40 Weeks Pregnant - Is Today the Day?

This is it. Your baby is on their way, and soon you’ll have a beautiful new family member. You're probably feeling anxious, excited, and nervous. That’s ok. Most women feel the same way as they come closer to giving birth. It may seem hard after all you’ve gone through, but try to appreciate these last few days of pregnancy.

We recognize that every fertility and pregnancy journey is unique. This guide offers a general overview of what a routine term pregnancy might look like and may not reflect the full range of individual experiences. It is not intended to serve as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your pregnancy and reach out to them with any specific concerns.

It can be confusing, but the difference between your baby’s gestational age and fetal age can lead women to think they’re overdue. The journey through pregnancy begins from the first day of your last normal menstrual period—even though fetal development doesn’t begin until conception. This is called the gestational age. Fetal age is the age of the actual growing fetus. Most references to pregnancy are in gestational age. Because the actual time of conception can be difficult to determine, this creates a more standardized way to keep track of a pregnancy. Because of this variance, there is likely to be a difference between your due date and the day you give birth. Your doctor will let you know if you are overdue.

Breast milk provides essential nutrients and other components that help in your baby’s growth and development. Breastfeeding can also foster a special bonding experience between moms and babies. However, breastfeeding may not always come easily, so it’s important to have the right resources and support to help make your breastfeeding experience a success. Check our resources on breastfeeding. For support with breastfeeding, please be sure to talk to your healthcare professional.

If you decide you want to incorporate formula into your feeding plan, there are some important things you’ll want to know—like, what’s in formula? How do you make a bottle? How much formula does your baby need? The answers may vary depending on your specific situation and the nutrition needs of your baby. If you have questions, ask your baby’s pediatrician. We also have a guide to formula feeding to give you information to get started.