42 Weeks Pregnant - will they let you go to 42 weeks?
Weekly pregnancy updates from a childbirth educator, doula and mum to 2 little girls. Come and join me on my journey as I share how I’m feeling, how baby is developing, what I’m doing to prepare, and some favourite resources!
Will they let you go to 42 weeks? Has the midwife told you what she wants to do if your baby isn’t born in the next couple of days? These are the kinds of questions that you get asked once you pass 41 weeks of pregnancy. And these are the kinds of questions that show how we’ve been conditioned to think that the hospital or medical care provider has the final word over a pregnant woman’s body.
The truth is, hospitals have their policies, and care providers working in those settings have to abide by those policies. But the policies are for them, not for us as pregnant women! We still get to make the decisions we feel are best for our bodies and babies. Maybe the hospital policy is to offer induction after 41 weeks. You can accept if that seems the best decision for you. Or you can decline, and wait for your body and baby to go into labour spontaneously. Maybe the policy is that they offer repeat Caesarean section as a routine if you've had a C-section in the past. You can accept, or you can decline and opt for a VBAC. Your provider should be willing to hear you and accommodate your decision. If they don’t, it’s probably time to look for another provider.
In my case, I’m blessed to be cared for by a private midwife with a woman-centred approach. So as we passed 41 weeks she informed me of my options. She made sure I was aware of the slightly increased risks of going over 42 weeks. She told me that after 42 weeks she could come every day or two if I wanted, to check up on me and baby. She could give me a stretch and sweep if I wanted an at-home intervention to try to bring on labour. She recommended getting an ultrasound to check if blood flow from the placenta and amniotic fluid levels were still adequate. She informed me of my option of going to hospital to have a medical induction. And with every single option, she made it clear that it was completely my decision if I would take up that option. This is what respectful, informed, woman-centred maternity care looks like.
Personally, my preference is to receive additional monitoring with the midwife coming at least every two days, and book in an ultrasound at 42 weeks. Provided I am well and baby continues to thrive, I see absolutely no reason not to wait for labour to start on its own. I am so thankful to have a wonderful midwife who is open to the idea of supporting me to birth at home even after 42 weeks!
What symptoms am I feeling?
I’ve had some mild lower back pain and cramping since my baby has turned anterior. I had this in the days leading up to labour with my girls, so I feel it is a promising sign that baby will be here before too much longer!
How has baby been developing this week?
At a guess he’s probably around 52-57cm cm now and weighs 3.8-4.3kg!
What am I doing to prepare?
Resting, relaxing, gentle movement, spending quality time with my husband and two little girls before the intensity of postpartum begins.
And that’s it for this week! 🌿💛
[Image credit: Photo by Devon Divine on Unsplash]