42 weeks and still pregnant? You’re probably becoming anxious when entering into the post-term pregnancy phase. Your baby is likely to be the size of a watermelon. At the moment, your gynecologist probably decides on labor induction or proceeds with a biophysical test to ensure the baby is fully grown and at no risk.
Mommies-to-be! Post-term pregnancy is sometimes normal. Sooner, you can hold the tiny munchkin in your hands—we promise. If you are getting conscious about week 42 pregnancy, we’ve compiled some information to help your curious mind know about body changes and signs of labor. Let’s have a look.
How Does Your Body Change During Week 42 of Pregnancy?
Week 42 of pregnancy is not merely about complications or cesarean delivery. Notice some changes to understand if your body is preparing to deliver the baby.
1. Cervical Dilation
Usually, at the end of 38 weeks, the cervix begins to dilate to pass the baby through the birth canal. However, during post-term pregnancy, cervical dilation starts at 42 weeks of gestation. The process of dilation cannot be sped up, and in case the cervix is not dilated or thinned during 42 weeks of pregnancy, your healthcare provider may induce labor with medications.
What to Do?
To induce labor and cervix dilation at 42 weeks of pregnancy, healthcare providers may use some medications or membrane sweeping techniques in which a gloved finger will be used to sweep some amniotic sacs to help the release of hormone prostaglandins that initiate cervix dilation. Priming is another option for cervix dilation which doctors often use. Medications like misoprostol and prostaglandins can also help in the dilation of the cervix.
2. Mucus Plug or Bloody Show
Bloody show or dark brownish discharge oozing out from the vagina is a good sign of pre-labor. It also indicates loss of the mucus plug which symbolizes your cervix having begun to dilate. Even though your bloody show begins, the active labor might be delayed.
What to Do?
When you lose your mucus plug or a bloody show begins, it indicates that labor will be induced anywhere within a few hours. In such a scenario, you should contact your healthcare provider so they can provide you with an appropriate approach for delivery and notice abnormal symptoms.
3. Anxiety
Mommies, we know you feel anxious when your little munchkin is taking longer time in the womb. Probably, you feel more anxious during 42 weeks of pregnancy. Anxiety is a common thing during pregnancy, precisely when you enter into the post-term pregnancy phase.
What to Do?
Stay active if you feel anxious, and practice some meditation exercises to make yourself calm. You can also share your feelings with someone or start reading journals. This practice helps to control your anxiety and nervousness during pregnancy.
4. Heartburn or Acidity
During pregnancy, hormones remain at the peak, relaxing the stomach valve. As a result of the open valve, stomach acid backs up into the food pipe or esophagus. You may experience heartburn and indigestion; it becomes worse as you are close to 42 weeks of pregnancy or about to deliver the baby.
What to Do?
To deal with heartburn and acidity, eat small meals instead of large meals. Start eating slowly and chew food properly. Drink a lot of water and avoid fried or spicy food. Do not over-consume carbonated beverages like pop and soda.
5. Swelling in The Legs
Mommies, you might feel swelling in the legs during 42 weeks of pregnancy. Your baby is growing, which puts extra pressure on the legs, causing pain.
What to Do?
To deal with swelling in the legs, wear compression socks on your knees. It helps to alleviate the leg achiness and increase pressure in the legs. However, you should avoid wearing socks with tight bands. Start sleeping on the left side as it helps to reduce pressure from the veins.
6. Leaky Breasts
During 42 weeks of pregnancy, hormones like oxytocin begin to be released into the blood for cervical dilation and contractions. This hormone may trigger the stimulation inside the nipples, causing leaking. Hormonal changes are also preparing your body for breastfeeding.
What to Do?
Breast leaking is very normal due to hormonal changes. In such cases, you can use breast pads and a supportive bra. Moreover, you can avoid stimulation of nipples that trigger breast leakage.
Other Symptoms During 42 Weeks of Pregnancy
Some other symptoms to notice during 42 weeks of pregnancy are as follows.
- Increased Braxton Hicks Contractions
- Nausea
- Hemorrhoids
- Fatigue
- Sleeping Troubles
- Shortness of Breath
42 weeks of pregnancy may cause anxiety and nervousness as you think there might be some abnormality. However, it is common for women to go above the due date of delivery because sometimes the baby is not fully grown enough to be delivered. In such instances, keep your eyes on the above body changes and consult with doctors to get appropriate guidance when you cross your due date.
FAQ’s
1. Why Am I Still Carrying At 42 Weeks?
You might be carrying your baby at 42 weeks of pregnancy because your baby is not ready for delivery. However, there are a couple of factors that contribute to post-term pregnancy, such as whether you are pregnant for the first time or you calculate your conception date.
2. Is It Safe To Be Pregnant Till 42 Weeks?
Yes, it is perfectly normal to be pregnant till 42 weeks of pregnancy unless you have any complications. In case you are experiencing cervix dilation, but labor is not induced, consult with your doctor. They will examine the post-term pregnancy and implement some practices to induce labor if required.
3. What Position Is The Baby At 42 Weeks?
Your baby is now fully grown and is the size of a watermelon. At 42 weeks of pregnancy, your baby might be getting lowered down and at head down position. This position is also known as the occiput anterior position facing the mother’s back.
4. Can I Have a Normal Delivery At 42 Weeks?
Yes, you can have a normal delivery at 42 weeks if you do not have any complications.
