Week 40 Pregnancy

Third Trimester

Last reviewed: July 2026

40 weeks pregnant at a glance

You are in the third trimester.
Your baby is roughly the size of a small pumpkin.
Due date midwife appointment.
Every pregnancy is different, so don't worry if your experience varies slightly.

You are 40 weeks pregnant and in your third trimester. Your baby is about the size of a small pumpkin. This week's key development: Your Due Date. NHS note: Due date midwife appointment.

Due Date & Overdue Guidance

If your baby hasn't arrived by week 40, your midwife will discuss the option of a membrane sweep to try and bring on labour naturally. They will also talk about induction options if you go past 41 weeks.

This page is for general pregnancy planning and date guidance only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pregnancy dates are estimates and can change after a scan or advice from your midwife, GP, or maternity team. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you have symptoms, concerns, or questions about your pregnancy.

Week 39

Week 41

Baby's Development

Your baby is about the size of a small pumpkin.

Your Due Date — Congratulations — you've reached your estimated due date. Only around 5% of babies arrive on their exact due date, so don't be disheartened if yours doesn't. Your baby is beautifully ready. Your body is ready. Take things one hour at a time and trust the process.

Small pumpkin

Approx. 51.2cm

Your Symptoms

Anticipation
Physical heaviness
Possible early labour signs

Every pregnancy is different. You may experience all, some, or none of these symptoms — and that's completely normal. If anything concerns you, speak to your midwife.

NHS Appointments

Due date midwife appointment. Discussion of induction and further sweeps.

Practical Advice for Week 40

Nutrition

Continue eating balanced meals and staying hydrated.
Dates, raspberry leaf tea, and spicy food are all popular 'natural induction' methods — evidence varies.
Keep snacks in your hospital bag for labour.
Stay hydrated — dehydration can slow labour.

Exercise

Walking may help start labour naturally.
Birth ball bouncing and hip circles keep you mobile.
Rest as much as you exercise — you need energy reserves.
Gentle swimming is still fine if you feel up to it.

Wellbeing

Only 5% of babies arrive on their due date — don't worry if yours doesn't.
If people are asking 'Is the baby here yet?' — mute your phone if you need to.
Focus on the fact that every hour your baby stays inside is another hour of development.
You have done something extraordinary — growing a whole human being.

Preparation

Due date midwife appointment — discussion of induction options and further sweeps.
Know that NHS guidelines typically offer induction at 41–42 weeks.
Keep your phone charged and your partner close.
Your baby will come when they're ready — trust the process.

Tip of the Week

Don't focus too much on the date. Your baby will come when they are ready.

Frequently Asked Questions for Week 40

How many months is 40 weeks pregnant?

At 40 weeks pregnant, you are roughly 9 months pregnant. Remember that pregnancy is typically measured in weeks rather than months for clinical accuracy.

What size is the baby at 40 weeks?

At 40 weeks, your baby is roughly the size of a small pumpkin (about 51.2cm). Congratulations

What are the common symptoms at 40 weeks pregnant?

Common symptoms at this stage include anticipation, physical heaviness, possible early labour signs. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and it's normal to experience different symptoms.

Is 40 weeks in the third trimester?

Yes, 40 weeks falls within the third trimester.

Are there any NHS appointments at 40 weeks?

Due date midwife appointment. Discussion of induction and further sweeps.