At forty-two weeks pregnant there's a strong chance that this will be the week you meet your bundle of joy, particularly as your care team may recommend an induction if labour hasn’t started naturally. You still have choices, and your midwife or obstetrician will talk you through them. We know you probably thought that at 41 weeks pregnant too, sorry!
However you're feeling right now whether that’s excited, anxious, fed up or even a bit overwhelmed - it's all completely valid. Waiting for labour to start can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially at 42 weeks. The good news is that most babies are born by the end of this week, so you're very close to meeting your little one. Trust your body and trust the process.
Find out what your baby and body are doing in the last week of your pregnancy, including any symptoms to expect, and final things you should be doing at 42 weeks pregnant. We have enlisted the help of registered MAM Midwife Zoe Watson to help explain everything you need to expect when you reach 42 weeks pregnant, to help answer any questions and ease any worries.
How many months is 42 weeks pregnant?
Calculating how pregnant you are can get confusing, but the great thing is, you won't have to do it anymore soon. Zoe says, "Pregnancy is often described as 9 months, but in clinical terms we measure it as 40 weeks from the first day of your last period. So 42 weeks can feel like a very long wait, but you’re nearly there!"
What’s my baby doing at 42 weeks?
Your baby's movement at 42 weeks
Your baby doesn't have a lot of room to move about anymore, but you should be able to feel them.You notice any changes in the way your baby moves, particularly a decrease in movement, call your heathcare provider immediately. Zoe explains, "Although your baby has less space to move around now, their movements should not slow down or stop. You should continue to feel your baby moving right up until and during labour. A change in your baby’s movements, particularly a reduction, can be a sign that they’re not well. If you notice any change at all, it’s really important to contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away, no matter the time of day or night. Maternity services are available 24/7, and you should never wait or feel like you're bothering anyone. You're always better off getting checked."
How is my baby's body developing at 42 weeks?
By 42 weeks, your baby’s organs and systems are fully developed and ready for life outside the womb. They’ve had extra time to grow and gain weight, and may look slightly different compared to babies born closer to their due date. For example, their skin may appear dry, cracked or peeling, this is because the protective coating called vernix, which helps to keep their skin moisturised in the womb, has usually been absorbed by this stage. This is completely normal for babies born post-term.
"You might also notice that your baby has longer fingernails or toenails, more visible hair on their head, and little or no lanugo (the fine downy hair that often covers the skin earlier in pregnancy)," says Zoe. "
These are all typical signs of a baby who has spent a little longer growing in the womb. Babies born at this stage have sometimes passed a small amount of meconium (their first poo) into the amniotic fluid. This can give your waters a green or brown colour when they break. While this is more common in babies born around 42 weeks, it’s still important to inform your midwife or obstetrician straight away if you notice any discolouration. Meconium in the waters can sometimes be a sign that your baby is not coping well, and your care team may recommend further monitoring to make sure everything is okay."
How big is my baby at 42 weeks?
At 42 weeks pregnant, you probably won't be surprised to know that your baby is the size of a watermelon. They'll weigh up to nine pounds and be between 19 and 22 inches from head to bottom. They have been shy so far, enjoying their comfy home in your womb, but it’s finally time for them to make their big appearance.
They’ve been enjoying a little extra time in their cosy home, but it’s nearly time for their big arrival.
Zoe says, "While babies born at this stage can sometimes be on the larger side, your body has been preparing for this moment, and with the right support, you’ll be well equipped to birth your baby safely and confidently. Remember, your midwifery team is here to help guide and support you every step of the way."
Common symptoms to look out for at 42 weeks pregnant
1) Diarrhoea
Many women experience diarrhoea just before going into labour, as it’s nature’s way of emptying your intestines to make way for the baby’s journey through the birth canal. It’s not the most exciting signal, but it is a signal, so look on the bright side: your baby’s nearly here!
2) Braxton Hicks
Yup, even though you’re not far from the real contractions, you might have even more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions as your body prepares for labour. If they start to appear more regular, call your doctor, as they might be the real thing.
3) Difficulty sleeping
You are probably counting down the hours until your little one arrives or until the time comes to be induced. This does not make for a good sleep environment or mood. Try and relax with breathing techniques, read a book to distract you or have a bath to soothe any aches and pains.
4) Oedema
You’ve got such a high volume of bodily fluids and such trouble moving around that this naturally brings on swelling in your feet and ankles, also known as oedema. Although it might seem counter-productive, drinking lots really can help. You could also try to lie or sit down with your feet elevated to prevent fluids from gathering in your ankles and feet.
5) Waters breaking
If you notice any fluid being released, even if it is just a trickle then call your doctor. Otherwise, your waters usually break with a huge gush meaning labour will begin within hours.
6) Bloody show
The bloody show is a thick mucus-like discharge which can be tinged with blood. It signals that the cervix is getting ready for delivery meaning labour will start soon although 'soon' is pretty unpredictable.
7) Contractions
You're looking out for strong and regular contractions. This is the most obvious sign of labour and the one that for weeks you've been mentally preparing yourself for. They are much more intense than Braxton Hicks and they won't go away (sorry!) until the baby is born. If you’re already a mum, good news: the delivery of second (or third, or fourth!) babies are usually shorter and easier than the first.
What is my body doing at 42 weeks?
You may be frustrated at the fact your baby is overdue, but remember that only 2% of women are really overdue. Most of the time - 70% of the time, in fact - women aren’t actually post-term, but they have been told they are thanks to miscalculations around the due date.
This is usually because the expecting mum wasn’t sure of the exact time of conception, thanks to irregular ovulation or confusion around the exact date of her last period. Just remember the frustration’s nearly over: within a week, you’ll have your very own little baby to cuddle.
If you’ve had membrane sweeps and your contractions have still not started, your midwife may recommend that you are induced to start labour off.
Firstly she will insert a pessary or gel which contains prostaglandins (hormones that cause your cervix to ripen and can start labour) into your vagina.
Your midwife may also try breaking your waters – it’s known as artificial rupture of membranes (ARM). It’s not usually offered unless a sweep hasn’t worked and is more often used to speed up labour if it’s not progressing. Your midwife or doctor will insert an amnihook, which is a bit like a crochet needle, to break the amniotic sac.
Finally, there’s Syntocinon – a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin. Your waters need to have broken before you can be given Syntocinon. You’ll be hooked up to an intravenous drip so the hormone can go straight into your bloodstream.
It can cause strong contractions so you’ll need to be monitored and you may want to consider pain relief such as an epidural.
What to do this week:
Be aware of your rights. You have the right to decline an induction if you wish. Your obstetrician will chat with you about any risks that exist for you and your baby, but they should also respect your wishes.
The main risk is that your placenta can start to become less efficient at supplying your baby with all the food and nutrients and oxygen needed to grow properly. That’s why you will be monitored regularly when you’re overdue with scans and heartbeat checks.
Remember, your due date can be inaccurate as it’s worked out as 280 days after the first day of your last period. However, if your menstrual cycle is normally longer than 28 days, the true date can be different. Ultimately, remember the doctors and midwives are all looking out for the wellbeing of you and your baby – who you are going to meet very soon!
About the expert
Zoe Watson is a Registered Nurse and Midwife with over fifteen years of experience in caring for patients and their families. She has worked in various settings, from a specialist home birth team to a high-risk delivery suite. Zoe is passionate about maintaining her professional development to enhance the advice and support she gives to new and expectant parents.
About the author
Hannah Mellin is Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a mama to a nearly two year old little boy and is is navigating her way through first-time parenthood, every developmental leap at a time. She is up for trying anything and everything to make mums feel less anxious and overwhelmed. She is passionate about nature, body positivity and children's mental health.