Pregnancy week 42

Your baby’s development

Week 42 is one of the final stops on the calendar, and your baby is about the size of a large watermelon: roughly 51.7 cm long and 3685 g. When pregnancy goes beyond 42 weeks it is called post-term, and planning the birth is usually a step your provider recommends at this stage. The organs are fully mature. The skin may be thinner, drier and slightly peeling, the nails long and the hair noticeable. None of these findings alone is a sign of a problem. Development continues healthily. Your provider carefully assesses the amniotic fluid and placental function. This assessment helps you decide together how ready your baby is for birth and which method of birth will be used. It will not be long until you meet your baby, and in the meantime you can keep sharing your trust and love. If birth has not happened by the end of this week, most providers recommend inducing or planning it.

Changes in the mother

At week 42 your body and mind may be tired. Waiting is hard, and some people feel sadness, anger or helplessness. These feelings are very usual and should not be judged. This week your provider will most likely talk with you about planning the birth: options such as induction or, if needed, caesarean birth, weighed together with your preferences and your situation. Every way of giving birth is valid, and the aim of the plan is the safety of you and your baby. Ask your provider your questions openly and share your concerns. To rest your mind you can try small soothing habits such as breathing, gentle stretching or your favourite music. Keep your bag and transport ready until the planned time. Ask loved ones for emotional support; you do not have to be alone. Your provider's advice comes first.

To do this week

• Clarify the timing and method of birth with your provider.
• Ask the hospital which steps to follow on the planned day (fasting, arrival time and so on).
• Review your birth plan and share it with your provider and birth team.
• Share how you feel with loved ones and make time to rest.

Tip for the partner

Taking care of transport, the bag and the paperwork for the planned day, and giving her emotional support, is the most valuable help this week.

Nutrition tip

Follow your hospital's instructions about eating and drinking before a planned procedure; otherwise keep to balanced, light meals.