Week 42 of Pregnancy
Third trimester
For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
Baby is
about the size of a small watermelon
20-21 inches · 7.5-8.5 lbs
Baby this week
- •Fully developed and ready for life outside the womb
- •Practicing breathing movements and swallowing
- •Hair and nails continue growing
- •Vernix caseosa (protective coating) is mostly shed
You this week
- •Increased Braxton Hicks contractions or true labor
- •Extreme fatigue mixed with restlessness
- •Pelvic pressure and heaviness
- •Possible loss of mucus plug
- •Emotional intensity—excitement, anxiety, or impatience
This week's tips
- •Stay in close contact with your care provider—you're in the postdue zone and may need monitoring or induction discussions
- •Keep moving gently: walking, position changes, and light activity can encourage labor
- •Rest when you can; your body is working hard even if labor hasn't started
- •Practice your labor breathing and coping techniques
- •Have your hospital bag fully packed and car seat installed
Informational only — always check with your doctor or midwife for advice specific to you and your baby.
Looking ahead
Week 42 means you're officially overdue. Most providers will recommend monitoring or induction this week to ensure both you and baby stay healthy. Trust your care team and remember: your baby will arrive—this waiting period, as hard as it is, will soon feel like a brief moment.
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For informational purposes only. This page is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is different — always consult your doctor, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. In an emergency, call your provider or 911 immediately.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Every pregnancy and baby is different. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for guidance specific to your situation.
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