40 weeks pregnant and no contractions - should you worry? What are the symptoms of childbirth in the 40th week of pregnancy and when is it absolutely necessary to go to the hospital? What color should the mucus coming out of the vagina be in the 40th week of pregnancy and is a hard belly a symptom of childbirth? We answer questions related to the course of the last week of pregnancy.
40 weeks of pregnancy and nothing, i.e. when will the childbirth finally occur?
The end of pregnancy is a huge challenge for the mother-to-be. A large belly effectively hinders everyday activities and night rest. Some pregnancy ailments worsen and fears of the upcoming childbirth increase.
The last, 40 weeks of pregnancy (39.1-40 tc) is the end of the 9th month and therefore the third trimester of pregnancy. Although most women at this time want to give birth and take their babies in their arms very much, remember that only 5% of babies are born on time.
Therefore, if you don't notice any signs of labor at 40 weeks of pregnancy, it's not a cause for concern. Most babies are born several days before or after the due date based on the last menstrual period. At 40 weeks of pregnancy, the absence of contractions and other signs of labor, combined with the overall health of both mother and baby, is not cause for concern.
It's worth double-checking that your due date has been calculated correctly (especially if you've had irregular menstrual cycles). Perinatal care standards in Poland recommend delivery before the end of week 42. Therefore, if you've reached week 40 of pregnancy and haven't observed any signs of labor, you should visit your doctor for the recommended tests. If everything is fine with both mother and baby, there's no need to worry about the lack of labor—it will likely happen any day now.
Can frequent hardening of the abdomen and abundant vaginal discharge in the 40th week of pregnancy indicate the onset of labor?
During this time, pre-labor contractions (Braxton-Hicks) typically intensify, indicating that the uterus is undergoing intensive training for labor. Pre-labor contractions can cause a hard abdomen in the 40th week of pregnancy, especially during sudden changes in body position or more intense exercise.
Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular, do not intensify over time, and usually stop completely during rest or after changing position. This irregular, frequent abdominal hardening usually does not indicate the onset of the first stage of labor and can occur in women as early as the second trimester.
If you have a hard belly all the time in the 40th week of pregnancy and this feeling does not pass even after resting and taking a warm bath, contact your doctor who will perform a CTG test to assess whether these symptoms are indicative of the onset of labor.
You may also feel a stinging sensation in your vagina and pressure/pain in the pubic symphysis. This is caused by the pressure of the baby's head slowly descending into the birth canal, preparing the fetus for birth. The mucus plug may break off in the toilet, during urination or bowel movements, and the pregnant woman won't be able to notice it. At 40 weeks, profuse vaginal discharge may be normal vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid (it has a sweetish odor and a slightly different, more watery consistency).
How to tell if mucus is vaginal fluid or amniotic fluid?
The simplest method is to use litmus paper (available at the pharmacy): physiologically, in the 40th week of pregnancy, vaginal mucus is acidic, while amniotic fluid has an alkaline pH.
When to go to the hospital, i.e. symptoms of childbirth in the 40th week of pregnancy
Every pregnant woman impatiently looks for any symptoms of the commencing labor in her body. Regular contractions of the uterus in the 40th week of pregnancy, which are more frequent and do not subside during rest, are a signal that the first stage of labor has just begun. These contractions are impossible to miss. They are quite painful, strong, and often radiate to the loins / groin. In the early stage of the 2st stage of labor, when contractions occur with a low frequency (approx. XNUMX contractions per hour), it is worth taking a warm shower and trying to take a nap.
The first stage of labor (especially in the case of the infant) lasts from a few to even several hours.
So, if the initial contractions aren't accompanied by water breaking, unusual fetal movement, or other worrying symptoms, it's worth staying home for a while longer. Go to the hospital when regular contractions occur approximately every 5 minutes (for a woman in recurrent labor, it's worth going to the maternity ward earlier).
Other symptoms of labor commencing at 40 weeks gestation also include:
- detachment of the mucous plug;
- departure of amniotic fluid;
- some women also experience gastric ailments such as nausea and vomiting (the body cleans itself before birth).
If you do not observe elevated blood pressure (above 140/90 mmHg) or disturbance in the movement of the fetus, there is nothing to worry about, and the delivery itself will happen at any moment!
Disturbing symptoms of 40 weeks gestation: very mobile baby and abnormal vaginal discharge
Bloody mucus at 40 weeks of pregnancy may indicate the cervix is dilating. If vaginal bleeding is profuse or a greenish fluid is oozing, you should seek immediate medical attention. Trace amounts of brown vaginal discharge at 40 weeks of pregnancy may indicate a broken mucus plug. However, if the amount is excessive, a gynecological examination is warranted.
Severe headache and high blood pressure with nausea and spots in front of the eyes may be symptoms of pre-eclampsia and require immediate medical attention.
Abnormal fetal activity should also raise concern in pregnant women : in the 40th week of pregnancy, a baby that is very active or remains completely still for many hours is a signal for an urgent CTG. After detecting any abnormalities, the specialist will decide on appropriate medical procedures. At home, it's best to observe the baby's movements after one of the main meals, while the mother is lying on her left side. A pregnant woman should feel at least 10 fetal movements within an hour.
What is the child's weight, body length and insight at 40 weeks of pregnancy?
A fetus at 40 weeks of pregnancy weighs approximately 3300-4000 grams , and in some cases, more. This depends on both genetic and environmental factors. A fetal weight exceeding 4500 grams is considered macrosomia, and may be an indication for a cesarean section. A baby at 40 weeks of pregnancy measures approximately 50 cm and is fully ready to meet its mother and begin life outside her warm, safe belly.
After birth, the baby's head and face may be slightly frightened as it squeezes through the narrow birth canal. The bones of the skull are movably connected to each other in order to facilitate the birth process. The shape of the baby's head and face will normalize up to a few weeks after giving birth.
A newborn at 40 weeks of pregnancy also has chubby cheeks and a pert nose . This is to help them nurse even more effectively. Immediately after a vaginal birth, the baby (without clothing) should be placed on their mother's bare belly or at their mother's breast. There, they recover from the agonizing labor for at least two hours, begin to nurse for the first time, and bond with their mother. If the mother has had a cesarean section, the father can perform skin-to-skin kangaroo care.
Examination at 40 weeks of pregnancy
The doctor will likely recommend a complete blood count and a urinalysis. During the visit, the doctor will also measure the pregnant woman's blood pressure and perform an ultrasound examination , as recommended by the Polish Gynecological Society (PTGiP).
If the test results are correct and the pregnant woman is in a good general condition, the doctor will recommend another appointment in 7 days (or earlier). In the event of any abnormalities, in the 40th week of pregnancy, the medical procedure is selected individually according to the health condition of the mother and the child.
Consultation :
Ph.D. n. med. prof. IMID Tadeusz Issat - Head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic at the Institute of Mother and Child;
Maria Krowicka-Wasyl – resident physician during specialization in gynecology and obstetrics, Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Institute of Mother and Child.
