is on its own to handle the bilirubin produced in its own body. Scientists believe once baby is ready to be born, it sends out a series of biochemical and hormonal signals that indicate its time. These cause the mother's body to trigger a series of biochemical and hormonal changes which will ultimately culminate in labor.

Week 40 Fetus

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What is going on with you during week 40?

You are not going to grow much bigger. You feel ready to have your baby, and very soon you shall. After all you can't be pregnant forever. Before you became pregnant your uterus weighed 2 oz and was capable of holding an oz of liquid. Now it weighs over 2lb and can hold a quart of amniotic fluid. Your baby too has grown a lot; from an egg to an 8lb baby. Much of baby's weight gain occurred during the last few months; they double their weight during the last 2-3 months of pregnancy (the final trimester).

What is going on with your head during week 40?

If your due date has passed and no baby has arrived, you are going to wonder how much longer. The stress and anxiety is going to get to you. Depression is another feeling that's going to set in. if you are not too thrilled with your pregnancy dragging on, here are few tips to help you stay sane:

• Keep yourself busy. Don't be afraid to make plans just coz you might go into labor

• Pamper yourself. Enjoy all those indulgences which you won't have time for once baby arrives

• Realize that your doctor cannot pinpoint the exact day and hour of delivery

More On Week 40 During Pregnancy

Is it possible for your doctor to predict ahead of time if your baby is likely to be overdue?

Factors for a Successful Birth

When do I go to the Hospital

Induction Of Labor (IOL)

Assisted Delivery

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