Is it safe to go to 42 weeks pregnant? Do they induce labour at 42 weeks? What causes a baby to be overdue?
Oh my! At 42 weeks pregnant, you must be anxious to meet your little one. It is getting very cramped in there so the baby might not be moving as much. Hang in there, mum-to-be. Here are some things you can still learn about your pregnancy at 42 weeks,
42 Weeks Pregnant in Months
If you're 42 weeks pregnant, you're in your third trimester and the ninth month.
But what does that mean, exactly?
It means you've already had a full-term baby—you're just waiting for labour to start! That's right: You're almost done! It might be hard to believe, but we've got some good news for you: In about a week and a half, you'll be holding your little one in your arms and feeding them their first meal!
Week 42 of Pregnancy: Baby
Your baby at week 42 of pregnancy is a fully formed little miracle.
They're getting more coordinated too! Their eyes are now open and looking around. Their skin is starting to wrinkle, but it's still very soft and smooth.
At this stage, your baby's head has grown very large, and its neck is short. The skin on their hands and feet is turning from pink to red. They're starting to produce their heat, so they can regulate their body temperature by moving blood around.
Their brain is developing rapidly. Your baby can hear sounds now—even the ones you make when you talk to them! They think they can even remember the sounds they heard in the womb.
Baby’s Growth
Yup, your baby is still growing at this stage, and they are about the size of a bottle gourd (which can grow big!), measuring about 53.3cm and 3.7kg.
Your baby’s growth is due to the fact that they’re filling up with fat and water as it prepares for life outside the womb. The extra water will help cushion your baby in case of impact during delivery, while the extra fat will provide energy for growth and development after birth.
Your baby’s brain is still developing rapidly this week, as well. Your baby can now feel pain and may react to it by crying or moving away from a painful stimulus.
Baby's Development
Did you know that only 1 in 5 babies are born past week 41? So what could your baby be up to at this moment? In this week-by-week pregnancy guide, you'll learn that:
- Your baby will probably have dry, cracked, peeling, or wrinkled skin upon delivery. This is temporary and results from the shedding of the protective wax covering (vernix) weeks ago in anticipation of delivery.
- At week 42 of pregnancy, your baby might also have longer nails and hair and be more alert.
Baby’s Hearing
Your baby also has a well-developed sense of hearing—yours and theirs! Your baby can hear your voice clearly, although they may not understand what you’re saying.
Baby’s hearing is being developed at this point in your pregnancy, and some babies can even hear at 20 weeks. As you get closer to birth, your baby will have more fully developed hearing abilities and will be able to respond to loud noises.
Baby’s Teeth
Week 42 is the last week of pregnancy, and your baby is about to grow a few more teeth.
Your baby's teeth are made of enamel and have a soft dentin layer beneath them. The adult form of your baby's teeth will appear as it grows, but it will take time for them to develop fully. Because of this development, you may notice that your baby's gums are swollen and red.
This is also a good time to start talking with your paediatrician about how you will care for your baby's teeth once he or she arrives. Good oral hygiene habits can help prevent gum disease later in life, so make sure you get those conversations started early!
Baby’s Movement
Baby is growing and changing every day, and you might notice that your baby's movements are becoming less frequent and more deliberate.
Likely, you won't be able to feel your baby move as often as before. Baby is getting bigger and heavier, so her little body parts push up against the uterine wall less frequently.
You may also notice that your baby's kicks and jabs have become stronger. This is because her muscles are stronger now, so she can push harder against the uterine wall (which is why it’s harder for you to feel her movements). And because she’s kicking with more force, they tend to hurt more! It’s normal, so don’t worry if you feel discomfort—you may need to shift positions when she starts kicking hard.
42 Weeks Pregnant: Your Body
Congratulations! You're officially in the home stretch of your pregnancy.
As you get ready for birth, here's what to expect from your body during week 42 of pregnancy:
You may notice that your cervix is softening and thinning out. This is a sign that it's beginning to open up and prepare itself for labour. Your baby's head is now positioned in the lower part of your uterus, and they'll be able to descend through the birth canal soon.
You may also notice that you're feeling more tired than usual—this is because your blood volume has increased by 30% since week 37, causing you to feel like you've got an extra passenger sharing space with you. But don't worry: It won't be long until those days are over!
42 Weeks Pregnant Symptoms
- You will continue to experience frequent urination, pelvic pains, nesting instincts, haemorrhages, and diarrhoea.
- Your bodily fluids are at their peak, and you may find it hard to get moving. Also, the extra weight and discomfort can bring on even more swelling in your feet and ankles.
- The added weight, the back pain and constant worrying about when your baby will come out may affect your sleep.
- Some expecting mums find that toward the end of pregnancy, they begin to leak colostrum — a thin, yellowish fluid precursor to mature breast milk, from their nipples. It's normal and a sign that your body is ready to take on breastfeeding.
- If you are among the two per cent of truly overdue women, take comfort in knowing that before this week is done, your baby will be born. This time next week, your family will be one small bundle of joy larger.
- On your weekly checkup, your doctor would perform an internal examination to check if your cervix has dilated. You should also watch for signs of labour, such as water breaking, losing your mucus plug or having a bloody show.
Maternal Weight Gain
This is a great time to start considering your postpartum weight loss plan. During pregnancy, you've gained about 30 pounds—and now you'll have to lose it all. It's good to start now: you can use this time to get into healthy eating habits and exercise routines that will help keep you in shape after your baby arrives.
Nutrition
At 42 weeks pregnant, you're entering the final stretch of your pregnancy journey. You may have already started to feel your baby move around and feel more uncomfortable as your belly gets bigger. This is also when you'll start seeing changes in your skin and hair.
Because your baby is growing rapidly now, eating a healthy diet with plenty of iron-rich foods such as spinach, broccoli, beans and dark leafy greens is important. In addition, try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day to help keep up with all this new energy!
Pregnancy Care: Your Checklist at 42 Weeks Pregnant
- Continue to watch for signs of impending labour. One pre-labour sign is loose bowel movements. This is nature’s way of clearing your intestines to make room for the baby’s passage through the birth canal.
- If your contractions are strong—if they last at least 45 seconds and are coming more often than every 5 minutes—your baby is likely to be on the way within a few hours!
- Continue with your wellness and nutrition plan. Don't forget to stay hydrated and eat nutrient-dense foods.
- Don't panic, mum. Your baby will be here soon. Meanwhile, take this time to relax and get some sleep. If your worries are not giving you some shuteye, talk to your doctor about why you haven't given birth yet and discuss options such as induction.
42 Weeks Pregnant Risks
Being 42 weeks pregnant is a time of mixed emotions. On the one hand, you're excited to meet your little one. But on the other hand, you might feel nervous about how it will all go down.
If you're thinking about your due date and wondering if it's too late to get an induction or C-section, don't worry—it's not! You're still within the normal range for when your baby would be born with no problems.
However, some things may happen during this time of pregnancy that are worth knowing about:
- Your delivery could take longer than usual because your baby isn't fully developed yet and isn't able to come out as quickly as a full-term newborn would. On average, it takes about 2 hours for a full-term baby to be born; if you're 42 weeks pregnant, it could take 4 hours or more!
- The risk of having an emergency C-section increases slightly during the 42nd week of pregnancy as post-term pregnancies often revolve around factors like a decrease in amniotic fluid, an increase in the risk of stillbirth, and issues related to the aging placenta, which can affect the baby's well-being.
- You may have trouble breathing or not be able to move around as much at 42 weeks pregnant because of the following reasons:
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- First, your baby has continued to grow, which can put additional pressure on your diaphragm and reduce the space for your lungs to expand fully. This can lead to shortness of breath and a feeling of limited lung capacity.
- The amniotic fluid levels may decrease as your pregnancy progresses, making it more difficult for the baby to move and allowing them to press against your organs, further contributing to your discomfort.
- As the baby descends into the pelvic area in preparation for birth, this might also add pressure to your lower abdomen, potentially causing you to feel heavier and less mobile.
- Fatigue can set in as you reach the 42-week mark, which may contribute to a sense of reduced mobility and breathlessness. The strain on your body from the extended pregnancy can make daily activities more challenging. This is why it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to monitor
42 Weeks Pregnant Labour and Delivery
Do they induce labour at 42 weeks?
Delivering at 42 weeks pregnant is on the later side of the full-term pregnancy spectrum, and it may raise questions about the need for labour induction and the possibility of a vaginal delivery.
While it's not uncommon for healthcare providers to discuss the potential need for induction to reduce the risks associated with post-term pregnancies, the decision is typically made on a case-by-case basis. Some women may still have a successful vaginal delivery at this stage, provided both the baby and mother are in good health.
The key is to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider, who will monitor your progress and make the best recommendations for a safe delivery.
You may be feeling anxious at 42 weeks pregnant, but hang in there, mum! You'll see your beautiful bub soon.
Your previous week: 41 weeks pregnant
Updates from Pheona Ilagan
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