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Article Pregnancy Week 40 and Childbirth

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Have you ever wondered what happens to you and baby in Week 40 of pregnancy?

Read Week 39 here.

Here is a detailed list of Week 40 pregnancy and childbirth facts:

  • Only 5 percent of babies are born on their due date so you may begin to feel impatient.
  • You may be offered many forms of pain relief during labour. Gas and air, (Entonox), a mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide which is breathed through a mouthpiece or mask to take the edge off the pain.
  • Injections like Pethadine and Meptid can be given during the first stage of labour. They will help you relax but may make you sleepy.
  • Epidural, a local anesthetic is injected into the spinal column and spinal cord, numbing the nerves that serve the uterus, this may also be used in the event of a Caesarean delivery being performed because it allows mother to stay awake.
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), this is a technique that involved a weak electric current being used to block the pain sensations in the brain and stimulate release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killing hormone.
  • Your baby is curled up head down and ready for birth. The birth of your baby can vary anywhere between 3 to 24 hours on average.
  • He or she measures 50 centimeters and weighs roughly 3.4 kilograms.

View the video below:

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com 
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Comments

  • The 40th week is when the wait is almost over and you are hoping it doesn’t stretch to 41 weeks. I have to say that I never made it to 40 weeks all mine were born 1 week early much to my relief!

    Reply

  • Thank you all so much for liking the series. A lot of labour (pardon the pun) was definitely put it these videos. So worth it though.

    Good luck with all your pregnancies

    Reply

  • the end result is the best one :) cannot wait to have another baby!

    Reply

  • BEAUTIFUL VIDEO. Thank you so very much for all the week by week up dates Amelia.
    You have certainly put a lot of effort into them, and it shows, I have loved following the journey and it has brought back such beautiful memories.
    To all our expecting MOMS wishing much happiness and perfect health and all my best wishes are sent your way. To new MOMS Congratulations and wishes for health and much happiness. :-)

    • MUCH LOVE TO ALL.

      • such nice comments! i might go and look at all the others

      • it is great to follow the journey of pregnancy

    Reply
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