You probably thought you wouldn't need to read this email, but don't be worried, only 5% of babies are born on their due date.
It's common for the due date to be miscalculated. You will be seeing your doctor or midwife more frequently once you pass 40 weeks, and having regular tests to ensure your baby isn't under any stress and the placenta is still healthy. The good news is that no matter what, you only have one week left of your pregnancy.
What is my body doing at 41 weeks?
Once you reach 41 weeks, your midwife will do checks at the hospital, which may include an ultrasound scan to make sure your baby is still growing properly. Your baby will also be monitored every few days to check that her heartbeat and movements are normal.
Your midwife may offer to do a membrane sweep as it can increase the chance of labour starting within 48 hours. This is when she sweeps a finger around your cervix to separate the membranes of the amniotic sac that your baby is in from your cervix. This releases hormones (prostaglandins) which could trigger labour within 48 hours.
Sometimes your midwife won’t be able to reach the amniotic sac and instead will stretch and massage the cervix. This can start the ripening of your cervix and will make it easier for your midwife to do a proper sweep the next time she sees you.
A membrane sweep can be a little uncomfortable, as the cervix is often difficult to reach before your labour begins. Try doing some deep breathing exercises to help you to relax while your midwife is carrying out the sweep. The procedure shouldn’t take too long and with any luck, things will start happening, although you may need it done more than once.
In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for any fluids leaking from your vagina, or if you notice any slowing of your baby’s movements. In case either of these things happen, you’ll need to call your doctor or midwife immediately.
Common symptoms to look out for:
Feeling bored? We don’t blame you! By this point, you’ll probably be fed up with being pregnant and desperate for your baby to just hurry up and arrive! There's nothing thrilling about being constantly asked when the baby is going to arrive and going to the loo 15 times a day.
If you’re overdue and are completely prepared (be honest – have you packed your hospital bag, stocked your fridge and freezer and practiced fitting your car seat?), the best thing you can do is rest. Settle down with your favourite DVD boxset or book, as who knows when you’ll have time to enjoy them once your baby is born?
It's common for the due date to be miscalculated. You will be seeing your doctor or midwife more frequently once you pass 40 weeks, and having regular tests to ensure your baby isn't under any stress and the placenta is still healthy. The good news is that no matter what, you only have one week left of your pregnancy.
What is my body doing at 41 weeks?
Once you reach 41 weeks, your midwife will do checks at the hospital, which may include an ultrasound scan to make sure your baby is still growing properly. Your baby will also be monitored every few days to check that her heartbeat and movements are normal.
Your midwife may offer to do a membrane sweep as it can increase the chance of labour starting within 48 hours. This is when she sweeps a finger around your cervix to separate the membranes of the amniotic sac that your baby is in from your cervix. This releases hormones (prostaglandins) which could trigger labour within 48 hours.
Sometimes your midwife won’t be able to reach the amniotic sac and instead will stretch and massage the cervix. This can start the ripening of your cervix and will make it easier for your midwife to do a proper sweep the next time she sees you.
A membrane sweep can be a little uncomfortable, as the cervix is often difficult to reach before your labour begins. Try doing some deep breathing exercises to help you to relax while your midwife is carrying out the sweep. The procedure shouldn’t take too long and with any luck, things will start happening, although you may need it done more than once.
In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for any fluids leaking from your vagina, or if you notice any slowing of your baby’s movements. In case either of these things happen, you’ll need to call your doctor or midwife immediately.
Common symptoms to look out for:
- Labour contractions: You’ll probably notice them as soon as they arrive (ouch!) but here’s what you should expect. Your water might break, you might notice a bloody show, or mucous plug, just before labour begins, and then you’ll feel contractions, which can be quick and sudden for some women and slow and steady for others. They will normally start further apart and get more regular and close together. The symptoms will vary from woman to woman: many expectant mums feel symptoms like menstrual cramps, backaches, or pain only in the front of the body. If you’re not sure you’re experiencing contractions, call your doctor or midwife to explain what’s going on, and they’ll be able to tell you whether they are real contractions or Braxton Hicks.
- Diarrhoea: Though it might be unpleasant, the onset of diarrhoea may be a positive sign, as it often means that the baby is on her way thanks to your muscles (including those in your rectum and intestine) are getting looser as you get closer to labour.
- Pelvic pain: If you’re experiencing pain in your pelvic region, this is likely because of your baby dropping down towards the birth canal and putting more pressure on the bones, muscles and joints in your pelvis and back. Try to lie back with your hips elevated for some comfort and relief, or take a warm bath to defy gravity for a little while. You could also try a belly sling or a prenatal massage.
Feeling bored? We don’t blame you! By this point, you’ll probably be fed up with being pregnant and desperate for your baby to just hurry up and arrive! There's nothing thrilling about being constantly asked when the baby is going to arrive and going to the loo 15 times a day.
If you’re overdue and are completely prepared (be honest – have you packed your hospital bag, stocked your fridge and freezer and practiced fitting your car seat?), the best thing you can do is rest. Settle down with your favourite DVD boxset or book, as who knows when you’ll have time to enjoy them once your baby is born?
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