Your Pregnancy at Week 42

At 42 weeks pregnant, you've reached the last week of your pregnancy journey. The anticipation of meeting your baby is likely at its peak, and you may feel a mix of happiness, nervousness, and anxiety. These feelings are normal as you prepare for the moment you've been waiting for, holding your baby in your arms for the first time. You've probably imagined countless times what it will be like to finally see and touch your baby's tiny hands and feet. Rest assured that you're just days away from meeting your little one face-to-face.

Baby Development at Week 42

At 42 weeks pregnant, Your baby is likely in a head-down position, snugly tucked into your pelvis, ready for birth, but the comfort of the womb might be causing a delay in the onset of labour. Your baby is fully developed and ready to be born, though they may be larger than if they had arrived earlier, simply because they've had extra time to grow. However, due to the limited space in your uterus, their weight gain may have slowed, though they're still putting on a bit each day.

When babies are born past their due date, they might have a slightly different appearance than those born on time. Their skin may look a bit wrinkled, dry, or even cracked. This is because the protective vernix that once covered their skin was shed weeks ago as they were getting ready for their original due date, which now feels like ages ago. But don't be concerned, their skin will soon return to normal once they begin feeding regularly.

You might also notice that their fingernails and toenails are quite long, their hair is longer, and they won't have the fine, downy hair called lanugo. Additionally, some babies pass meconium (their first poo) while still in the womb, which can give their skin a slight greenish tint. Again, this is nothing to worry about, it will fade away within a few days after birth.

Body Changes at Week 42

At 42 weeks pregnant, there's a strong possibility that labour will begin naturally. However, if your baby hasn't been born by the end of this week, the likelihood of complications can rise. As the pregnancy extends beyond 42 weeks, the placenta, which plays a crucial role in nourishing your baby, may start to deteriorate, increasing the risks such as stillbirth. ⁽²⁾

Given these potential dangers, discussing the option of labour induction with your healthcare provider is important. The primary concern in these discussions should be the safety and well-being of your unborn baby.

If you're eager to encourage labour naturally, there are several things you can try, though it's essential to consult your doctor before attempting any of them. One method is gently rubbing your nipples, which can stimulate the hormone oxytocin and potentially trigger labour contractions. Some people also believe that having sex can help start labour, as the act itself might trigger contractions, and the prostaglandins in your partner's semen could help soften and prepare the cervix.

As you approach labour, you may notice an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions. These are practice contractions that your body uses to prepare for the real thing. If these contractions become more regular and frequent, it could be a sign that true labour is starting. A loose stool and some abdominal discomfort might also indicate that labour is imminent.

Even at 42 weeks, your appetite might remain strong, though the size of your baby could make it difficult to eat large meals. It's wise to adjust your eating habits by consuming smaller, more nutritionally dense foods to manage this. You may feel hungry as labour approaches, but avoiding sugary snacks, which provide only a short burst of energy, is better. Instead, choose carbohydrates like bread or plain pasta, which break down more slowly, providing sustained energy. Avoid fatty foods, as they could cause nausea, especially during the stress of labour.

Pregnancy Concerns at Week 42

It's important to discuss any plans to induce labour through exercise with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Your provider can guide you on what's safe and what to avoid based on your circumstances.

If you decide to proceed with exercise, you should be mindful of certain symptoms that signal you need to stop immediately. These include shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, headache, vaginal bleeding, leaking amniotic fluid, abdominal pain, regular painful contractions, and pain or swelling in your calf. Experiencing any of these symptoms could indicate a problem, and you should contact your healthcare provider immediately if they occur.

Advice for Partners

• Your partner may be feeling anxious or frustrated about still being pregnant. Offer her reassurance and keep a positive attitude. Remind her that the baby will arrive soon, and she's doing an amazing job.

• Be patient with her moods and needs, and try to understand what she's going through. Listen to her concerns and offer comfort without trying to "fix" everything.

• Offer to help with household chores, meal preparation, or anything else that might be physically demanding for her right now. Small acts of service can make a big difference.

• Help her find ways to relax and stay comfortable through prenatal yoga, meditation, a gentle massage, or simply taking walks together. Being calm and relaxed can make the waiting period more bearable.

Pregnancy Checklist for Week 42 

• You likely packed your hospital bag a few weeks ago, so double-checking it to ensure you have everything you need might be a good idea.

• Consider communicating with your care team to let them know how you're feeling and your labour and delivery plans. Keeping them in the loop will help them adjust their plans as needed.

• Stock your refrigerator and kitchen shelves with healthy, easy-to-prepare foods to pass the time. Once the baby is home, you'll have limited time for shopping and cooking.

• Read up on what to expect during the first week after birth, including waiting for your milk to come in, soft spots and peeling skin on your baby (both of which are normal), postpartum recovery, and giving your baby their first baths.