You are officially in your post-term pregnancy. There is nothing to worry about that. There are cases like this when the pregnancy lasts until the 42nd week. You must have been stressed out thinking about the status of your baby and several other bad thoughts have started to cloud your mind. Do not listen to what your relatives and friends have to say.
42nd Week of Pregnancy Symptoms, Changes, Care & Tips
The due date is just an estimation and in the majority of the cases, it is miscalculated! You should also remember that 98% of the babies are born on the 42nd week. If it still bugs you, read till the end of the article to have a thorough idea of what you will be expecting this week.
What can I expect on my 42nd week of pregnancy?
- Induced labor by Pitocin.
- Diarrhea; which is a good sign!
- Water breaking
- Baby is to arrive by the end of this week.
Expected changes in your Body
- This week you probably have difficulties with swelling. The hands and thighs feel heavy and it may be tough to move or sit too long on the foot.
- Swelling in your vulval region can cause you problems too, and your pelvis would be usually heavy and congested. The infant is expected to be small and you realize that you have around 4 kg of solid mass (patient, placental and amniotic fluid) waiting just to get out.
- This week, you may need to empty your bowels more often. The baby’s weight on the lower intestine and rectum ensures the waste materials cannot collect much. You might experience any pleasant relief if you have been constipated until now.
- There could be a blood-tinged mucosal discharge. The circulation in the cervix is now so concentrated that there is a slight blood loss, which is normal.
You have come a long way, but few changes remain the same right from your Second week of Pregnancy.
Baby’s developments
- Your baby is about the size of watermelon now- 21 inches in length and weighs around 8-9 pounds.
- Overdue babies may have skin that is dry, peeling. After too many weeks the vernix has been re consumed and the skin of your infant has no protective protection anymore. Ensure that you have olive oil in the house for bathwater and massages for your baby.
- Babies delivered early or late appear to have long fingernails as well. They can scratch their faces easily, so invest in several mittens. After a bath the nails are soft, it’s time to cut his/her fingernails. Just ask one of the midwives to show you the right route.
- Overdue babies tend to be hungry. During the past few weeks, they were not even supplemented by the placenta. h Your baby wants to be always served because you want to make up for what he/she has lost. Breastfeeding early and frequently after conception helps to develop lactation and helps to create strong emotional connections.
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Symptoms
Braxton-Hicks contractions
You’ll usually encounter more regular Braxton Hicks contractions in this late phase of the game which makes your womb feel heavy — as your body prepares for labor. If you begin to notice a regular contraction pattern, it could be the real thing.
Water Breaking
When you notice a smooth, odorless fluid gush or just a slow drip, your amniotic bag has separated and amniotic fluid will spill out. Know and follow the practitioner’s job and delivery orders.
Traces of blood in your vaginal discharge
You will see a rose or brown discharge as your cervix opens in readiness for labor. It’s completely safe and can operate over the next couple of days – but if the release is strong or light, contact the doctor as soon as you can and this bleeding may be a symptom of placenta previa or placental abruption.
Dilation or effacement of the cervix
The doctor also has taught you how the cervix is dilated and removed (opened) when your little one gets ready to move into the birth canal. While little you can do to speed things up, there are drugs that will push this cycle if the doctor thinks there is a need to encourage the labor.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea and abdominal disturbances can be evidence of impending labor. Before birth, intestinal muscles relax. Drink plenty of water to maintain your body hydrated and feed gently.
Trouble sleeping
It may be that you have difficulty with anxiety and discomfort to get enough shut eyes lately, and then every five minutes of the night you have to rush to the washroom. Try chatting to your partner before bed or writing your thoughts to make mental relaxation simpler. Then do what it takes to make your bedroom as cozy – for example, open a window to prevent stuffiness or using a body pillow for extra help.
Moreover, if you have had an abortion before, you might be constantly scared, but make sure you know about pregnancy after abortion to avoid feeling scared.
Swelling in feet and ankles
Your body fluids are at their peak concentration and that may restrict your movements. This extra weight and stiffness will cause your feet and ankles to swell even further. However, do not fail to consume ample water to prevent fluids circulating through the body and continue and sit down or lay upon the feet and stop fluid from accumulating.
Colostrum
Many women notice that they tend to leak colostrum from their nipples towards the end of their pregnancy — a small, yellowish fluid that precedes mature breast milk. Wear breastfeeding pads in your bra whether you’re uncomfortable or damp.
Things for a healthy pregnancy this week
Induced labor
For different purposes, a health provider may prescribe labor induction, especially when there is a concern for the safety of a woman or an infant. One of the most important factors in forecasting the probability that your cervix is soft and relaxed (cervical maturation)
Keep a track of your contractions
If you experience contractions that are fierce and unbearable and last for at least near about a minute and occur at an interval of five minutes, be assured that your baby is about to make his/her entry! Contact the doctor and head to the hospital immediately!
Make sure you are monitoring your bowel changes
Diarrhea is a good sign that your baby is about to announce his/her arrival. Your body is making sure the path is clear for the baby to come out without any complications.
Stop panicking
You ‘re almost as far as you can be at this stage, so try to stay cool and don’t get worried too much. All is fine as long as you have daily contact with the doctor and expect to eventually be stimulated if the infant does not show.
Takeaway
Do not panic! This is natural and happens to a lot of women. Your baby has decided to arrive late, so why not instead of worrying enjoy your ‘me time’ now. Once the little one comes home, you won’t get much time to pamper yourself. Life then will be just diaper changing, breastfeeding, singing lullabies.
Your baby will not stay inside you forever; even your baby needs space to move! The more you get nervous and stress about it, it will, in turn, make you anxious and anxiety is not good for pregnancy. Talk with your doctor and leave all the worrying to him.
Relax and enjoy the last few days of this incredible journey. Rest assured; you’ll have your baby in your arms by the end of this week!
Frequently Asked Questions about 42nd Week of Pregnancy
1. What are the cons of using Pitocin during my labour?
Pitocin can make your contractions start stronger and faster than those where work naturally starts. You and your little one should both be tracked constantly. This will place an extra burden on your infant and the uterus. You may have to wear a fetal brace harness that will restrict the mobility and make life more complicated at operation.
2. How long will it take for me to heal after giving birth?
This is dependent on a variety of variables how quickly the womb can heal from conception. Healing typically requires about 3 to 5 weeks if you haven’t seen any blood, and about 6 weeks if you have a perineal tear or episiotomy.
3. When will the dizziness go?
Your dizziness is going to subside very soon! Wait for your delivery. Once your little one has arrived, you’ll be relieved and the hormones that have been causing all the problems will gradually start to level down.
4. If I am having white vaginal discharge, is it normal?
Through your whole pregnancy, thin and white vaginal deposits are natural and safe. Nonetheless, if it is lumpy or dense it may be a sign of infection, particularly if preceded by other symptoms (for example, itchiness or a fishy odor).
You may even spot a grey or purple vaginal discharge. It may be a symptom of implantation bleeding during early pregnancy. Later, during pregnancy, vaginal spotting (not serious bleeding), particularly when it is discovered after sex or a pelvic examination, is most often common. Yet don’t wait to contact the doctor if you are worried.
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Mother of Two children. I’m a former teacher with a background in child development and a passion for Good parenting. I understand child development and know how to develop activities to help children learn and grow. Spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and volunteering in my community.