Week 41: What to Expect During Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy

Welcome to Week 41 of your pregnancy journey! At 41 weeks, we’re in the realm of what’s termed “late term.” While some babies arrive right on schedule, others take their sweet time. As you get through these final days, you may be experiencing a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a few discomforts. Although I had my daughter at 39 weeks this pregnancy, I have plenty of experience and insights to share with you from my previous pregnancies that went well into 41 weeks.

What's Happening with Your Baby

At 41 weeks, your baby is approximately the size of an easy bake oven or a small pumpkin. Here’s a glimpse into your baby’s development:

Growth and Development: Your baby continues to grow and develop – most notably, their hair, skin, and fingernails are still forming. You might want to prepare for sharp little nails that can scratch both their delicate skin and yours, so having baby nail clippers handy can be very useful! As babies continue to grow, they are putting on fat, which will help them be a bit chunkier at birth.
Skin Changes: It’s common for babies born after 41 weeks to have drier skin due to a decrease in vernix caseosa (the cheesy protective coating). It’s essential to know that this is completely normal, and there’s usually no need for excessive moisturizing—sometimes just a bit of breast milk can help.

Changes You Might Experience

Here are some common experiences during Week 41:

Discomforts: If you’ve made it to 41 weeks, you might be feeling quite uncomfortable. Your body is adjusting to accommodate the growing baby, which can lead to physical discomfort.
Anxiety: It can be difficult to cope with being late term and wondering when baby while arrive. Many parents experience anxiety, worrying that the baby will never arrive. However, it’s reassuring to know that statistically, 95-97% of babies are born by 41 weeks and 3 days.
Medical Discussions: Around this time, discussions with your healthcare provider about induction may arise. It’s crucial to have these conversations, considering your comfort and the baby’s health. Regular tests, like non-stress tests (NST) and biophysical profiles (BPP), may be recommended to monitor the baby’s well-being. An NST checks the baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels, while a BPP uses ultrasound to assess movements and amniotic fluid levels.

Preparing for Baby

Now that your due date has passed, here are some things to consider:

Preparing for induction: If induction becomes a topic of discussion, it’s essential to understand your options. Being informed and participating in shared decision-making with your healthcare provider can significantly ease anxiety. You might have concerns about how an induction could affect your birth plan, and it’s perfectly okay to express those feelings. Good providers will appreciate your transparency and work with you to address your concerns.
Coping Strategies for the Waiting Game: As you approach this challenging stage, it can be helpful to develop strategies to cope with the discomfort and anxiety:
1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Utilize apps like Gentle Birth for guided meditations and hypnobirthing exercises. These can be soothing and help manage anxiety.
2. Engage in Activities: Keep yourself occupied with activities you enjoy. I found crocheting and coloring to be excellent distractions during my pregnancies. They provide a sense of purpose and keep your mind off the waiting.
3. Connect with Your Family: Spend intentional time with your existing children or partner. Simple activities like going for walks or playing games can provide joy and distract you from the countdown to labor.
4. Communicate with Your Provider: Share your concerns and feelings with your healthcare team. This shared decision-making can help you feel more in control of your situation and alleviate some of that anxiety.

Instructors

ROXANNE

Postpartum And Newborn Care

This course breaks down what to expect postpartum from the moment your baby is born to the first few weeks postpartum! Learn what options you have available to you in your care!

My Personal Experience in Week 41

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A post shared by Gina, MS, & Roxanne, RN, BSN (@mamastefit)

I have experienced pregnancy at 41 weeks in two of my prior pregnancies. Here are some of my personal insights:

I did the NSTs and the biophysical profiles as well, especially with my last pregnancy where it was a home birth, to make sure that baby was doing really well. The plan was to repeat them every two to three days until a baby was born.

I went between having to remind myself that I will NOT be pregnant forever and debating if I will gestate as long as an elephant 🐘.

With my third pregnancy, we opted to have a biophysical profile, which confirmed and baby girl was looking great. She was moving well, plenty of fluid, and she was growing wonderfully. This put me at ease when it came to continuing with pregnancy until she’s ready!

Overall, I felt at peace with still being pregnant, but definitely felt more uncomfortable with all the cramping and what felt like constant Braxton hicks.

My sleep was affected by some pregnancy insomnia, so my energy levels fluctuated each day. Some days I’d find myself cleaning the baseboards and other days I was napping. It’s called balance!

Conclusion

The end of pregnancy can be daunting, especially as you hit 41 weeks. Remember, it’s completely normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed. The most important takeaway is that you will not be pregnant forever. Labor will start, whether spontaneously or through induction discussions with your provider.

So, hang in there! Prepare for your little one’s arrival, stay informed, and prioritize your mental well-being. You’ve got this!

Gina Conley, MS