PREGNANCY WEEK 42
Although it's perfectly normal for a baby to arrive past the due date, you and your baby will get some extra attention this week. To be sure all is well; your practitioner will likely monitor your overdue baby through nonstress tests (you're hooked up to a fetal monitor to measure your baby's heart rate and movement) and amniotic-fluid checks. When this latecomer finally makes his debut, chances are his skin will be dry, cracked, peeling, or wrinkled all completely temporary. That's because the protective vernix was shed weeks ago in anticipation of a delivery date that came and went. A tardy baby will also have longer nails, possibly longer hair, and little or none of that baby fuzz (lanugo). He’ll also be more alert.
While you may feel as if this pregnancy has been going on forever, studies show that 70% of post-term pregnancies aren't post-term at all. The frustrating mix-up is typically due to a miscalculation of the time of conception, usually thanks to irregular ovulation or a mom's uncertainty about the exact date of her last period. Even if you do end up among the 2% of women who are truly overdue, know that before this week is over, your baby will be delivered or your practitioner will perform labour induction. Of course, you’re probably sick of everyone calling to see if you’ve had the baby yet. But here’s something to focus on as you wait: By this time next week, you’ll be snuggling with your new-born.
Once the baby comes home, a new mom can expect to be exhausted and overwhelmed. (So can a new dad, by the way.)
