Pregnancy week 41: Your week by week pregnancy guide

At this time, baby is due to come out any time! Most first time mummies might still have their buns in the oven as many first babies tend to come out a little late. There’s nothing to be concerned about just yet. Continue to monitor foetal movement and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. 

Your baby is the size of a medium sized jackfruit. Your baby is measuring around 51.5cm and weighs about 3.6kg now! It is a good time to speak to your doctor about your immediate birth plan.

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In this week by week pregnancy guide, you’ll learn that:

• At pregnancy week 41, your baby’s endocrine system, which is in charge of hormones, is getting ready for birth. (During his/her birth, he/she will produce the largest amount of stress hormones in his/her life. Don’t be frightened! These hormones are meant to help him/her adjust to life outside better.)
• A slowdown in foetal activity is usually an indication that your baby has reached full size and is now too cramped to move around.

• By 41 weeks, you may go into natural labour. Signs to look out for include: your water breaking (clear liquid that does not stop flowing even if you do Kegel exercise–not to be confused with urine which is yellowish), discharge of blood-tinged mucus, and regular and frequent contractions (not to be confused with Braxton Hicks).
• Until then, you may experience frequent urination, pelvic pains, nesting instincts, haemorrhages, and diarrhoea.

• Stay near bathrooms—your baby’s big size puts a lot of pressure on your bladder.
• Give your body a break; relax in a warm tub or pool. Water counteracts gravity thus giving you more comfort during the remainder of your pregnancy.

• Relax (or do your very best to). You may have passed 40 weeks but that doesn’t necessarily mean that your baby is overdue. Miscalculation of the time of conception causes 70 percent of post-term pregnancies.
• If you haven’t discussed induced labour with your doctor yet, do so now. But know that if your cervix is not ready for labour, your doctor may use of hormones to ‘ripen’ it before inducing. Doctor may suggest using drugs such as Oxytocin to jump start contractions.
• Have emergency numbers at hand. And if you notice a drastic decrease in foetal movement of frequent leaking from your vagina, inform your doctor immediately.

Your next week: 42 weeks pregnant

Your previous week: 40 weeks pregnant

Do you have questions on this week by week pregnancy guide? What are your current concerns, mums? Leave us a comment below!