WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Arrival of the Due Date

Pregnancy
Baby's growth during pregnancy
Arrival of the Due Date
Reaching the 40-week mark in your pregnancy is a momentous occasion – it's the official due date.
While not all babies arrive exactly at 40 weeks, reaching this milestone indicates that your baby is fully developed and ready for birth.
At this stage, the baby has reached an optimal level of development, from size to organ maturity, preparing them for the transition to life outside the womb.
Baby’s Development at 40 Weeks
  • Size and Weight: On average, a baby at 40 weeks weighs between 6 to 9 pounds and measures about 19 to 21 inches in length, although sizes can vary. They have typically reached a size that is optimal for navigating the birth canal.
  • Fully Developed Organs: By week 40, all of your baby’s organs, including the brain, lungs, and liver, have matured and are ready to function independently. The lungs, in particular, have developed enough to handle air breathing.
  • Bone Strength and Flexibility: The baby’s bones are strong, yet the skull bones remain flexible, which is vital for a safe passage through the birth canal during childbirth.
Readiness for Birth
  • Physical Readiness: Your baby is physically ready for the challenges of birth. They have likely settled into the birth position, with their head down towards the pelvis.
  • Sensory and Reflex Development: Essential reflexes for feeding and responding to the environment, such as sucking and grasping, are well-developed. Your baby’s senses are also primed to start experiencing the world outside.
Considerations for Expectant Mothers
  • Variability in Due Dates: It's important to remember that the due date is an estimate. Many babies arrive a bit before or after the 40-week mark, which is perfectly normal.
  • Monitoring Movement and Health: Continue to monitor fetal movements. Consistent movement is a good sign of baby’s well-being.
  • Communication with Healthcare Provider: Keep in close contact with your healthcare provider, especially as you approach and pass your due date. They will guide you on the next steps, which may include discussing induction if the baby does not arrive naturally within a week or two after the due date.
Emotional and Mental Preparation
  • Preparation for Labor: Use this time to relax as much as possible and mentally prepare for labor and delivery. Having a birth plan and understanding the signs of labor can help.
  • Support System: Ensure you have your support system in place, whether it's your partner, family, friends, or a doula, for assistance during and after the birthing process.
Week 40 marks the culmination of your pregnancy journey, with your baby fully developed and ready for birth. This milestone signifies that your baby has reached the optimal stage of development for entering the world. As you wait for the arrival of your little one, it’s a time for patience, continued health monitoring, and emotional preparation for the exciting journey of parenthood ahead.
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K
Kayla
2 Jan 2024

About 2 weeks late but my baby girl is here !! She came early Jan 10th was the due date but she decided to make her arrival 2 days after my birthday 12/16, she’s so precious and smart already🥺❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ #newmom #newbornstage

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
1 comments
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Dominique
She's beautiful... congratulations ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Angel
23 Oct 2023

Our princess made her arrival on her due date 10/12.. weighing 9lbs 5oz 21in long, Doctors were surprised she was so big being this is my first pregnancy lol we are so grateful for a healthy pregnancy and labor! Ladies welcome Ms Emery 💜

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
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Desaraee Linder
Big juicy pretty baby I love it
27 Mar 2024

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Myreonna
21 Jun 2023

Last appointment today and my due date is Friday. Praying he makes his arrival this weekend I’m anxious for my little man and they said he doesn’t have any room left to move around😩

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
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Karissa
I told my Dr I was getting ready to evict my baby and he is putting me in the hospital at 8pm tonight to be induced 🥹😮‍💨
27 Mar 2024

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Myreonna
You’re so lucky! They making me wait until the 30th if he isn’t here by his due date 😩 I’m kinda sad but I’m a just take it easy. They think he may come before then but who knows.
27 Mar 2024

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Cortney
7 Jun 2023

My due date is on February, 14th of 2024, and I was wondering if anyone out there wanted to be due date buddies? #duedatebuddies #February142024 #babynumber4

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
5 comments
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Gema
February 19th here 🥲
27 Mar 2024

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Anna
Hey. Due date 14th as well. I want to ask if you had your first appointment yet and when was the last day of your lmp? If you don't mind me asking. By my calculations I am due February 14th and my last menstrual was May 10th. I'm just wondering maybe I'm further than I thought
27 Mar 2024

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Desirae
17 May 2023

Was 36 weeks found out I was 2 cm dilated. Due date June 07 🙈. Baby boy trying to make his arrival in May

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
4 comments
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Meme
These babies never make it to their due dates😩🤣these are just dates they give us
27 Mar 2024

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Desirae
😂 yesss
27 Mar 2024

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Abby
16 Mar 2023

Due date is here and still no William, went to the doctor yesterday and no changes in dilation either. My induction date is scheduled for march 28th if he does not make his arrival before then gives him a week and 5 days to come on his own which I’m hoping for 🥺❤️ my due date belly💙

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
2 comments
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Brittany
I know the feeling I’m finally getting induced tonight 🙏
27 Mar 2024

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Abby
Good luck mama❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Tosha
21 Jan 2023

My little girl made her arrival 01/19/23 12:01 am. Little stinker had to be after her due date which was the 18th. My little charlee ❤️🥰🎀

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
4 comments
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Glenda
Aww the 19th is my 17 years old daughters birthday
27 Mar 2024

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Glenda
Congratulations
27 Mar 2024

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DJ
9 Jan 2023

Due date 1/8 and baby boy has yet to make his arrival 😒 I know its just the day past but there's nothing happening. No contractions or anything just pressure but I've been feeling that for weeks. Not sure if I dilated any but as of Wednesday nothing. 40 weeks and 2 days #boymom he's comfortable up in here

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
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Ashly
You got this
27 Mar 2024

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Kayla🥰
22 Dec 2022

Soo , my due date is Monday ! But we have a date set incase he decides to continue being stubborn. If he doesn’t make his arrival on his own by Monday we will be heading to our hospital Tuesday at midnight ( technically Wednesday ) to be induced ! Gosh this mommy is so excited but yet so scared 😩

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
3 comments
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Pretty
I’m the same way excited but scared 😂🤷🏼‍♀️ and I’m du Monday as well wow these baby are really comfortable in that tight space
27 Mar 2024

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Kayla🥰
Girl I swear ! I know he’s gonna stay in until Monday so I went ahead and told my ob “let’s set a date for after Monday to be induced ! &’ she was 100% on board with it and ready to set us a date 😂 i wish you the best of luck mama ! Praying for safe &’ healthy delivery 🫶🏼
27 Mar 2024

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Hannah
4 Sep 2022

Well my baby girl decided to make her arrival a little early! Her due date was supposed to be October 8th, but she made her arrival on September 2nd! Born at 36 weeks & 6 days. She weighed 4lb 3 oz 18in.🥰 she had to be born by an emergency C-section… i got worried, but now she is an very health premie baby! Passing all her test like an full term baby does.🥺 #premiebaby

Pregnancy Baby's growth during pregnancy
21 comments
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Amber
Congrats 🎉
27 Mar 2024

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Mayra
Congratulations mama for your gorgeous baby , why did she come early u went into labor ?
27 Mar 2024

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