Your baby

Your little one might be quite happy to stay put for a few days yet. If so, don't start stressing - make the most of these extra days and enjoy time with your partner. You'll have precious little opportunity for it over the next few months!

Most babies may differ in weight, but are generally around 45cm – 55cm in length.

You

You probably wake up every morning wondering whether today will be ‘the day,’ and are likely to get impatient with people ringing up to see if you’ve gone into labour yet. You may have trouble sleeping, or anxious dreams – or worry that your waters will break in public.

One of the most obvious 40 weeks pregnant signs of labour is the contractions. The 40 weeks pregnant contractions increase in intensity as it progresses. If they are coming every 5 minutes and last for one minute, it’s probably time to go to hospital.

Have you noticed an increase in vaginal discharge? If you have a mucus discharge with a little blood, this is the jelly-like plug that seals the cervix called ‘the show’.

What to think about

If there are no signs of labour – try a gentle walk or pop to the shops for some last minute bits for your baby. Keeping active is a great way to stimulate labour.

At 41 weeks, if you’re baby still hasn’t arrived, you may be offered a membrane sweep. Speak to your midwife about methods of induction.

If you still haven’t met your baby – why not try some homeopathic remedies, raspberry leaf tea or having sex with your partner. These techniques are all rumoured to help kick start your labour.