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Your Pregnancy: Week 41

Your baby
·      It’s interesting to think that your baby looks exactly how he will when you meet him — except he’s still nestled inside you.
·      Your baby’s bones have hardened to a degree, but if you can believe it, this process will actually continue into the teen years.
·      Your baby’s eyebrows, eyelashes and fingernails are all in place and his organs are developed to sustain him in the “real world” — which he’ll soon be joining. Very soon, you’re hoping!
 
You are officially overdue
As if we have to remind you. If you haven’t gone into labour by the time you’re 40 weeks’ pregnant, you’re considered overdue, though anytime between 37 and 42 weeks is considered “normal.”
 
The earlier you had an ultrasound to date your pregnancy, the more accurate your due date is (rather than basing it on the timing of your last period). It’s said you’re more likely to be overdue with a first child or if you’ve had an overdue baby before. There is even some evidence that pregnancies tend to run longer in the summer than the winter!
 
You’re probably very uncomfortable and very ready to meet your baby, but keep in mind that, unless you have a medical condition, being overdue doesn’t increase any health risks significantly. So try to relax, get some rest, and enjoy your final days of life, pre-parenthood.
 
Getting to know your newborn
You may wonder how you’re going to figure out what your baby needs and wants. After all, she’ll be a bit of a stranger to you, at first. A lot of it will be trial and error in the beginning, but soon you’ll learn to pick up on your baby’s cues and unravel her many mysteries.
 
Here are some other newborn basics to help you out in the early days:
·      Diaper details
·      First bath
·      Safe sleep
 
It really won’t be long now until you’ll meet your new son or daughter and dive headfirst into the crazy, wonderful world of parenthood. Best of luck! We’ll be right here with you for all the ages and stages ahead.

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