Pregnancy: 40 weeks

How the child grows:

It is difficult to say for sure what your baby's weight and height will be, but the average parameters for newborns are approximately 3.4 kg - weight and 50 cm - height.

Important: Each baby's development is unique. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of fetal development.

Changes in the expectant mother

After so many months of waiting and after your due date, are you still pregnant? This is because ovulation sometimes occurs later than expected, which is why your due date shifts. You still have a couple of weeks to go before your due date is considered overdue. However, you should make sure your baby is active.

The doctor will order a biophysical profile, which consists of an ultrasound to track the baby's movements, breathing movements (movement of the chest muscles and diaphragm), and muscle tone (flexion of the limbs and fists), as well as check the amount of amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby (important as it reflects the support of the placenta). Fetal heart rate monitoring will also be ordered and performed. If the fetal tests show a decrease in amniotic fluid levels, you will be scheduled for an emergency cesarean section.

The doctor will also check the cervix, its position, descent and dilation. If labor does not begin on its own, it will be induced at 41 and 42 weeks.

3 Questions About... Inducing Labor

• What does induction of labor mean?

If labor does not start on its own, your doctor may induce it using certain medications and methods to start contractions. Typically, induction of labor is done if there is a high risk of prolonging the pregnancy. Most doctors recommend induction of labor after a week of the due date of pregnancy because the placenta may become less effective at transferring nutrients and there is a risk of other serious complications.

• How is labor induced?

There are many methods that can be used to induce labor, and which one you choose depends on your individual situation, your doctor, and how dilated your cervix is. Typically, if labor needs to be induced but your cervix is not yet dilated, your doctor will begin by inserting a medication containing prostaglandin into your vagina. This medication helps dilate your cervix and may also stimulate contractions. If prostaglandin does not help start labor, your doctor will use a medication called Pitocin (also known as oxytocin), which is given intravenously and is used to stimulate contractions.

• Are there any methods for inducing labor on your own?

No. There are no methods that are both safe and effective. Do not attempt anything without your doctor's approval. Here are some methods you may have heard of:

• Sexual intercourse: Semen contains prostaglandin, and orgasm can stimulate contractions. Studies have shown that having sexual intercourse has no effect on inducing labor.
• Nipple stimulation: Nipple stimulation triggers the release of oxytocin and may induce labor, but more research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness. Because it can overactivate the uterus, your contractions and your baby's response to them must be monitored, so do not try it at home without a doctor's supervision.
• Castor oil is a strong laxative, and stimulating the intestinal tract can trigger contractions. There is no definitive evidence that this method helps induce labor, although many women have reported unpleasant effects!
• Herbal remedies: Many herbs are advertised as labor inducers. Some are dangerous because they can cause contractions that are too long or too strong, which can be dangerous for the baby, and the safety and effectiveness of others remain unproven.

This week's activity: Relax. Rent movies, read books, and flip through magazines.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]