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You and your baby at 40 weeks pregnant

Your baby at 40 weeks

The fine hair (lanugo) that covered your baby's body is now almost all gone, although some babies may have small patches of it when they're born.

You at 40 weeks

Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks – that's around 280 days from the first day of your last period. Labour usually starts a week either side of this date, but you might go overdue.

Your doctor may suggest inducing labour – it's your choice whether to have this or not.

Read Choices when pregnancy reaches 41 weeks (PDF, 536kb) to find out more about your options.

Things to think about

The Start4Life site has more about you and your baby at 40 weeks pregnant.

You can sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Page last reviewed: 13 October 2021
Next review due: 13 October 2024