42 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect This Week
Forty-two weeks pregnant. You've reached the end of the standard pregnancy timeline — and your care team is with you every step of the way. Your baby is fully ready and will be in your arms very soon.
Baby at Week 42: Size of a large watermelon
Baby's Development at 42 Weeks
Baby is fully developed and has been ready for weeks. The placenta is working hard but ageing — monitoring its function closely is why additional tests are done at this stage. Baby's fingernails may be quite long. Vernix is largely gone and the skin may be slightly dry or peeling. Baby is alert and reactive. Post-term babies are not necessarily larger than 40-week babies, though some are.
Your Body at 42 Weeks Pregnant
At 42 weeks, most people are in close contact with their care team and likely working toward delivery, whether through induction or spontaneous labour. Physical discomfort is significant. Emotional support is important — the anxiety and frustration of waiting beyond the due date is real and valid. Labour is very close.
Tips for Week 42
- Trust your care team — they have protocols and experience to guide you safely through this.
- Ask all your questions at monitoring appointments; no question is too small.
- If you haven't already, induction of labour is likely being discussed and planned — understand your options.
- Your baby is coming. You've done something remarkable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 42 weeks pregnant dangerous?
Going beyond 42 weeks (post-term) does carry a small increased risk of complications, which is why most providers recommend induction before this point. However, careful monitoring and appropriate management means outcomes are generally very good. The vast majority of post-term babies are born healthy. Your care team will be monitoring both you and your baby very closely.
What does induction of labour feel like?
Induction can feel different depending on the method used. Prostaglandin gels or pessaries applied to the cervix may cause cramping as they work to ripen it. Once contractions begin, they may feel very similar to spontaneous labour. Some people find induced contractions come on more suddenly and intensely; others have a gradual build-up. Epidural and other pain relief options are available throughout.
Stay close through every moment
Hello, baby keeps both partners connected through every step of the journey — right to the very end.
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