Be patient, mums. Your baby is almost here.
You may be worried why they’re taking so long to make their grand entrance.
But if you’re past your due date, it means you have late-term pregnancy.
According to Dr. Joep Kortekaas, practicing gynaecologist and obstetrician at Elkerliek Hospital, Netherlands, late-term pregnancy is when a pregnancy is overdue between 7 to 14 days from the mother’s due date.
Here’s what you need to do and prepare for this period in your trimester.
How Is Your Baby at 41 Weeks of Pregnancy
At 41 weeks, your baby is approximately 50 centimetres and 4 kilos. Almost as big as a watermelon.
At this point, they may already start growing hair and fingernails.
Your baby is fine and healthy at this point and there is nothing you should worry about.
However, there may be a greater chance of seeing meconium in their amniotic fluid (your baby’s first bowel movement).
Moreover, because your baby is now a bit too big to still be growing inside you, you may be experiencing some physical discomforts. Which brings us to our next point.
What Mums Experience After 41 Weeks of Pregnancy
You can’t wait for your baby to come. Literally.
At 41 weeks of pregnancy, many mums may become frustrated of the aches and pains from carrying around a full-grown baby.
Some discomfort that you may experience during this time include:
- Pelvic discomfort
- Haemorrhoids
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent urination
- Contractions
What Causes Late-Term Pregnancy
It’s completely normal for many pregnant mums to have a late term pregnancy. Often due to genetics.
However, according to various studies, there are other reasons why some women can reach up to 41 weeks of pregnancy and still not give birth; such as:
- You’re a first-time mum
- You have a family history of late term pregnancy
- You’ve had a late-term pregnancy previously
- Your doctor miscalculated your due date
- You are overweight
- You’re having a baby boy
The Risks of Late-Term Pregnancy
While late-term pregnancies are normal, your doctor may still want to monitor you quite closely.
Risks to both mother and baby are not quite as serious. But this 2012 study mentions there are still some pregnancy complications you may need to take note of at 41 weeks of pregnancy.
These potential complications include:
- Foetal macrosomia: a medical condition where unborn babies become larger than average birth size. Assisted pregnancy (forceps, vacuum, caesarean) may be required.
- Post-maturity syndrome: appearance of meconium (stool and urine in amniotic fluid during delivery)
- Low amniotic fluid: affects the baby’s heart rate. Compress the umbilical cord during contractions.
What Mums Can Do During Late-Term Pregnancy
At 41 weeks of pregnancy, it’s important to take extra care of your health.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoid unnecessary stress and get plenty of sleep (even if it seems impossible).
All the hormones circulating in your body may make it difficult to get some well-needed shut eye. But don’t let this stop you from getting in those crucial 7-hours.
Remember you will need a lot of energy to push the baby when it comes.
If you struggle with haemorrhoids, you should avoid spending long hours sitting on the toilet bowl. Your doctor may prescribe haemorrhoid cream to deal with the condition.
Aside from this, you can also start thinking about how you can give your baby an extra nudge so they’ll finally pop.
What Mums Can Do to Induce Labour Naturally
At this point, your doctor may already be discussing about induced labour with you. Even though it may not be necessary yet at this point.
It’s not until you’ve reached postterm pregnancy at 42 weeks when things may start to get worrisome. But more on that in the next article.
At this point, you may want to think about trying to induce labour naturally before resorting to medication.
Here are some science-backed methods you can try; with your doctor’s green light, of course.
Breast stimulation
According to this 2015 study, nipple and breast stimulation can greatly assist with inducing labour.
A good way to do this is with breast pumps.
Not only will this kickstart the delivery process, it will also help trigger the production of breast milk.
Sex
If you haven’t been admitted to the maternity ward yet, this option may still be open to you.
According to multiple studies, one final night of passionate lovemaking with your partner may just be the secret ingredient to induce childbirth.
But it all comes down to a successful orgasm which will release oxytocin and trigger uterine contractions. Semen also contains the hormone prostaglandin which can help ripen the cervix.
Castor Oil
According to this recent 2022 study, castor oil is another potent ingredient that can help induce labour.
Castor oil is perhaps the most effective ‘last resort’ natural remedy capable of loosening the cervix and jumpstarting contractions.
Therefore, only do this under the supervision of a midwife or doctor.1 to 2 ounces (29.57–59.14 mL) or 2 to 4 tablespoons of castor oil stimulates prostaglandin release.
Hang in There, Mums!
Try not to worry about your little princess or prince growing in your belly, mummy. It’s all a matter of time now.
It’s just some babes like to arrive fashionably late. Just to give their mums a few more sleepless nights in preparation for the real thing.
So, hang in there and hope for the best, mummy! You’ll get to meet your bundle of joy soon enough.
References
- dr. J.C. Kortekaas. Dhr. dr. J.C. Kortekaas – MSB Peelland. (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.msbpeelland.nl/specialisten/5628/
- Galal, M., Symonds, I., Murray, H., Petraglia, F., & Smith, R. (2012). Postterm pregnancy. Facts, views & vision in ObGyn. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991404/
- H;, D. G. G. (n.d.). The effect of uterine and nipple stimulation on induction with oxytocin and the labor process. Worldviews on evidence-based nursing. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26444882/
- Kortekaas, J. C., Bruinsma, A., Keulen, J. K. J., Vandenbussche, F. P. H. A., van Dillen, J., & de Miranda, E. (2019, May 22). Management of late-term pregnancy in midwifery- and obstetrician-led care. BMC pregnancy and childbirth. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6532173/
- Marcin, A. (2020, January 29). Can having sex induce labor? Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/sex-to-induce-labor#what-the-research-says
- Moradi, M., Niazi, A., Mazloumi, E., & Lopez, V. (2022, June 30). Effect of castor oil on cervical ripening and labor induction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of pharmacopuncture. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9240406/
- Prolonged pregnancy. Prolonged Pregnancy – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/prolonged-pregnancy
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