Development
What is developing around week 40
At 39 weeks, pregnancy is considered full term by the cited federal source. The baby’s organs are preparing to function after birth while your care team monitors timing, movement, and signs of labor.
Your body
Changes you may notice
Third-trimester changes can include shortness of breath, heartburn, swelling, sleep difficulty, urinary frequency, breast changes, and contractions. Your clinician can help distinguish expected discomforts from symptoms that need evaluation.
Symptoms vary widely. Absence, presence, or intensity of a symptom cannot confirm that a pregnancy is progressing normally.
This week’s focus
A practical next step
Discuss due-date monitoring, induction options, benefits, risks, and what the plan becomes if pregnancy continues.
- Discuss due-date monitoring, induction options, benefits, risks, and what the plan becomes if pregnancy continues.
- Keep appointments and follow the plan created with your prenatal care professional.
- Save new symptoms and questions in one place so changes are easier to explain.
Prenatal visit
Questions worth bringing with you
- What should I understand or prepare during pregnancy week 40?
- Which symptoms should make me call you now rather than wait for my next appointment?
- What tests, vaccines, medicines, or decisions are coming next in my care plan?