Is it normal for a pregnancy to reach 42 weeks?

Post  -term pregnancy can go beyond 42 weeks of gestation . According to the Ministry of Health, this is a factor that already characterizes a prolonged pregnancy . Care must be taken because, depending on the case, this can pose risks to both mother and baby. However, the count of weeks of gestation should also be closely monitored. This is to avoid errors in counting the gestation time.

The pregnancy count should be done from the first day of the last menstrual period. The number of prolonged pregnancies ranges from 3 to 14% of pregnancies. This is a period of great anxiety for the mother who awaits the arrival of her child. Therefore, 42 Weeks of Pregnancy  becomes a little worrisome.

It often happens due to errors in counting the gestational age. Turning a 40 week pregnancy into a 42 week pregnancy . Therefore, an assessment is needed to differentiate that it is physiologically prolonged pregnancy from normal-term pregnancy.

The transport of oxygen and nutrients made through the placenta decreases from the 40th week of gestation. Becoming dangerous when 42 weeks gestation  arrives. For the fetus to grow and develop it needs nutrition and breathing. Functions that the placenta tries to decrease after completing 40 weeks of pregnancy .

Things to look out for at 42 weeks gestation:

At  42 weeks of gestation  it is important to notice some signs, so if you notice any of these below at  42 weeks of gestation, look for your doctor urgently:

1. Diarrhea:

Many women at 42 weeks gestation  experience diarrhea just before they go into labor, as it is nature’s way of emptying their intestines to make way for the baby’s journey through the birth canal. It’s not the most exciting sign, but it is a sign, so look on the bright side: your baby is almost here!

2. Strong contractions:

Yes, even if you are not far from actual contractions, you may have even more frequent Braxton Hicks contractions as your body prepares for labor. If they start to look more regular, call your doctor as they could be 42 weeks pregnant .

3. Edema:

You have such a high volume of body fluids and trouble moving around that it naturally causes swelling in your feet and ankles, otherwise known as edema. While it may seem counterproductive, drinking a lot can help. You can also try lying down or sitting with your feet elevated to prevent fluid from building up in your ankles and feet.

4. Signs of labor:

If your water breaks, you have a bloody show, or contractions start, it usually means work isn’t too far away. If you’re already a mom, good news: the delivery of second (or third or fourth!) babies is generally shorter and easier than the first.

What are the symptoms at 42 weeks of pregnancy ?

At 42 weeks pregnant  you may be feeling like you did in the last few weeks, but maybe with a little more intensity, such as: pelvic pressure, leg cramps and difficulty sleeping are very common at this stage of the game. You may be feeling stressed, frustrated and impatient as well. But take heart: the wait is almost over and it’s finally baby time.

What to do if you reach 42 weeks of pregnancy ?

Be aware of your rights. You have the right to refuse an induction if you wish. Your obstetrician will talk to you about any risks that exist for you and your baby, but they should also respect your wishes.

The main risk is that your placenta will start to become less efficient at providing your baby with all the food, nutrients and oxygen it needs to grow properly. That’s why you’ll be monitored regularly when you’re 42 weeks pregnant  with heart rate checks and checks.

Keep in mind that your due date may be inaccurate as it was calculated as 280 days after the first day of your last period. However, if your menstrual cycle is normally longer than 28 days, the actual date may be different. Ultimately, remember that doctors and midwives are looking out for the well-being of you and your baby – who you will soon meet.

What are the risks of 42 weeks of pregnancy ?

At 42 weeks of pregnancy  the risks increase, your doctor may recommend a medical induction of labor if tests show that it is not safe for the baby to remain in the womb much longer. Your doctor may induce labor:

1. Removing the membranes:

At 42 weeks pregnant , this technique may be what puts your body over the edge. Your doctor uses a finger to pass the amniotic sac. The released hormones usually cause contractions within 48 hours.

2. Breaking your water:

to induce labor at 42 weeks gestation ,  your doctor may use an instrument that looks like a plastic hook, your doctor breaks the amniotic sac. This can cause contractions in just a few hours.

3. Maturing your cervix:

A drug called a prostaglandin is inserted vaginally overnight in order to dilate the cervix .

4. Stimulating contractions:

You will be hooked up to an IV with a synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin. This medicine may have started contractions.

What happens to your body at 42 weeks pregnant ?

While you might feel like this pregnancy has gone on forever, studies show that 70% of post-term pregnancies are not post-term at all. Frustrating confusion is typically due to a miscalculation of the time of conception, usually thanks to irregular ovulation or the mother’s uncertainty about the exact date of her last period.

Also, even if you end up in the top two percent of women who are actually late, know that before this week is over, your baby will either come out on its own or your doctor will perform labor induction.

Of course, you’re probably tired of everyone calling to see if you’ve had the baby yet. But here’s something to focus on while you wait. By this time next week, you will be snuggling with your newborn.

Does food change at 42 weeks gestation?

Yes, because you need to be aware that your baby is no longer getting the same amount of food as in the other weeks, and you need to monitor the baby closely to see if everything is ok, and eat foods that will help you in labor. . At 42 weeks of pregnancy  you should consume:

1. Vegetables and green leaves:

Watercress, kale, spinach, turnip greens are all good examples of sources of  vitamin K you should include in your diet.

2. Kiwi:

Kiwifruit is a good source of vitamin K , but also of vitamin C (more than oranges ) and is therefore excellent in boosting immunity.

3. Dried fruits:

Nuts are one of the great foods at  42 weeks of pregnancy, as they are one of the richest foods in tryptophan and are also rich in magnesium, which plays an important role in the formation of serotonin and muscle relaxation.

4. Chamomile Infusion:

In addition to not having caffeine , chamomile infusion even has calming properties (due to the antioxidant apigenin). Prefer the sachets that are sold in supermarkets instead of making the infusion yourself, for reasons of dose and microbiological safety.

Tips for you in this 42 weeks of pregnancy :

The baby is now officially overdue. Since your uterus is likely becoming less hospitable at 42 weeks’ gestation , if you don’t go into labor on your own, your doctor will likely induce you sometime this week.

Minimize the “burning” of childbirth with perineal massage: insert clean thumbs into the vagina. Press and slide the perineum and back continuously for 5 minutes. Repeat daily. If your contractions are strong, last at least 45 seconds, and are coming more often than every 5 minutes, call your doctor! The baby is probably on its way in a few hours.