42 Weeks Pregnant

No one hopes to make this milestone, but many women do. Around 5 to 10% of pregnancies reach 42 weeks (if the mother declines labour induction in the 41st week). Now is the time to discuss options with your midwife and doctor, so you have a backup plan if your baby decides not to make an appearance on its own, as going past 42 weeks may carry some risks for your baby. Your pregnancy is post-term now.

How is your baby growing when 42 Weeks Pregnant?

Your baby now measures anywhere from 46cm to 53cm from head to toe and weighs from 2.9kg to 4.3kg. They have a head circumference ranging from 33cm to 37cm and should move vigorously as usual. Remember, if you have any concerns at all about your baby’s movements, call your midwife, doctor or hospital immediately. If you decide to wait for labour, your midwife or doctor will recommend further testing, such as ultrasound and CTG monitoring the baby’s heart rate. These tests keep an eye on the baby’s well-being.

What You May Feel

You may start to feel anxious about your baby’s arrival. It can help to ask plenty of questions about what induction involves so that you feel comfortable about the process. Your doctor or midwife may offer to do a “stretch and sweep”. This process is where they carry out an internal examination and try to separate the membranes a little from your cervix with their fingers; this can encourage labour to start.

Tips when you are 42 Weeks Pregnant

Take time to nurture yourself. Have a massage; consider acupuncture. It is rare to go beyond 42 weeks pregnant, and by now, your midwife or doctor will have advised you about induction of labour. Now is the time to prepare for your little one’s arrival and alter your birth plan to include a potential induction so you know what to expect with these changing circumstances. Good luck with your baby’s birth, and congratulations on their arrival!

This article is the last of Pregnancy Birth and Beyond’s week-by-week pregnancy series.