Your due date has a way of feeling like a deadline. It isn't one. It's an estimate of when you reach 40 weeks, and most babies arrive a little before or after it.
Pregnancy usually lasts between 37 and 42 weeks, and it's common to give birth before or after your due date.2 At 40 weeks your baby is about the size of a small pumpkin, roughly 51cm head to heel.1
When will the baby actually come?
Anytime in a fairly wide window. The due date marks 40 weeks, but full term runs from 39 to 40 weeks and labour often starts on either side of the date.3 Going a little past 40 weeks is common and usually fine; if you reach 41 or 42 weeks, your midwife or doctor will talk through the options with you.2
What's common around 40 weeks
Your baby is fairly snug now but should keep moving in their usual pattern, and movements shouldn't slow down or stop.1 Many people are watching for the early signs that labour might be starting, and the NHS suggests contacting your midwife when contractions are regular, lasting around 60 seconds and coming roughly every 5 minutes.1
The one tap that matters: "baby's here"
This is where nappi keeps going. The moment your baby arrives, you set the birth date, and the same record you've been counting down with becomes your baby's tracker. The countdown screen turns into feeds, sleep, and nappies. You don't download a second app or type your baby's details in again.
If you set up bump photos along the way, those become the very first images in your baby's timeline, the start of a record that keeps going instead of restarting at birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to go past my due date?
Yes. Pregnancy usually lasts between 37 and 42 weeks, and arriving before or after the due date is common.2 If you pass 41 weeks, a midwife or doctor will discuss what comes next.
How will I know labour is starting?
Signs vary, but a common one is regular contractions. The NHS suggests getting in touch with your midwife when contractions are lasting about 60 seconds and coming every 5 minutes.1 Your maternity team is the right place to bring any questions about your own signs.