We've been waiting for you 💛

You've reached 40 weeks and above, your estimated due date week. Whether your little one arrives today, tomorrow or a little later, this is a moment to be proud of how far you've come.

📌 Week 40 at a glance

• Trimester: Third
• Baby's size: about the size of a pumpkin, or labu (around 51.2 cm head to heel)
• Still to come: any day now (the due date is only an estimate)

🌱 Your little one this week

At 40 weeks, your baby weighs around 3.5 kg and measures about 51.2 cm from head to heel, roughly the size of a pumpkin. Every organ is ready for life outside the womb. Babies come in all sizes, and yours is perfectly their own size.

Your baby is getting rather squashed now, but should still be moving around in their usual pattern. Movements shouldn't slow down or stop. If you notice any change, please contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away, as there is someone to answer calls around the clock. Your baby is waiting for the right moment, and your body and baby will work together when it's time.

🌷 And how about you, Mum?

You may feel heavy, tired and eager. Many mums feel a mix of excitement, nerves and impatience. That's completely normal. You're probably having lots of practice contractions, which shouldn't be painful. When real labour pains start, you'll know, as the bump goes tight and hurts, and then the pain fades as the muscles relax. A feeling like period pain or lower backache can also be an early sign.

Labour has three stages: first, contractions open the cervix, which can take around 6 to 12 hours, or less if you've had children before. Second, your baby is born. Third, the placenta comes out. When your contractions last at least 60 seconds and come about every 5 minutes, or sooner if you're worried, please call your hospital or midwife. If your waters break, which could be a trickle rather than a gush, call for advice too.

Please also contact your midwife, doctor or hospital if you notice any bleeding or a change in your baby's movements. If you're unsure, it's always okay to call. Your doctor or midwife will also talk with you about what happens if your baby hasn't arrived yet, and the options they may suggest.

🍽️ Food for thought: nourishing yourself after the birth

Your body will do a lot of healing after the birth, and eating regular, nourishing meals can help you feel more like yourself. Many Malaysian families have lovely traditions for the confinement period (pantang), and it's perfectly fine to follow the ones that feel right to you.

Everyday foods that many mums enjoy include:

• Warm soups and porridge (bubur)
• Fish, chicken, eggs and tofu
• Vegetables such as kai lan and spinach (bayam)
• Fruit and plenty of fluids
• Wholegrains such as brown rice and oats

If you're breastfeeding, or you have any special dietary needs, your doctor, midwife or dietitian can give you personal advice. And if there's a food tradition you're unsure about, it's always fine to ask them.

✨ Little things that may feel nice

• If contractions start at night, try to rest and sleep through as much as you can
• If they start in the day, staying upright and active, trying different positions, rocking on a birth ball or having a warm bath or shower can help
• Slow breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth, with a relaxed jaw, is a skill you can practise now
• A little healthy snack, like a banana or yoghurt, can keep your energy up, and a birth partner's massage and reassurance can really help
• Many mums enjoy having a few meals prepared and waiting at home, and asking family and friends for help afterwards

🩺 Coming up

If this is your first baby, you'll usually have an antenatal visit around now, where your blood pressure will be checked, your bump measured and a urine sample taken. These checks help your team look out for pre-eclampsia.

If your baby hasn't arrived by your due date, your doctor or midwife will keep seeing you and will discuss the options with you. You may have heard about curries, sex and other ways to bring labour on, but there are no proven ways to safely bring on labour at home, so please check with your doctor or midwife before trying anything other than watching and waiting. Most pregnancies last between about 37 and 42 weeks, and the due date is only an estimate. When your baby arrives, the team will help with the first cuddles, feeding and checks.

👨👩👧 Partner's corner

You're nearly there. Stay calm, keep the bag and phone ready, and offer lots of reassurance. Your support during labour, with a massage, a drink, and some calm words, helps your partner's body make more of its own natural painkillers. After the birth, taking over meals, chores and visitors will mean the world to mum.

❓ Quick questions

What if my baby doesn't come on my due date?
That's very common, as only about 1 in 20 babies arrive exactly on their due date. Your doctor or midwife will guide you on what happens next.

Is it normal to feel emotional?
Yes. Excitement, nerves and tiredness often come together. Be kind to yourself, and talk with someone you trust.

💛 A little moment for the two of you

Forty weeks. You've carried your baby through every week, one day at a time. Whatever happens next, you've already done something wonderful.

We've been waiting for you, little one. Welcome to the world, whenever you're ready. 🦕

Sources & further reading

NHS — 40 weeks pregnant
NHS Week 40 pregnancy guide

Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) — Antenatal care
KKM maternal health and antenatal care

FirstDino shares general pregnancy information for education and comfort. It is not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Please speak with your doctor or midwife about your own health and care.