Fetal development at 40 weeks of pregnancy • hello healthy

Embryo growth

How is the development of the fetus at week 40 of pregnancy?

Quoting from the Baby Center, entering the 40th week of pregnancy, the development of fetal weight has reached 3.5 kilograms with a body length of 50.8 cm.

In the uterus, the fetus will experience many changes in shape, especially in its head. The fetal head is likely to be covered with casiosa vernix and blood. In addition, the fetal skin may experience discoloration and multiple rashes.

In general, the baby's hormonal system has also started to work properly at 40 weeks of gestation.

The shape of the baby's genitals (scrotum for boys and labia for girls) may appear larger when viewed on ultrasound.

The fetus this week is generally ready to be born into the world. However, there's no need to worry if you haven't shown signs of giving birth at week 40.

The reason is, there are only 5 percent of women who give birth according to the estimated HPL (estimated day of birth) that has been determined.

The rest, pregnant women can give birth after or less than the estimated time of birth.

Changes to the Body

How will my body change at 40 weeks pregnant?

Along with the development of a fetus that is already 40 weeks old, the mother's pregnancy will be accompanied by various symptoms such as:

Hard to sleep

Difficulty sleeping will still decorate your nights at 40 weeks of pregnancy this.

If pregnant women are not sleeping well, try engaging in relaxing activities such as reading books or listening to classical music. Can also snack on healthy foods such as fruit.

Pregnant women can exercise lightly. A number of sports that are safe for pregnant women are yoga and relaxing walks during the day so that the body feels tired and sleeps easily at night.

What do I need to pay attention to in the development of the fetus at 40 weeks of gestation?

Considering that many pregnant women give birth at 40 weeks of gestation, there are several things that need to be prepared and considered, namely:

Preparation for childbirth

At week 40 of pregnancy, the mother can get ready to give birth. Generally, obstetricians will also recommend that you take some preparation classes for childbirth, aka prenatal classes.

It is also important to know what labor is like. The first stage is characterized by the process of thinning and dilating the cervix by pressing on the uterus.

This occurs at regular intervals during the development of the fetus at 40 weeks of gestation.

The second stage is when the mother has to push to push the baby out of the body through the vagina. The third and fourth stages are when you remove the placenta.

If you don't give birth within one week after HPL, your doctor may recommend that you take a test. This test aims to monitor the heart rate and movement of the fetus.

Another fetal monitor test function is to ensure that the baby is at 40 weeks pregnant, is receiving adequate oxygen and that his nervous system is able to respond properly. Talk to your gynecologist to find out more about this test.

If there are still no signs of childbirth or there is an emergency that requires the baby to be born immediately, the doctor may induce you.

This procedure is done by tearing the membrane or giving the hormone oxytocin and other drugs.

If your pregnancy is at high risk or has the potential for complications, you may need a caesarean section.

Childbirth by caesarean section

Some women have known for a long time that they will give birth by caesarean section so they can plan the baby in advance.

If you are one of them, you may be able to prepare emotionally and mentally for the D-day.

Please note, that a cesarean delivery and normal are the same. Nothing is different at all.

You are still a mother who will have the value of the struggle to bear children by giving birth to anything.

Visit to Doctor / Midwife

What should I discuss with my doctor at 40 weeks pregnant?

To check the development of the fetus that is entering the age of 40 weeks, you can consult a gynecologist about pregnancy or childbirth problems that you experience in these weeks.

Ask your doctor if you need labor induction medication to stimulate contractions. This is because your pregnancy is probably past the due date.

What tests do I need to know about?

As it is near or past the due date of birth, the obstetrician may routinely examine your pelvis to determine the position of the fetus in the uterus.

This test can help the doctor to determine the position of your baby during labor, whether it may be the head first, the legs first, or the buttocks that come out during delivery later.

Most babies are in the head-first position at the end of pregnancy. In this position the baby's head rests snugly against your pelvis.

During a pelvic exam, your doctor will also check that your cervix (cervix) has begun to open, soften, or thin. This information will be shown by means of numbers and percentages which will be further explained by the doctor.

Health and Safety

What do I need to know to maintain healthy fetal development at 40 weeks of gestation?

Entering the development of the fetus at week 40 of pregnancy, pregnant women are generally allowed to board an airplane. However, you should first discuss your travel plans with your obstetrician.

In the case of a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may ask you to stay away from home until it's time to give birth.

You should hold off on long travel plans if you become pregnant with any of the following conditions: