Pregnancy week by week · trimester 3
🍉 42 weeks pregnant: your baby is about the size of a watermelon
At 42 weeks pregnant, your baby is about the size of a watermelon. If labour has not started, induction is usually recommended, and if you choose to wait you will be offered extra monitoring.
Your baby this week
Your baby is around 51.7cm long and about 3.6kg, still roughly the size of a watermelon. They are ready for the world and have been growing a little more each day. At this stage your maternity team will want to keep a closer eye on how your baby and the placenta are doing, which is simply careful care, not a sign anything is wrong. Your baby's movements should continue in their usual pattern. Very soon now, you will be holding them.
You this week
By 42 weeks you may feel weary, uncomfortable and ready for this chapter to end, and that is completely fair. Many mums feel a mix of frustration and nerves, especially when making decisions about induction. Practice contractions and pressure may continue. Try to rest and eat well, and keep asking questions until you feel clear. Most babies have arrived by now, and yours will be here very soon.
Kind things to do this week
- Ask your midwife to explain each option so you can make the choice that is right for you.
- Rest, eat well, and keep drinking water.
- Keep your bag, notes and phone charger ready to go.
Appointments around now
If your baby has not arrived and you have not already had an induction, it will usually be recommended. If you decide to wait, you will be offered extra monitoring, such as checks of your baby's heartbeat and the fluid around them.
Questions to ask your midwife
- When could my induction take place?
- How often would I be monitored if I choose to wait?
When to call your midwife or maternity unit
If your baby's movements slow down, stop or feel different to their usual pattern, contact your maternity unit straight away, day or night. Do not wait until the next day. Please also call your midwife or maternity unit if you have bleeding, fluid leaking, a severe headache, changes to your vision, sudden swelling, or itching (especially on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet). If your waters break, or you think labour has started, call your maternity unit for advice.
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Questions
What happens at 42 weeks pregnant?
If labour has not started, you will usually be offered induction. If you choose to wait, your team will offer extra monitoring of your baby.
Is it okay to go past 42 weeks?
Some mums choose to wait, and that is your decision to make with your midwife or doctor. They will explain the options and offer closer monitoring so you can decide with confidence.
Not sure how far along you are? Use the due date calculator.
Sources
OBubba gives general information. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Your midwife and maternity unit are always the right people to ask, any time of day or night.