Your Pregnancy at Week 40

Congratulations! You've reached what is likely your final week of this pregnancy. If you haven't delivered already, it's almost time to meet your little one! Your hospital bag is packed (if it isn't, it should be!), or the baby pool is set up in its birthing place, and you are ready to go. The nursery is ready, or very nearly ready, and you have the car seat installed. Remember to ensure the car seat complies with Canadian safety standards (CMVSS). You even have your baby's first outfit selected and placed out.

You've been patient for nine whole months, and the time is finally here! Just remember, when you go into labour, staying calm is essential. There usually is no need to rush to the hospital or birthing centre. For most, early labour typically lasts about 13 hours. If your water suddenly breaks, don’t immediately rush out the door! Take a little time to make sure you have everything you need. If you have older children, ensure they have adult supervision and are cared for. And then drive safely. You may even prefer to stay home until your contractions are closer together. When you first contact your healthcare provider, they should be able to tell you how long to wait before you head to the hospital or before they head to your home.

Labour is typically broken down into three stages, beginning when your contractions become regular and ending after you deliver the placenta. When your contractions start to pick up, you are in the active phase of the first stage. Between this active phase and the next, known as the transition phase, you need to get to the hospital, birthing centre, or home, as planned with your midwife. During the transition phase, your contractions grow closer together.

The second stage of labour is when you give birth to your baby! Your contractions will become more regular, with less and less time passing between them, and they will feel much stronger. You will either feel the need to push or like you need to pass a stool. If you have received pain medication, you may not feel this urge to push, and you'll be directed on what to do. The birth of your baby signals the end of the second stage of labour.

Within 30 minutes of giving birth, usually within five to ten minutes of delivery of your baby, you will be told to push again. You will then deliver the placenta. However, you will probably be preoccupied with the new baby in your arms. The placenta is much smaller than the little newborn you’ve just pushed out and has no bones, and once it is out, there is a lot of relief.

Even though 40 weeks seems like a long time, you may still have another week or two to go. A baby's due date is merely an estimate, and your baby will arrive when they are fully ready! All you can do in the meantime is relax, enjoy these final pregnant moments, and rest. This is happening!

Here is a list of entirely worth it symptoms commonly experienced during week 40:

Constipation and/or haemorrhoids: pregnancy isn’t always glowing radiance. As your digestive system slows in response to increased progesterone causing your muscles to relax, you may experience bloating and gas. Pressure from your growing baby can cause haemorrhoids resulting in blood in stool, itching around the anus, or general discomfort. Talk to your healthcare provider about options for relief.

Increased vaginal discharge: as your due date draws nearer, your body will continue to prepare the way for your baby’s delivery. Increased vaginal discharge is normal and may even contain trace amounts of old blood, especially after sex or a pelvic exam. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns so they can rule out any issues.

Stretch marks: there are many skin changes throughout pregnancy, and itchy stretch marks are just one of them! As your baby continues to grow and your body grows to accommodate, your skin may experience stretching, leaving marks and causing discomfort. You can utilize lotions and creams to soothe irritated skin; but stretch marks are largely genetic and not something you should feel guilty for not “preventing.”

Sweating: increased perspiration can be a result of hormonal changes or the additional weight and pressure on your body as you carry your growing baby. Stay hydrated to replace any fluids lost.

Heartburn: as your baby continues to grow and press on internal organs, your digestive system is likely to feel the impact of cramped quarters. This, paired with continuing hormone fluctuations, can result in heartburn or indigestion. Talk to your healthcare provider about options for relief if you’re feeling too uncomfortable.

Braxton Hicks: also referred to as “practice contractions,” Braxton Hicks are your body’s way of preparing for giving birth. They are generally painless, or uncomfortable at most – like subtle period cramps. If you are experiencing severe pain or the cramping does not stop, seek medical attention.

Interrupted sleep: trouble sleeping? It’s no surprise as midnight bathroom breaks, heartburn, leg cramps, and the stress of your soon-to-come newborn can all make it difficult to get a full night’s rest.

Backaches and/or leg cramps: aches and pains are an uncomfortable, albeit normal, part of pregnancy. Avoid staying in the same position for too long, stay hydrated, and talk to your healthcare provider about safe pain relief options that may offer some comfort.

Swelling or bloating: some swelling is normal and expected during pregnancy, especially if you are on your feet all day, but it’s best to keep an eye on any sudden changes. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing sudden, severe or constant swelling, as this could be a warning sign of a dangerous complication called pre-eclampsia.

Crazy dreams: the stress of anticipating your baby’s arrival and the poor sleep of the third trimester can result in interrupted sleep. While the cause of the more vivid dreams in pregnancy is unknown, it may have something to do with that interrupted sleep. Not sleeping as deeply may allow you to remember your dreams more easily.

Nesting: home sweet home! It’s a natural instinct to want to prepare your living space in anticipation of your baby’s arrival. Enjoy the benefits of a clean and organized home as a result of this symptom!

Forty weeks have come and gone. You are ready. So... where is your baby?

If one more person says to you that you look like you are going to pop, you just might! Your walk is a waddle, you probably haven't been able to give your legs a good shave in a while, and turning over in bed feels like an Olympic event. Congratulations! You've done a magnificent job carrying your little one for nine months.

Gathering patience may seem challenging due to phone calls and questions from friends and family members, who are anxiously awaiting your little one's arrival.

Unfortunately, there is little that you can do to convince your baby to greet life on the outside. Your womb is a cozy little space with plenty of food and bouts of gentle rocking. It's the ideal place to be! There are, however, a few methods rumored to naturally induce labor with varying degrees of success. Please speak with your doctor or midwife before taking any herbs or supplements claiming to kick-start labor. If you have any concerns, speak with your healthcare provider before trying any natural methods of induction.

Some experts say sex can help to induce labor! Semen contains hormones that can help to soften the cervix, and an orgasm can cause uterine contractions. However, you should avoid sex if you have been advised to do so by your healthcare provider, or if you believe your water has broken.

Going for a walk, or any other gentle exercise that increases your overall activity level, may help to induce labor as well. Just make sure you don't overdo it and don't push beyond your comfort level. Now is not the time to start training for a marathon! While the logistics surrounding how this works are unclear, many women claim their labor started after eating a spicy meal. Feel free to try it. But if you spend the evening with horrible heartburn and an upset stomach, it’s on you.

Once you pass the 40-week mark, your healthcare provider may speak about medical interventions for inducing labor. There are several options, from medications to breaking your water. Your healthcare provider will inform you of the risks and benefits and help you decide if induction is the right course for you.

It won't be long now, so hang in there! And don’t forget to write in your pregnancy journal.