Week 40 of pregnancy: Your Due Date

Reaching your due date without a baby is common: only a small share arrive on the day itself, and birth up to 41+6 weeks is still normal. From now your doctor may want to see you more often and check on your baby's wellbeing. Induction is commonly discussed around 41 weeks, though timing varies by hospital and your own situation. It is also a good week to look past the birth, to how you will eat, rest and be supported in the first weeks.

Length at term is usually about 48–52 cm. The 3.5 kg shown reflects Western reference charts, whose median is about 3.6 kg. Indian babies are often lighter, commonly around 3 kg, and healthy term babies range from roughly 2.5 to 4 kg. A scan estimate this late can differ from the birth weight, and the pumpkin is only a rough guide.

Every pregnancy is different - you may have some, all or none of these.

Pelvic pressure

Your baby is low in the pelvis. Rest on your side, change position often and take your time getting up.

Tightenings

Irregular tightenings are common. Once they are regular and building, follow your hospital's advice on when to call.

Swollen feet

Gradual swelling by evening is common. Sudden swelling with a headache or vision changes needs checking straight away.

Frustration and worry

Going past the due date can be stressful. Let people know you will share news when there is some, and talk to your doctor about your worries.

Poor sleep

Discomfort and anticipation disturb sleep. Rest in the day when you can.

Show or discharge

A show or more discharge is common near labour. Heavy bleeding, or green, brown or watery fluid, is different and needs a call straight away.

• Checks after your due date

  Varies by provider

  From 40+0 weeks

  Your doctor may suggest extra checks. In many Indian hospitals this includes a non-stress test (NST) of your baby's heart rate and a scan of the amniotic fluid; this is common practice rather than national guidance. In the US, monitoring is considered reasonable from 41 weeks. In the UK, extra heart-rate and fluid checks are offered after 42 weeks if you decide not to be induced.

• Induction of labour

  Varies by provider

  Commonly discussed around 41 weeks

  NICE advises offering induction from 41+0 weeks. In the US, induction can be considered from 41+0 and is recommended by 42+6 weeks. Indian practice often considers it from 40 to 41 weeks, depending on your health and your baby's.

• 40-week appointment

  Routine

  40 weeks

  This is a WHO contact and, in the UK, an appointment for first babies. Blood pressure, urine and your baby's position are checked, and a membrane sweep may be offered.

There is no single schedule after the due date. Ask your doctor what they plan and why, and report any change in movements straight away rather than waiting for your next check.

• 🌿After birth, your body needs a balanced diet rather than special foods. Breastfeeding raises energy and protein needs, which cereals, dals, vegetables, fruit, milk and dahi can meet, with eggs, fish or meat if you eat them.
• 🌿Many families follow confinement food customs, from panjiri and gond laddoos to cutting out certain vegetables. ICMR-NIN says there is no need to avoid specific foods because of mistaken beliefs or taboos, so keep fruit, vegetables and pulses on your plate.
• 🌿Energy-dense traditional sweets made with ghee and dry fruit are fine in moderate amounts but should not replace meals, and there is no evidence that ghee eases labour.
• 🌿Your iron and calcium tablets do not stop at delivery; ask how long to continue them. Honey is not needed for energy in labour, and newborns should never be given it.

• •Gentle walking and changing position keep you comfortable while you wait.
• •After birth, start with short walks and pelvic floor exercises when you feel ready, and ask your doctor before returning to harder exercise, especially after a caesarean.
• •Keep up pelvic floor squeezes now; they help with bladder control, and you can pick them up again gently after the birth when you feel ready.
• •Rest often; you need energy for labour and the first nights with your baby.

• •Keep noticing your baby's movements every day until the birth, and never wait until the next day to report a change.
• •If you are offered induction, ask about the reasons, the method, and what happens if you choose to wait a little longer.
• •Plan the first days: who stays with you in hospital, who manages visitors, who cooks at home, and who helps at night.
• •Keep your MCP card and hospital papers safe; your baby's vaccinations and check-ups will be recorded there.

• ?What checks will you do now that I have reached my due date?
• ?When would you suggest induction for me, and why?
• ?What happens if I would prefer to wait?
• ?What support is available for feeding and recovery after birth?

• Book your post-due-date check
• Ask about induction timing
• Keep noticing movements daily
• Plan meals and helpers for after the birth
• Keep the MCP card with your hospital bag