Week 40: Final Days of Your Pregnancy

By the 40th week of your pregnancy term you need to be prepared for the delivery. Learn about the things that you should keep in mind if you are in your 40th week of pregnancy.It is absolutely normal to be anxious this week. You are excited and worried at the same time! Alongside, it is also time for you to move ahead with your last minute preparations. Sometimes, pregnancies may extend beyond the 40th week; you need to have a talk with your doctor about this. In this articleBaby’s Development during the 40th Week of PregnancyBodily Changes during 40th Week of PregnancyPreparing for Home ComingBaby BasicsHealth InsuranceGood PaediatricianLactation SpecialistBaby’s Development during the 40th Week of PregnancyThis could well be the last and final few days or week of pregnancy. Enjoy it while it lasts. If this is a subsequent pregnancy, it is quite possible that lightening will take place anytime now.Your babys skin will be extremely soft and smooth, as most of the lanugo will have disappeared. But the greasy cheesy looking substance called vernix will still cover his or her skin. By the time your child is born he or she will probably measure twenty inches or 51cm. and weigh about seven and a half pounds or 3.4kg. But this is not a hard and fast rule. Just in case your baby is not born within these seven days, relax. He or she could make his or her appearance anytime within the next two weeks.Do not expect your baby to be ready to pose for a television commercial as soon as he or she is born. He or she will look quite a sight, as he or she is wet and slippery, covered in vernix and traces of your blood. Let the nurse give him or her wash as soon as he or she bonds with you and then you can enjoy your brand new baby.Congratulations, once again.Bodily Changes during 40th Week of PregnancyAches and pains shall become a part of your life now. Your weight gain shall take a toll on your movements as well. Your little one has little room inside to move around and you may feel he or she is not moving much like before. He or she has got very little room inside to throw a strong kick.If you are planning all day shopping or hiking now, you need to double check with your doctor. Plan your activities well and cut down on some of them. Little bit of exercises shall be a good way to keep the blood flow normal all through your body. Do not worry if you find your nipples leaking white discharge. You may also experience cramps all through your body. However, the good news is, these shall last for only few more days and then you are about to hold your little bundle of joy in your arms.While you are counting the final days of your pregnancy, you may have to go few more days. You must rely on your doctor completely if he asks you to wait some more time. Relax; enjoy some me-time while waiting for her arrival. You must not keep aside all your activities and sit and wait for her to arrive. Carry on with your daily chores and remember to be safe. Make sure to enjoy every day before “The Day�.Preparing for Home ComingThere are a few things that you need to keep in your mind before leaving your hospital for home. Take a look:Baby BasicsBe ready with the basics he or she would need soon after coming home. The wipes, diapers, blankets, bottles and aprons must be in place.Health InsuranceMake the provision for health insurance. Since it might take few days, it is better to start early. You will surely not want to add to the pressures after changing diapers and feeding him or her all night.Good PaediatricianKnow about good paediatrician in your area, as he or she shall need one immediately after birth.Lactation SpecialistYou may consider getting in touch with a lactation specialist. You can come up with all your queries about breastfeeding. You may discuss the easy and successful positions with her. It is normal to have breastfeeding issues, if you are a first time mom.Apart from this, you must carefully listen to the instructions that your healthcare provider lists down for you. Following the guidelines shall ensure speedy recovery and you shall be able to take better care of your newborn. Do keep in touch with your doctor for all the concerns that might pop- up now and then.What changes are expected in 40th week of pregnancy? What preparations are needed for delivery? What are necessities that need to be taken to the hospital? Discuss here.