Highlights this week
Baby development at 41 weeks
Almost there!
Pregnancy symptoms during week 41
Anxiety
It's hard not to be anxious when your due date comes and goes and you're still hugely pregnant. But fear not – you won't be pregnant forever.
Anxiety is normal at all stages of pregnancy, but you may notice that it kicks up toward the end. That's normal, but it's always a good idea to talk with your doctor or midwife if you're concerned. Taking steps to manage stress – like deep breathing, going for a walk, or talking with friends – can help you feel better.
Feeling movement
Keep paying attention to your baby's movements, and let your doctor or midwife know right away if they decrease. Your baby should remain active right up to delivery, and a noticeable slowdown in activity could be a sign of a problem.
Your provider will also be keeping a close eye on your baby. They may recommend a non-stress test to check that your baby is still happy and healthy in the womb.
During the test, a nurse will strap a monitor across your belly. The monitor measures your baby's heartbeat, which increases with movement. If your baby's heart doesn't beat faster twice during the test, they're said to be "nonreactive." Your provider may recommend another test, the biophysical profile. But more likely, they'll admit you to the hospital for delivery.
Leaking fluid
Call your provider if you think your water may have broken. Sometimes there's a big gush of fluid, but sometimes there's only a small burst or a slow leak.
If you're on the fence about whether you're leaking, put on a pad. Check it about half an hour later. If it's significantly wet, your water has probably broken.
Dilation and effacement
By now, your doctor or midwife may have done an internal exam to check the dilation and effacement of your cervix. Some dilation can happen before labor – your provider might have told you that you're a few centimeters dilated already.
Dilation refers to the gradual opening of your cervix to let your baby pass through. It's measured from 0 to 10 centimeters. By the time you're 6 centimeters dilated, you'll likely be in active labor.
Effacement is when the cervix shortens, becoming softer and thinner in preparation for your baby's birth. As your body gets ready for labor and once labor begins, your cervix gradually thins out until it's like a sheet of paper.
Providers measure effacement as a percentage, from 0 to 100 percent. Effacement happens hand-in-hand with dilation, although effacement may begin first. As with dilation, it can take weeks, days, or hours to reach full effacement. When your cervix is 10 centimeters dilated and 100 percent effaced, it's time to push your baby out!
Bloody show
Watching for signs of labor? As labor approaches, you may see bloody, mucus-like discharge. Many women notice bloody show accompanied by their mucus plug, a clump of transparent or slightly bloody mucus that protects the uterus during pregnancy. Once your cervix starts to open in preparation for labor, the mucus plug can dislodge and show up in your underwear.
Losing your mucus plug and having bloody show are signs that your body is preparing for labor, but they don't mean labor is imminent. Also, if you don't notice your mucus plug or bloody show, don't worry – you might not see this before going into labor.
Nausea
When labor begins, digestion slows or stops, and you may feel sick to your stomach. Some women report feeling nauseated during labor, and others say they were nauseated a day or two beforehand. More often, nausea happens during active labor.
Nausea isn't uncommon, but let your doctor or midwife know if it persists or is new, with vomiting. Sometimes new nausea and vomiting at the end of pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia, a dangerous blood pressure disorder.
Don't see your symptom?
Wondering about a symptom you have? Find it on our pregnancy symptoms page.
Pregnancy checklist at 41 weeks
Get support if you're still pregnant
Fed up with the waiting game? Check in with other moms-to-be in your Birth Club who are feeling stalled, too.
Do something nice for yourself
Whether it's a mani-pedi, a movie night, your favorite take-out, or something else, go ahead and treat yourself. Being 41 weeks pregnant isn't easy, and you deserve some relaxation and comfort.
Review your hospital plan
Make sure you know who will be driving you when it's time to go to the hospital or birth center. Also, have a backup driver just in case. If it's an emergency and there's no one around, call 911.
If you have children already (or pets!), review who will be watching them when you go into labor. Remind your chosen caregiver(s) that they might receive a middle-of-the-night call.
Think about fun future activities
Maternity leave is primarily a time for recovery and bonding. But that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun. If you like, do a little research into activities to try with your baby. There are helpful groups for new moms you can check out – everything from breastfeeding support to baby-and-me fitness classes. (These groups are a great way to meet other brand-new parents and form lasting friendships, too.)
You might also scope out new parks or museums where you can take your baby in a stroller or carrier. Once you're both ready for outings, it's nice to get a change of scenery.
This week's video
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