What to Expect at 42 Weeks Pregnant

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the 42nd week of your pregnancy – the home stretch! Although it might feel like you’ve been waiting forever, just hang in there a little longer. In this article, we’ll walk you through what you can expect during this final phase of your pregnancy journey.

Understanding Your 42nd Week of Pregnancy

Changes in Your Body

At this stage, you may be feeling pretty uncomfortable. Your belly is probably bigger than ever, making it harder to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Swollen ankles and increased body temperature may also be contributing to your discomfort.

But fear not! Your body is simply gearing up to bring your little bundle of joy into the world. It’s getting ready for labor, which can happen any time now. So, embrace the discomfort and keep your eyes on the prize of meeting your baby soon!

As you enter the 42nd week of pregnancy, your body continues to undergo remarkable changes. The increased size of your belly is not only a visual reminder of the life growing inside you, but it also puts pressure on your organs, making daily activities more challenging. Simple tasks like tying your shoes or getting out of bed may require extra effort and creativity.

Additionally, you may notice that your ankles are swollen, a common symptom known as edema. This occurs due to the increased pressure on your blood vessels, causing fluid to accumulate in your tissues. While it can be uncomfortable, it is usually harmless and tends to resolve after giving birth.

Another change you may experience is an increase in body temperature. Your body is working hard to nourish and protect your baby, which can lead to a slightly elevated temperature. This is a normal response and is not usually a cause for concern. However, if you have a fever or any other worrisome symptoms, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider.

Baby’s Development at 42 Weeks

During week 42, your baby is fully developed and absolutely ready to be born. At this point, they are just hanging out, eagerly awaiting their grand entrance into the world. Your little one is probably around the size of a pumpkin, weighing about 7 to 9 pounds (or maybe even more if you’re carrying twins).

Inside your womb, your baby is surrounded by a protective cushion of amniotic fluid, providing a safe and cozy environment. They spend their days practicing essential skills that will help them thrive outside the womb. One of these skills is sucking. Your baby has perfected the art of sucking their tiny thumb or fingers, preparing for the nourishment they will receive through breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Another crucial skill your baby has mastered is swallowing. They are now able to swallow amniotic fluid, which helps train their digestive system and prepares them for feeding after birth. This swallowing reflex also aids in the development of their gastrointestinal tract, ensuring that they can effectively digest and absorb nutrients from breast milk or formula.

Breathing is yet another skill your baby has acquired during their time in the womb. Although they are surrounded by amniotic fluid and do not breathe air, they practice the movements necessary for breathing. These movements help strengthen their respiratory muscles and prepare them for their first breath of fresh air once they are born.

As your baby continues to grow and mature, their body is also busy producing a waxy substance called vernix caseosa. This creamy coating covers their skin, protecting it from the amniotic fluid and preventing it from becoming wrinkled or irritated. The vernix caseosa also acts as a natural moisturizer, keeping your baby’s delicate skin soft and supple.

While the 42nd week of pregnancy may feel like an eternity, rest assured that your baby is thriving and eagerly awaiting their grand debut. Take this time to relax, pamper yourself, and enjoy the final moments of this incredible journey before you embark on the beautiful adventure of motherhood.

Possible Symptoms at 42 Weeks Pregnant

Physical Symptoms

By now, you might be feeling like you’ve tried every old wives’ tale and gravity-defying position to get that baby moving. But alas, they are still happily snug in their cozy abode. Some physical symptoms you might experience during week 42 include backaches, pelvic pressure, and Braxton Hicks contractions.

Remember, your body is just giving you some gentle reminders that it’s ready for labor to begin. So, take it easy, indulge in some relaxation techniques, and pamper yourself with warm baths and gentle massages to ease any discomfort.

As you approach the end of your pregnancy, your body may also start to experience other physical changes. You might notice an increase in swelling in your feet and ankles, as well as a heightened need to urinate. These are all normal symptoms as your body prepares for labor and delivery.

Additionally, you may find that your sleep patterns are disrupted. It’s common to experience difficulty sleeping during the final weeks of pregnancy due to discomfort and anticipation. Try using pillows for support, practicing relaxation techniques, and establishing a bedtime routine to help promote better sleep.

Emotional Changes

It’s completely normal to feel a range of emotions during this stage of your pregnancy. You may be feeling excited, anxious, and even a little impatient to finally meet your baby. On the other hand, you might also be experiencing some frustration and impatience as each day goes by without any signs of labor.

Remember to give yourself grace and be kind to yourself during this time. Surround yourself with positive affirmations, practice deep breathing exercises, and share your feelings with your partner or a trusted friend. They can offer support and help you navigate these emotions.

In addition to these emotions, you may also experience a sense of nesting. This is a natural instinct that many pregnant women feel as they prepare for the arrival of their baby. You may find yourself organizing the nursery, washing baby clothes, and ensuring that everything is in order for the new addition to your family.

It’s important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and the length of gestation can vary. While it’s common for most pregnancies to last around 40 weeks, some women may go beyond this timeframe. If you have any concerns or questions about your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and reassurance.

Medical Procedures and Tests at 42 Weeks

Non-Stress Test (NST)

At 42 weeks, your healthcare provider may recommend a non-stress test to check on your baby’s well-being. This test monitors your baby’s heart rate in response to their movements. It’s a simple procedure that involves attaching belts to your belly to measure your baby’s heart rate.

During the non-stress test, you will be comfortably positioned on a reclining chair or bed. The healthcare provider will apply a gel on your belly to help with the transmission of sound waves. Then, they will attach two belts around your abdomen. One belt contains a transducer that records your baby’s heart rate, while the other belt measures any contractions you may be experiencing.

The non-stress test usually lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes. You may be asked to press a button whenever you feel your baby move, so that the healthcare provider can correlate the movements with the changes in the heart rate. Don’t worry if your little one is enjoying a restful moment during the test. Sometimes, they are just as stubborn as their parents! Your healthcare provider will schedule a follow-up appointment if needed to ensure everything is going smoothly.

Biophysical Profile (BPP)

In some cases, your healthcare provider might suggest a biophysical profile (BPP). This is a combination of ultrasound and non-stress testing to assess your baby’s well-being. It evaluates your baby’s breathing movements, muscle tone, movements, and amniotic fluid levels.

The biophysical profile is a more comprehensive assessment of your baby’s health. It provides valuable information about their overall well-being and helps your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your pregnancy. During the procedure, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table while a trained technician performs the ultrasound.

The technician will use a handheld device called a transducer, which emits sound waves and captures the echoes to create images of your baby. They will carefully examine your baby’s breathing movements, muscle tone, and movements. Additionally, they will measure the amniotic fluid levels to ensure that your baby has enough cushioning and space to move around comfortably.

After the ultrasound portion of the biophysical profile, you may be asked to undergo the non-stress test as well. This combination of tests provides a comprehensive picture of your baby’s well-being and helps your healthcare provider ensure that your little one is thriving and ready to make their grand entrance into the world.

Preparing for Labor and Delivery

Signs of Labor

Now is the perfect time to brush up on the signs of labor. While it can vary from person to person, some common signs include regular contractions, the rupture of your amniotic sac (aka your water breaking), and the passing of your mucus plug.

If you experience any of these signs, it’s time to call your healthcare provider and get ready for the journey to the delivery room!

Packing Your Hospital Bag

It’s always better to be over-prepared than underprepared, especially when it comes to your hospital bag. Make sure you have essentials like comfortable clothing, toiletries, snacks, a camera, and any important documents you may need.

Don’t forget to pack something special for your newborn, like a cute onesie or a cozy blanket, to make their first moments extra memorable!

Tips for Coping with Late Pregnancy

Staying Comfortable

As your due date comes and goes, finding comfort may seem like an elusive goal. However, there are a few things you can try to ease the discomfort. Invest in a pregnancy pillow or body pillow to support your growing belly and provide relief to your aching back.

Additionally, practicing gentle exercises like prenatal yoga or taking leisurely walks can help alleviate some of the discomfort. Just make sure to listen to your body and not overexert yourself.

Mental Well-being Strategies

Late pregnancy can be emotionally challenging, but there are strategies to help you stay positive. Surround yourself with a strong support system, whether it’s your partner, family, or friends who can cheer you up when you’re feeling down.

Engage in activities that bring you joy and help take your mind off the waiting game. Whether it’s indulging in a favorite hobby, binge-watching your favorite TV show, or reading a good book, find what works for you and embrace it.

Remember, each day that passes brings you one step closer to holding your precious baby in your arms. So, embrace this final stretch, mama! You’ve got this!