40 Weeks Pregnant | Week By Week Pregnancy

[@mariatavani624]

I was following along with these videos during my third trimester with my second baby, and I made it to 41 weeks, 3 days! I had an induction with pitocin (I was already 4cm dilated since 40 weeks, so there was no point in using earlier methods of induction). The day before the induction, I realized I had been in denial that it could get to that point, and was feeling fearful and anxious. It was still important to me to labor without pain medication, but all of the natural labor content I'd been taking in made it sound like getting induced is a death sentence for natural labor. I wasn't able to find any support or encouragement for how to do the rest of labor as naturally as possible if you *do* end up getting induced--everyone just says to not get induced! Anyway, I scheduled a last-minute appointment with my OB to get a membrane sweep, mainly so that I could have a conversation with her about exactly how the induction goes and what to expect. She told me that the dosage of pitocin can go from 2-36 ml, and that they would start at the lowest dosage and wait 30 minutes before increasing it to the next level. She said the goal of pitocin is simply to get my body to go into labor, and that once my body took over, the pitocin could be dialed back so that the contractions did not get too overpowering or too close together. She also reassured me that the reason women who get induced are more likely to have a c-section is largely because often, the pregnancy has a complication that is already at higher risk for c-section, and that's the reason for the induction. She said since my pregnancy had no complications and the baby was still looking great, there would likely be no need to change my plan for natural pain management. Really the only thing that was changing was that all of early labor and active labor would happen at the hospital. This was such a needed conversation for me, as it allowed me to shift my plan and still feel calm, confident and prepared to have a positive birth experience WITH an induction, which everyone seemed to think is impossible. My husband went out and got my favorite treats and snacks too bring with us, since I knew I might be in the process for a while before active labor really kicked in, I talked with my doula, and at the end of the day I felt ready and at peace, and so very excited to meet my baby. The next day I went in for the induction, and it was such a calm way to arrive at the hospital (compared to with my first, when I was in full active labor and 8cm when I got checked in). It took about 6 hours of increasing the pitocin gradually for the contractions to be strong enough that I felt like I really needed to manage them. During that time I walked many laps around the floor, used a yoga ball, did squats and lunges, ate snacks occasionally, watched a little KZbin, and listened to music. Finally I felt labor really kicking in, and because I had done natural labor once before, I knew exactly what my body was feeling and how I needed to be supported to manage the surges. Right before that, the nurse had checked me and I had basically not progressed at all, but then quite suddenly things got intense at the next dosage increase. My support team was amazing, and I felt so in tune with my body and what was happening in the labor process. A little less than an hour after active labor really started, I was leaning over a c-cub (essentially all 4s but more comfortable), and knew I needed to get things to OPEN. As I did, my water broke. Instantly my mental fog cleared, and I looked at my husband and said "The baby is coming. I can do this!!" No time for a cervical check--5 minutes of powerful pushing and roaring later, my beautiful baby boy was born. This birth was so empowering and incredible. The contractions were a little more painful than what I remember with my first, but they decreased the pitocin when they got too close together, and the active labor was so short that the whole labor was definitely easier! I felt so aware and in control. I was able to communicate exactly what I needed, and when I wasn't able to talk, my support team intuitively knew what to do. It was exhilarating!! I never reached a point of despair or panic or considering asking for an epidural. Sorry this was so lengthy. But I hope my story gives some encouragement to someone that will get induced--you can still have the rest of your labor naturally! Adjust your plan and talk to your care provider. You can do it, Mama!

[@Dominique8817]

Thank you for this! I am 40 weeks today with baby No.4 and I felt so calm and reassured reading your story! I hope your recovering well and enjoying your new baby boy congratulations

[@Myeyesburnbabyburn]

I definitely been scared because of hearing that it can bring the contractions on strong and then you want to get the epidural. Also trying to trust the body, since the due date is just an estimate, and things like our cycles/ovulation/and implantation can all change the factors of your actual due date but are not able to determine at this time. Thanks for sharing your experience, brings confidence for us who may also be facing induction. 😊 congrats on your new baby boy!

[@TsholofeloGaetsewe-pg3tu]

Thank you so much for that. Its really encouraging.

[@courtneynicole767]

Ditto! Thank u so much for sharing your story. Needed to read this.

[@annacampbell219]

I’m 40 weeks and 4 days. Feeling all emotions and trying to stay strong. Hearing this video helps. Trying to find balance with being active but also resting cause it’s so hard on my body to be active but also so uncomfortable just sitting. Just excited to meet her and hold her. But trying to trust the process and not over worry.

[@CaseyGriffith-v4u]

I’m 40 weeks! I’ve been having cramps and more watery discharge. I’m just excited to meet her and hope she doesn’t wait too much longer to make her debut.

[@mamaax4]

40 weeks tomorrow and I have extreme fatigue and hope it means labor is very soon ❤ whenever my baby is ready ❤

[@abbyl4112]

How are you doing?

[@mamaax4]

@abbyl4112 I had him at 41 weeks and 5or 6 days lol and on the day of the fullmoon making him my 3 rd fullmoon baby of my 4 babies !!!!!

[@wasterdays]

what symptoms of labor did you have before it started

[@mamaax4]

@wasterdays on and off contractions for a week , mucus was increasing , had the urge to clean and meal prep soup the day I went into labor. Lots of pressure down there,

[@marloemarloe]

40+4 and I’m a little nervous but staying strong. I have a great health care team so leaning into feeling supported and trusting my body. I’m in our creators hands and reminding myself that all is well despite the long wait for baby. Thank you so much for this week by week series 🙏

[@stacey-leehattingh6957]

How did it go

[@nicole-d]

Had my baby at 40 weeks and 6 days! It was great!

[@crunchwrappoutine3502]

40 weeks today! Im feeling good but sore

[@jkc7134]

I loved the encouragement here. Due date was yesterday, I want to stay positive & patient. Thanks ❤

[@RondasBlog]

Im a FTM & 39 + 4 today…. Patiently waiting for my body to go into labor. It’s been a sweet journey nurturing this baby in womb & can’t wait to meet my lil one. 💙

[@DanielleTodt-bw1ep]

I'm 100 weeks today

[@lillady939]

?...😂

[@mykaelaorwig9646]

Feels that way 😂

[@mrsginny]

Literally same😭

[@katherinereynolds3659]

Feels like it!! 😅

[@AvaMancuso]

I'm 40 weeks tomorrow, and feeling great and strong! Mentally, I am very much wanting labor to start and to birth my baby ASAP 😅 but like you said, he knows when to come so I am trusting him!

[@shinnysmilever7581]

Me the same I don't rush things

[@O_o_user23]

Overwhelmed, excited, anxious and scared, but sooooo happy to meet baby

[@ashtrix]

40 weeks today with baby girl ❤ hurry up! I just want you here now! I’m feeling very impatient now.

[@MysteryExodus]

I’m 40 weeks today and I have my OB appointment tmr and they said we will start talking about induction. I’m really nervous bc I don’t want to be induced ..

[@Joraelfa]

How's it going? All the love and strength to you!❤

[@rachelhengesh331]

I’m feeling quite pregnant! Ready to be done with pregnancy and start with a newborn! I’m excited and nervous.

[@madhatter239]

I’m 40+5 and so ready to have this baby!!

[@lenaartwork506]

40 weeks today. I feel tired and i am very excited to meet my Baby. Emotions going up and down. But overall i am doing good! ❤

[@katerinavankova2416]

I’m having a third sweep tomorrow. I’m 40 weeks in another day. They are worried about the size of my baby and advising to go to a hospital (which is almost 4 hours away) instead of staying in the local birth centre. I’m discouraged, tired, feeling all kinds of weird emotions

[@nerea7372]

You got this mama. Trust your instincts❤

[@jourdanconaway718]

40+2 today with my first! Thankful for a healthy pregnancy growing out little boy and feeling good during the day but uncomfortable at night. Mostly just starting to feel impatient and ready to hold my baby but enjoying all the movement

[@Olgaleigh]

40 weeks and have the flu. I’m so nervous to go into labor while sick so baby can stay right where she’s at.

[@katme7119]

Same. Having a flu at 38 weeks now. The worst part is the cough that became so painful. Hang in there

[@Olgaleigh]

@@katme7119 yes that cough!! Feels like my water is going to break with every one

[@MelodyMoonxo]

40 weeks today with baby no3, Lots of signs he's coming for the last 4 weeks so think It might be a later baby D; wishing all the mamas a healthy baby and smooth delivery!

[@MuslimahInSolace]

40 weeks and 2 days with DS2. Shocked as first was born at 39w 5d. Assumed 2nd would be sooner. Baby is healthy and happy just days / week or ao.left hopefully.

[@teesh204]

When did u end up going into labour?

[@6578981]

I'm exhausted and scared.

[@Joraelfa]

Have you had your baby? How was it? ❤

[@ahlammoh9563]

I am 40wks today. Should have watched before going to doctor who recommended that I get induced cuz baby may be under stress. Even thou I had a healthy pregnancy. I am watching the breathing videos now . Wish me luck

[@jbb8261]

Doctors are so afraid of natural pregnancy. A normal pregnancy lasts 37-42 weeks 🙄

[@egr3071]

I’ll be 41 weeks in two days!

[@Gracedxoxo]

Needed this thank you!

[@mary_iln]

I gave birth to my second baby 3 weeks ago at 41+3 😊

[@KassandraG]

Congrats❤

[@mary_iln]

@@KassandraG thanks 🙏🏻

[@ArtByKarenEHaley]

Starting two days ago my poor feet have started to swell. My due date was yesterday. My youngster seems to have an arm down in the pelvis next to her head so I'm going to have to try the miles circuit to see if that helps reposition her.

[@ArtByKarenEHaley]

I posted this the day before she was born so here's how the days leading up to the birth went. For 2-3 weeks before posting this, I had been having excruciating on and off prodromal labor. Went in and was sent home four times. After I posted this the morning of May 16th, the swelling in my feet got way worse, with pitting edema. I went in at around three pm to get my blood pressure tested and it was a bit elevated, and then at around 4:30 at the hospital they drew labs. The protein in my urine was elevated. These are warning signs for preeclampsia but I was just on the edge of being there. They told me they wanted me to get a second blood pressure check early the next morning to see. I did not want an induction, so I was hopeful I could go home, put my feet up, and get my blood pressure down. Early the next morning I woke up withore strong but irregular prodromal style contractions. I got up at about 5 am, fed and let out the dog, fed the cat, and then tried to walk them off. Went to lay down at 6:11 when another one came on, and as I adjusted myself to get more comfortable my waters burst! It was like I had sat on a big water balloon filled with warm water. Thankfully my husband was still home getting ready for work. I got out of bed and stood there in shock because my other two babies did not break the water before I got to the hospital. Then the contractions came on strong and fast and it was go time, I had a really hard time finding comfortable pants to change into through the contractions. I got in the car first and asked my husband to find my shoes but realized we really didn't have time so I ended up honking the horn at him (sorry honey) to let him know we needed to leave without the shoes haha. We left the house around 6:30, started to get pushing style contractions as we pulled up, had a security guard wheel me in while husband parked, told her she could go faster (bless her she was trying to be so gentle and careful I had to tell her it was ok to run haha) got to the birth center at 7:05, and the baby was born by 7:20. Had no time to put the hospital gown on I just stripped, got down on my hands and knees on the bed and pushed.

[@moniqueacuna264]

40 weeks today 05/01/24 This is my first baby , I am being induced tonight 8pm really nervous but excited to meet my babygirl💕✨

[@TsholofeloGaetsewe-pg3tu]

Hope you had a great labor and delivery, and your little one is thriving

[@jbb8261]

I’ll be 40 weeks tomorrow, extra stressed because I’m aiming for a vbac and didn’t get to go into labor naturally last time. I feel like I’m never going into labor 😢

[@mua_dovie]

40+1 weeks today ❤ I'm feeling very good, just had some panicking yesterday 😂 It's 31st of July, 2:15 am. Since around midnight I'm feeling strong, pretty painful contractions.

[@kaitlinbeevers2092]

40 weeks exactly today! Can't believe I made it this far! My first pregnancy was with identical twins and I ended up getting severe preeclampsia in my 31st week of pregnancy and had to have them at 32 weeks exactly due to trouble keeping my BP down even with medication, anyways just so insane to have made it this far after birthing my first two 8 weeks earlier than where I'm at now ❤️ can't wait to meet baby, hoping he comes before 41 weeks, but if not I know that's okay too 😂 I'm just impatient to meet him 💕

[@larissaluce942]

I'm tired, not feeling to good physically, just very fatigue. I can't identify braxton hix anymore because everything is sore, stiff and achey.

[@maquanamanning-b3p]

I’m 40 weeks just tired sore and a bit anxious.

[@rikki-linbergnach1533]

40 + 4 with my second baby & feeling a little nervous as I was induced at 39 with my first. Looking forward to our birth. ☺️

[@jolyzarirvlogs4136]

39+5 weeks today my baby🌺

[@aselahfarrouq2270]

40 weeks today and my girl is snug as a bug in there!

[@yume816]

Placenta may not age but the baby could be too large for the placenta and vice versa. It gets risky if the placenta size/volume ratio is not proportional to baby size and unable to supply adequate oxygen. I think that’s why obgyn push for induction after 41wk. I wish we could examine the placenta and baby before deciding an induction or not. Case by case

[@jbb8261]

Obs push for induction because they don’t know how to do anything else. They very RARELY see a mother give birth without any interventions. Pregnancies can also last to 42 weeks and still be normal 🤷🏾‍♀️ The whole “big baby” thing is also completely BS

[@ZovaBe]

40+3 and over the edge.

[@Pixiynails]

I feel like shit. I don’t get enough sleep because I’m always peeing😅 so over it

[@Nor0411]

I’m 40 weeks and 2 days, getting a little bit impatient. Thank you for encouraging us bridget!

[@JamielJohnson-k9o]

Am 40 week tomorrow

[@user-kp6ev7db9q]

Heart burn 😩

[@Godisgrace1217]

I’m sry this is why God said 40 weeks is full term some of you mothers be risking a lot for your baby’s to stay in at 42 weeks why do that to your child I refuse to go over 40 weeks it’s not good for baby and mother

[@verilyisayuntoyou4329]

This is untrue. Making babies come early when there is no medical reason isn’t safer, and increases the risk of further interventions or C-section.

[@renchi87]

God said that? No. 😅Baby knows best, get educated please.

[@darkandlovelyt4429]

I dnt want a big baby

[@Imjustbloated]

Sad. Tired.

[@pareeshaslaughter6798]

Okay so today supposed to be my due date 4/17/2024 🎉❤😂…………but I am not showing signs of strong labor‼️😭 I have a doctors appointment this morning and I’m so interested to know what my obgyn is going to say 😂 but I don’t think my baby is finished brewing! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@KatieFiolaJones]

My due day was the 17th too! Did you have your baby yet? I'm still waiting 😂

[@jbb8261]

They probably recommended an unnecessary induction didn’t they

[@pareeshaslaughter6798]

😂😂I love my sweet baby already but CMON OUTTA OF MY STOMACH LITTLE ONE‼️🤣💕💕🍼🍼 we are going into the 40th week and I know she’s loving all the shrimp and steaks and Dairy Queen blizzards with fruit and milk in her jacuzzi style pool but I’m ready meet her 🎉❤🎉❤😂😂

[@kaitlinbeevers2092]

40 weeks exactly today! Can't believe I made it this far! My first pregnancy was with identical twins and I ended up getting severe preeclampsia in my 31st week of pregnancy and had to have them at 32 weeks exactly due to trouble keeping my BP down even with medication, anyways just so insane to have made it this far after birthing my first two 8 weeks earlier than where I'm at now ❤️ can't wait to meet baby, hoping he comes before 41 weeks, but if not I know that's okay too 😂 I'm just impatient to meet him 💕