I am 40 weeks pregnant today and...?

Question

And there are no signs of labor at least I dont think there are. What should I be expecting. I am so nervous about labor this is my first child and I am patiently waiting for her to come. What are the signs??? do first time babies come later or early/.

Answer 1

hey missyyyy

As you prepare to give birth to your baby, it can be scary thinking about what your labor and birth will be like--whether it is your first child or fifth child. As much as we know about birth and how it works, there is still the element of the unknown, for anything can happen. Remembering that our bodies were designed to give birth and that women have been giving birth since the beginning can help encourage the fearful mother. Indeed, birth is a normal process, and it’s truly amazing and beautiful.

Birth can be exhilarating and empowering. Some mothers feel little pain and even describe giving birth as pleasurable. Other mothers feel quite a lot of pain, especially if they experience the dreaded back labor. But once you hold your little one in your arms, it is worth it all.
You can help to prepare by learning about labor and childbirth by reading books and birthstories. Focus on reading joyful birthstories and books that discuss the naturalness and beauty of pregnancy and childbirth

For some women it can also be important to become aware of potential complications and to face any fears you have head on. Don't stuff your fears away, and, on the other hand, don't dwell on your fears. Deal with them, and then let them go. For instance if you are fearful of having a stillbirth, imagine in your mind what could happen and what you would do--would you like to hold and cuddle your baby, what preparations would you have to make, etc. Then let go.


It can be encouraging to join e-mail lists or be part of a message board. Talking with other moms who are going through the same things as you or who have gone through them already can be enlightening and fun. Some lists and message boards seem to promote a more medical-minded view of birth, while others focus on natural childbirth. There are a plethora of choices available such as lists and message boards about waterbirth, unassisted birth, vaginal births after cesareans, and natural birth.

Also, consider taking a childbirth class with your birth partner. Participating in childbirth classes with your husband can encourage him to be more involved in your pregnancy and birth. Research the different types of childbirth classes. They all have different philosophies about birth. Many hospital classes offer you the least opportunity of becoming truly informed about your options.

Explore the different places where mothers can give birth, and then choose to give birth in the environment where you will feel most comfortable. For some moms that will be the hospital. For others it will be a birth center or at home. Also, choose the care provider you feel most comfortable with. . . a doctor, a certified nurse midwife, a lay midwife, your husband, alone, etc.
Much of the pain associated with childbirth comes from being tense and afraid, so one of the key things to help labor and childbirth go smoothly is to be able to relax and let your body do it’s job. You may find that the intensity of labor takes you by surprise. Give relaxing techniques a chance. When you relax, your body releases natural painkillers that can help you through labor.

Find out what helps you relax. You can learn some ways to relax in childbirth class, but also consider what normally helps you to relax. Consider what smells help you relax. What sounds help you relax? Do you like quiet or do you prefer a certain type of music? Would low-lighting help? Would a warm shower or reclining in a warm tub of water help you relax?

Things like keeping your breathing under control and using different breathing techniques can help. Patterned breathing works for some women. Natural deep breathing works well for others. Focusing on an object or just staring into space at nothing or closing your eyes are different things to try. Some women find it best if they ignore the pain as much as possible and concentrate on, for instance, patterned breathing. On the other hand, some women find it helpful to think about and be in tune with what their body is doing.

Be open to trying different strategies. During labor you might be surprised at some of the things that help you feel relaxed--perhaps a cool washcloth on your forehead, moaning through the contractions, dancing, rocking in a chair. Listen to your instincts during labor. If you feel that you need to move into a certain position or make a certain noise or breathe a certain way, go ahead and do it. Every labor is different, so don’t worry about doing everything “by the book.”

Don’t let fear be part of your labor and birth experience. It’s especially important to have only supportive people around you during labor. Have people there who know your desires for your birth and will help you and give you encouragement. Also, let those at the birth know what you like and don't like. Be honest. . . but be polite if possible. Consider hiring a doula, especially if you plan on having a hospital birth.

As your uterus tightens and pushes your baby down, as you feel your baby move down the birth canal, as you feel the ring of fire, trust that your body knows what it is doing and that it’s a marvelous thing. Know it will soon be over. Focus on the fact that your baby is coming! Try to reach down and feel your baby’s head. Reach with expectant arms to catch your baby or to hold your baby soon after birth. Feel the exhilaration that birth brings and revel in the joy of finally holding your precious child.


Phew that was long!

I really hope this helps you

~Dana~

Answer 2

Babies who are close to being delivered will become inactive, because they get into the head-down position. You will look and feel like the baby has 'dropped'. So, you won't feel as many fetal movements as you normally do. Also, you will lose your mucous plug anywhere from 1-3 days on average before active labor starts. That is a gelatanous "plug" that once blocked your cervix. It can be about the size of a nickel or a quarter. Most women do not have their water break on their own, but it does happen. If it does, you will usually notice a trickle, not a gush, because the baby's head is in the way of all the amniotic fluid rushing out. Plus, if you notice any consistent back pains-especially if they radiate from the back towards the front- that is a good sign of true contractions. Not all women get back labor also, you could only feel it in your abdomen. But, if any of your contractions are within five minutes apart or less, and are consisitent, that is a true tell-tale sign of labor! I hope all this helped! P.S. Babies come when they are ready, whether they are your first, or your fifth!

Answer 3

No one knows for sure what triggers labor — and every woman's experience is unique. No one knows for sure what triggers labor — and every woman's experience is unique. But understanding the typical signs and symptoms can help you know what to expect as your due date approaches. Heres someting that may help: 1. Babys can come at any time. 2. Losing the mucus plug is a sign that labor may begin soon, but it's not a guarantee. Labor may still be a week or more away. 3. Your water breaks. Sometimes the sac leaks or breaks before labor begins. If this happens, you may notice a trickle of fluid or a more obvious gush. 4. As your due date approaches, Braxton Hicks contractions may become stronger or even painful. Eventually, Braxton Hicks contractions will be replaced by the real thing.

Answer 4

You'll be fine. Eventually, your water will break and you will start having strong contractions that are timed closer and closer together. Babies don't always come when they're expected, all my mother's children were at least 42 weeks. If you want labor to start to get it done with, you can ask your doctor to induce you. It's a pretty simple procedure that initiates labor, and he will only do it if he feels the baby is safe being born.

Give it time, relax, be patient. Follow your instincts, though, and contact your doctor if you feel anything is wrong (even the smallest thing).

Good luck! And congrats!

Answer 5

Don't believe anyone who tells you that all first time babies come early/late etc. My wife and I just had our first and our best friends just had their first last November. Our baby was a week early and theirs was a week late. You should have an appointment with the doctor who will be delivering your baby on or around your due date. Our baby was due on November 14, we had our appt scheduled for November 10, but the baby came on November 8. At that appt, the doctor will tell you how dilated and effaced your cervix is. This is the best gauge on how far you are from being ready to deliver. As I said, my wife went into labor two days before our appt so we didn't get to have that info at all (no big deal). The day the baby came, she had started to feel discomfort (like menstrual cramps) early in the morning, but didn't think they were labor pains. Just in case I decided to make note of them and they were coming at pretty even intervals. Right after dinner that night her water broke at home (this will normally be obvious when it happens). Once your water breaks, you have to have the baby within 24 hours so get your stuff together and head immediately to the hospital. After her water broke, she immediately started feeling intense labor every 5 minutes like clockwork. Our baby was born healthy and happy at 8am the next morning. If you aren't feeling any signs that the baby is coming, don't worry. Go in and see your doctor and just try and have patience.

Answer 6

I will be 41 weeks tomorrow, with my second child. However, I do remember the stress of the approaching due date with my first. It is important to remember that because of menstrual cycle variations, your due date could be off by up to 2 weeks, which is why many midwives, and some responsible doctors, wait until 42 weeks to schedule a medical induction. In truth, you may only be 38 weeks pregnant!! First time babies, in general, are later and result in longer labor and delivery times.

It is very important for you to be patient, but as a mommy, and pregnant now, I do understand how excited and restless you are, after already waiting so long to see your lovely child's face for the first time.

Do remain calm though, it is rare for first babies to arrive in less than 12 hours after the onset of labor, so you'll definately know beforehand!

Your doctor may schedule a nonstress test, and a biophysical profile, for the next week or so, if they haven't already. During a nonstress test, they will place a fetal moniter on your tummy and give you a little button. They will ask you to press the button everytime the baby moves. This is to check and see if the baby's heart rate rises with each movement, as it should. A biophysical profile is simply another ultrasound, to be sure that the baby still has plenty of amniotic fluid and the placenta is functioning well. As long as both of these tests are positive, most responsible doctors will wait for you to go into labor on your own, all the way up to 42 weeks. However, if you're absolutely miserable still being pregnant, you may be able to talk your doctor into an induction around 41 weeks, which is fine.

However, it is important to remember that natural labor is usually faster and less painful than induced labor, because your body is better prepared when it happens naturally. Wait, if you can!

Also, natural ways to induce labor, without medication, include sex (there is a small amount of a certain chemical in semen that can encourage the cervix to dialate), walking (this can encourage the baby to descend, and speed up labor once it has started. It can also help make contractions less painful), and nipple stimulation. This last one is a delight, because it can be fun for you and your partner (especially paired with the sex), and is the most effective way to induce natural labor. Nipple stimulation is recommended at 1 hour, 3 times a day, for a total of 3 hours per day, until labor starts. Just be gentle, don't make them sore!! Also, do be aware that nipple stimulation can cause a rapid onset of labor, and often make it proceed faster than normal if you keep it up after labor has begun. This can possibly result in a greater need for episiotomy, or a greater instance of perineal tears when an episiotomy is not performed. If you choose to attempt nipple stimulation, do stop once labor has begun.

You sound as if you're prepared to wait for natural labor, and I encourage you to do so! Good Luck!!!

Edit:
I just read another post that said babies who are soon to be delivered stop moving. This is an old wive's tale and is NOT TRUE!!! If your baby moves less than 10 times in any 2 hour period, call your doctor or midwife immediately, as it is on of the first sign's of fetal distress. While the movements may be less pronounced, and more "squirmy" instead of kicking and turning, the baby should NOT stop moving.

Answer 7

My daughter came 6 weeks early with no history of preemie births in the family (she was my first). I was having lower backs pains for the whole week before, and it turned out they were contractions the whole time. After that though, I didn't have any pains or anything, Then my water broke 3 days later, and I had to sit in the hospital for the next 2 1/2 weeks waiting for 34 weeks to be induced. The whole time up to that point, I didn't have anything letting me know she was coming or not. There wasn't even any warning that my water was gonna break. It can be different in each pregnancy, just watch for anything unusual.

Answer 8

You'll start feeling little tiny cramps and think it's just the baby moving. You could lose your mucus plug. You'll notice this when you are going to the bathroom, and when you wipe. You should get a burst of energy. This is called nesting. Making sure the laundry is done, cleaning up the house, shopping for food, getting the baby's room ready. Don't worry, you'll know when it's time for the hospital. Take a walk around the block or just down to the corner. Light exercise like this is good for you, unless you were told to stay down. Good luck. How exciting!!!

Answer 9

First babies usually come later. On your next appointment if there are no signs of labor asked to be induced. As long as you are 40 weeks they will induce you.

Answer 10

was your wife sure it was 40 wks from the first day of her last period exactly when they asked her on her first obgyn visit? Cos if she wasn't sure of the date; it could be a later date. also, they wait until the woman is 41 wks anyhow before they tell her to come in for an induction-they usually will make an appt within 3 days after she has reached 41 wks but she might go into labor before that!!! When they make the appt; it is usually early in the morning. sometimes as early as 5 am. So, if you are as nocturnal as I; get ready to wake up early!! and have that overnite bag ready!!!

Answer 11

Baby has his/hers own agenda, they will make their appearance when they are ready and not a second longer....don't worry, if your doctor tells you everything is okay, you should just rest and relax until the baby decides, okay it's time for me to get out now, its just a little toooo cramped up in here. So I wish you lots of luck with your labor and stay near home, as its can happen one minute to the next. God Bless and again good luck, don't be nervous, they like to make a grand appearance. lol