ATTENTION

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for 24/7 free and confidential crisis support. You do not have to be suicidal to call. Access more info and resources on suicide prevention, emotional and mental health support. 
toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Week 40 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside

Top of the page

Week 40 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside

Overview

You may have felt ready for baby to come for a while, but your baby may still be perfectly happy inside. It can be very hard to wait to meet your baby!

Wondering what your baby looks like at 40 weeks? Your baby is now about the size of a small watermelon. Average baby length is 20 in. (50 cm). And average baby weight is 8 lb (3400 g).

How your baby is changing

Here are some of the important facts and developments around 40 weeks.

  • Your baby is full-term.
  • By the time a baby is born at term, fat makes up 16% of body weight. The baby's growth has slowed in the last days before birth.
  • At this size, your baby does not have much room to move around. You will probably notice less "big" movement than before.
  • Your pregnancy is called "post-term" or overdue when you have reached 42 weeks of pregnancy. This is 2 weeks after your due date. Risks go up for the baby, so delivery is recommended.

Credits

Current as of: February 23, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
William Gilbert MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more, visit Healthwise.org

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Take Care, Someone Needs You.

You take care of others, so take care of yourself. Let us be your partner in health, whether you're recovering from an injury, checking in for your annual exam, or enjoying an online class.

Because when you take care of yourself, everyone around you benefits.

Connect with Us
Contact Us In Boise (208) 381-2222