Week 40: Push It To the Limit

Happy due date day! This is an exciting time, and you may be wondering “is today the day?” It may have been emotionally and physically challenging to make it here. Your body is working hard carrying the weight of your term baby and meeting all of her metabolic needs as well as your own. Your baby has taken time to develop and mature fully for birth. You may also be thinking “any day baby…”, “why won’t you just come already,” and “I’m done being pregnant…”. These are all normal thoughts and emotions to be having. Connect with your support team and share your anxieties, fears and pains so they can encourage you! It may also be helpful to take your mind off the pregnancy as much as possible and distract yourself with cleaning, enjoying a good book, going for a short walk or taking a warm bath. Find ways to calm your mind and relax your body.

Your baby is 40 weeks! When baby’s lungs are mature they will secrete a protein that will signal that labour can begin. Your baby will continue to grow in size slowly until delivery and most (if not all) of the vernix coating is gone. Feel your baby moving and grooving as usual, and take in these last days of being pregnant. It may feel hard to wait to meet your little one, visualize them nestled in your arms and let them know you’re ready and waiting!