At 41 weeks of gestation, the baby is fully formed and ready to be born, but if he is not yet born, the doctor is likely to advise labor induction to stimulate uterine contractions, up to 42 weeks gestation.
The birth of the baby should happen this week because after 42 weeks the placenta will be aged and will not be able to supply all the baby's needs. So if you are already 41 weeks old and have no contractions and your belly does not get hard, what you can do is walk for at least 1 hour a day to stimulate contractions.
Thinking about the baby and mentally preparing for childbirth also helps in the development of labor.
Baby development - 41 weeks gestation
All of the baby's organs are properly formed, but the longer it passes inside the mother's belly, the more fat it has accumulated and the more defense cells it has received, thus making the immune system stronger.
Baby size at 41 weeks gestation
The baby at 41 weeks of gestation is about 51 cm and weighs an average of 3.5 kg.
Photos of the baby at 41 weeks of gestation
Changes in the woman at 41 weeks' gestation
The woman at 41 weeks' gestation may become tired and short of breath. The size of her belly may bother her to sit up and go to sleep and sometimes she may think it would be best if the baby was already outside.
Contractions can start at any time and tend to get stronger and sore. If you want a normal birth, having sex can help speed up labor and as soon as the contractions start, you should note the time and how often they come in to assess the progress of labor. See: Signs of labor.
In some cases before the contractions begin, the pouch may rupture and in this case you should go to the hospital soon to avoid infections.
See too:
- Phases of Labor
- Feeding of the mother during breastfeeding
Your pregnancy by quarter
To make your life easier and you do not waste time looking, we separate all the information you need for each trimester of gestation. What quarter are you in?
- 1st Quarter (1st to 13th week)
- 2nd Quarter (14th to 27th week)
- 3rd Quarter (from the 28th to the 41st week)
