42 Weeks Pregnant

Baby’s Development

Fetus ~51.7 cm (jackfruit), weight ~3,600 g (7.9 lb) [1]. Post-term — induction strongly recommended. Placenta aging (less efficient), amniotic fluid may be low. Body fat ~15-16% of body. Skin: smooth, plump. Brain and lungs fully mature. Most babies in cephalic position. Survival rate: 99%+ [2].

Pregnancy Symptoms

Third trimester, post-term. Symptoms: backache, heartburn, constipation, leg cramps, swelling, headaches, Braxton Hicks. Uterus ~42 cm (fundal height). Kicks distinct. Round ligament pain, sciatica, pelvic pressure. OB visits 2-3x/week now (NST, BPP). Cervix may be effacing and dilating 1-4 cm. Induction strongly recommended this week [2].

Body Changes

Uterus ~42 cm fundal height. Weight gain: 30-40 lbs by week 42 typical. Bump large, “dropped.” Stretch marks, linea nigra, melasma, visible veins, varicose veins. Breasts 2+ cup sizes up, colostrum may leak. Possible “pregnancy mask” (melasma). Swelling in feet/ankles. Cervix: effacing, possibly dilating 1-4 cm [2].

Tips for Week 42

• Induction planning — ACOG: induction at 42 wk strongly recommended. Methods: membrane sweep, cervical ripening (Cervidil, Cytotec), Pitocin, breaking water. Discuss risks/benefits with OB.
• NST (non-stress test) — monitors fetal heart rate. 20-40 min. 2x/week. Reassuring = baby doing well.
• BPP (biophysical profile) — ultrasound: amniotic fluid, movement, tone, breathing. 0-10 score. 8-10 = reassuring.
• Continue kick counting — 10 in 2 hrs daily. Less than 10 → call OB.

Things To Do (Checklist)

• Induction scheduled (42 wk strongly recommended)
• NST 2x/week
• BPP if indicated
• Continue kick counting (10 in 2 hrs daily)
• Hospital bag ready, route mapped

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I’m 42 weeks. Will induction work? A: Yes, usually. Cervical ripening (Cervidil, Cytotec) softens cervix. Pitocin starts contractions. ~75% deliver vaginally after induction. C-section rate slightly higher than spontaneous labor [1].

Q: What if induction doesn’t work? A: Options: rest and try again, C-section. Discuss with OB. Most inductions work within 24-48 hrs [1].

Q: Is post-term dangerous for baby? A: Slightly higher risk: stillbirth (rare), macrosomia (large baby), meconium aspiration, placental insufficiency. Induction at 41-42 wk reduces these risks [1].

For Dads

• Be the “5-1-1” expert OR scheduled induction driver — if scheduled induction, know exact time, where to go, what to bring. If spontaneous labor, same 5-1-1 rule.
• Finalize logistics — go-bag, route, parking, backup driver, child/pet care (your dog!), work calendar blocked.
• Practice labor support — counter-pressure, breathing cues, position changes, what to say/not say.
• Read The Expectant Father Ch. 37-38 — labor, your role, decisions in the moment.
• Pray for safe, healthy labor and delivery — the moment of meeting, the gift of life.

Sources

1. ACOG — How Your Fetus Grows During Pregnancy
2. Mayo Clinic — 42 Weeks Pregnant
3. What to Expect When You’re Expecting — Heidi Murkoff (Chapters 21-22: Labor & Delivery)

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Welcome to the World

Congratulations to you both! You’ve made it through 42 weeks of pregnancy. The journey ahead — postpartum, newborn care, sleep deprivation, the depths of love you haven’t imagined — is just beginning. Trust the process, lean on each other, and reach out for help. You don’t have to do it alone.

This is a milestone, not a destination. The adventure continues.