Your baby is ready to meet you

The final stretch

Your baby is fully developed now, just gaining some last-minute fat layers. Their lungs should be maturity-ready, and they're shedding the vernix coating that protected their skin. Those tiny fingernails might need trimming soon.

Movement may slow as space gets tight, but you should still feel regular activity. Count those kicks, fewer than 10 movements in 2 hours means a call to your provider. Hiccups (rhythmic little pulses) are common as the diaphragm practices.

Your body at full term

That nesting urge might hit hard now. It's biology, your body knows birth is coming. Combine productivity with rest: organize the nursery between naps. Your joints are extra-loose from relaxin hormone, so move carefully.

• Cervical changes. You might lose the mucus plug (thick discharge, sometimes pink-tinged) days or weeks before labor.
• Digestive shifts. Diarrhea can signal impending labor as prostaglandins clear your system.

Labor starts when your baby's lungs send the signal, not when the calendar says so.

What to watch for as you wait

At 40 weeks, you're officially at term, but only about 5% of babies arrive on their due date. First-time parents often go 41+ weeks. Your provider may start discussing induction options if labor doesn't begin naturally soon.

• Post-dates monitoring. After 40 weeks, many providers schedule twice-weekly NSTs (non-stress tests) and ultrasounds to check fluid levels.
• Induction decisions. Common reasons include ruptured membranes without contractions, high blood pressure, or decreased fetal movement.

Pressure low in your pelvis isn't always a labor sign. Called 'lightening,' it just means the baby has dropped into position. But if you feel rhythmic tightening paired with lower back pain, start timing.

False alarms happen. Braxton Hicks contractions can fool even experienced parents. Real labor contractions grow longer, stronger, and closer together, they won't ease up if you change positions.

Imminent arrival plans

This week is all about meeting your baby, either spontaneously or via induction. About 25% of deliveries begin with labor starting naturally at 40+ weeks. The rest require some nudging.

• Membrane sweep. At your 40-week checkup, your provider may offer this to naturally encourage labor (it releases prostaglandins). It feels like a rough cervical exam.
• Induction methods. Options range from cervical ripening agents like Cytotec to Pitocin drips. Discuss preferences with your provider, some allow eating during early induction.

Pack your hospital bag if you haven't yet. Include snacks, long phone chargers, and something cozy to wear postpartum. And don't forget the car seat.

• Install the infant car seat correctly
• Confirm pediatrician details
• Freeze easy meals for postpartum