If you are 42 weeks pregnant, you are officially in the last week of your pregnancy. You can`t wait to see your baby. Happy, tense and worried - this is the mood in the last week of pregnancy. Isn’t it? Soon your little one will come into this world and you will be able to touch its tiny hands and feet. So what does a baby look like in the womb at the 42nd week pregnancy? Let`s see!
Baby Growth
Your baby is roughly the size of a pumpkin or a watermelon by this time. Even if it has not been born into this world until now, it is safe and constantly evolving inside your tummy! Every baby and every expectant mother is different. So this can also happen because the dates are miscalculated, from missed period or delayed ovulation. Don`t let external factors worry you about the birth of your baby that might make you feel like your due date is delayed.
Baby Size
At the 42nd week, your baby weighs about 3700 g and is 52 cm long. Since it has not yet come of its own accord, your doctor will convince you this week. So even though your tummy feels pretty comfortable, you`ll have it in your hands in a few days.
Abdomen
When you reach the 42nd week of your pregnancy, your belly will be stretched to the maximum. As the baby is fully developed by now, your uterus will max out and you will have a full round protruding belly.
Common Body Changes
Being 42 weeks pregnant can be really tiring and difficult! It`s also normal to feel anxious when you reach the peak of your pregnancy.
You will also feel tired and doing simple tasks will seem like a challenge. By now you will be used to edema, swelling and false contractions. But you should feel positive because you are so close to your labor.
Pregnancy Symptoms
42-week pregnancy means you are 9 months and 2 weeks pregnant. Yes, it seems like a lot, but it`s true. By this time, you will be completely familiar with all the symptoms of your pregnancy. All the symptoms you had before will continue into your 42 weeks of pregnancy. Insomnia, leg cramps, edema, back pain, pelvic pain, frequent urination… However, the contractions will be more intense during this time. You will also feel more tired now. It will also be a bit tiring to do small daily chores, but don`t worry, this phase will end when your baby is born. However, you should pay attention to the symptoms of labor and be ready to go to the hospital at any time.
What are the Signs of the Birth?
Common body changes you may experience before your birth will be:
- Contractions: By this time, you will be able to clearly understand whether this is fake or real. So if you experience painful contractions, it means your labor has begun. And if this is your second birth, then the good news is that it will be easier and sooner than the first.
- Coming of water: It is a sign that your labor will begin in a few hours.
- Mucus plug (bloody show): If you experience a thick mucus discharge with some blood, this is a sign that your labor is imminent! Indicates that your cervix is preparing for delivery.
Birth This Week
If you reach by week 42 of your pregnancy, your doctor will advise you to start labor. The doctor can initiate labor in the following ways:
- Water is being burst: Your doctor punctures the amniotic sac with a tool that looks like a plastic hook. This can cause contractions in just a few hours.
- Cervical maturation: This is done by inserting a drug called prostaglandin into the vagina overnight. It helps dilate the cervix.
- Stimulating contractions: A synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin will be injected using an IV. This will initiate contractions within a few hours.
- Removal of the membranes: This technique is used by the doctor to initiate labor within 48 hours. The doctor inserts its finger to slide around the amniotic sac, which releases the hormone oxytocin, which causes labor within 48 hours.
Ultrasound
Your baby`s ultrasound at this time can be really exciting as you can see it fully developed. At 42 weeks of pregnancy, the baby`s lungs have matured and are already ready to survive on their own. You will find that the baby`s skin is a little dry as the vernix caseosa (a thin layer that covers the baby`s skin) is shed. Due to the risks involved in 42 weeks of pregnancy, the doctor will follow the baby more closely.
What to Eat?
Make sure you consume a healthy diet and nutritious foods to avoid bloating and constipation. It is recommended to eat pineapple, as it contains bromelain, which helps to soften the connective tissues of the muscles. Salmon and sardines are great sources of DHA, and consuming it will increase the levels of DHA (Omega-3 fatty acid) in your breast milk. Also, avoid consuming unhealthy junk food and instead opt for fresh fruits like apples and kiwis.
Tips and Care
Important checklist for the 42nd week of pregnancy:
- Relax and be happy.
- Have an open conversation with your doctor.
- Take long walks.
- Do yoga movements and breathing exercises that will facilitate childbirth.
Don’ts
- Avoid consuming spicy and junk food as it can cause bloating and constipation.
- Do not get caught up in natural induction methods that may put your health and your baby`s health at risk, without consulting your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is There Any Way That Could Help My Water Burst at Home?
Consult your doctor before using any natural induction method. The natural way to burst the water includes having sex, taking long walks, doing different exercises.
2. Does Rubbing My Nipples Cause Childbirth?
Massaging the nipples is also considered a great way to naturally induce labor. You can massage the nipples and areola with your thumb and forefinger because they release oxytocin, which causes contractions in the uterus.
But there are conflicting opinions stating that such methods can cause complications and be dangerous for the baby and mother. Therefore, please consult a medical professional and follow its advice to avoid any discomfort.
The main cause of overdue is miscalculated due dates, so you don`t have to worry about your baby not arriving yet. Instead, continue to prepare for your little one`s arrival!