Anxiety hits when a woman crosses the due date of pregnancy. It looks unusual to stay pregnant after 41 weeks, but it’s pretty normal. Your baby is taking extra time inside the womb because maybe they are heavier or not ready to go out. It is okay to give birth after 41 weeks of pregnancy or exceed 10-12 days.
But if you are 41 weeks pregnant, start paying attention to body changes and fetal movement. To help you track body changes during week 41 of pregnancy, we’ve compiled all the information here. Let’s have a look at some signs to notice at week 41 of pregnancy
How Does Your Body Change During Week 41 of Pregnancy?
If your pregnancy continues after 41 weeks and the baby has not been delivered yet, consider these symptoms.
1. Pelvic Discomfort
At week 41, your baby may start descending on the lower side, putting extra pressure on the cervix and bladder. This increasing pressure on the cervix may cause pain and aches that indicate your baby may deliver soon. In addition to cervix pressure, your pelvis may push forward, and your lower back may begin to curve, creating further strain on ligaments and muscles of the pelvic region.
What to do?
Stay active and do some light workouts. You can also start strengthening exercises but do not forget to rest. Always try to wear supportive shoes to ease pelvic discomfort. Also, when you stand, make sure your body weight will be equal on both legs.
2. Braxton Hicks Contractions
During the late stage of pregnancy or when you cross 41 weeks of pregnancy, Braxton hick’s contractions may be the second sign you need to notice. Braxton hicks contraction is also known as practice labor pains or false pain. It is a very natural phenomenon of the body during pregnancy that prepares the cervix and uterus for labor and delivery. Braxton hick’s contractions may occur at irregular intervals and are very mild.
Women may experience it like some tightness inside their abdomen region and belly front begin to spread in a downward direction. If it becomes frequent, about every five to six minutes, it is the time to go to the hospital.
What to do?
You can start walking or lying down on the bed. When you are in bed, try to change your sleeping position. A warm water bath can also help to ease Braxton hicks’ contraction.
3. Water Breaking
Water breaking is one of the well-known signs of labor-inducing. At 41 weeks of pregnancy, you may expect a breakdown of the amniotic sac that occurs due to a slow trickle and sudden fluid gush. In such instances, it is important to contact your gynecologist as it may be a sign your labor will begin soon after the water break.
What to do?
If your amniotic fluid begins to come out from your vagina and you are not experiencing any labor pain, it is vital to contact your doctor and reach the hospital within two hours.
4. Frequent Urination
Your little one is sitting just above your bladder or creating pressure. Frequent pressure on the bladder may cause you to trip to the bathroom repeatedly. At the end of pregnancy, frequent urination is very common and is less cause for concern as long as it causes painful urination or a burning sensation. It might be a sign of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).
What to do?
Frequent urination can cause loss of fluid. So, it is advised to drink more fluids and avoid caffeine intake as it can increase your blood pressure. This may result in frequent urination. Try to empty the bladder by leaning forward. Start performing some pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor.
5. Sleeping Troubles
It is very common to have sleeping troubles during pregnancy. Sleeping troubles occur due to hormones and nerves that make you wake up at night. This might be for good reason because once your baby arrives, you’re no longer able to sleep. However, it is also a good option to take proper rest as much as possible.
What to do?
Start meditation and avoid heavy meals and excessive fluid intake during bedtime.
Other Signs at 41 Weeks of Pregnancy
You’re at 41 weeks of pregnancy and have no sign of labor; you don’t need to worry. Sometimes, doctors provide two weeks of post-term date, which indicates it is normal to cross your due date. However, you can look after some signs at 41 weeks of pregnancy, such as
- Hemorrhoids
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Shortness of Breath
In a nutshell, being 41 weeks pregnant is normal for women. Women don’t need to stress upon passing 40 weeks of pregnancy. Research shows that post-term pregnancy is not an actual delay; it may be a miscalculation of the conception date. During the poster, try some meditation and breathing workouts to trigger labor pain and ask for a doctor’s suggestions.
FAQ’s
1. Is It Safe To Go 41 Weeks Pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to go 41 weeks pregnant because doctors also provide at least one to two months extended due date, which is known as the post-term period.
2. Why Are There No Labor Signs At 41 Weeks?
At 41 weeks of pregnancy, you may not be able to see any sign of labor because your body has begun to prepare for delivery, and there might be painless contractions. All you have to do is track your body activities and the baby’s movement to notice signs of delivery.
3. Why Is My Cervix Still Closed at 41 Weeks?
Your cervix may not be ready for labor, which is why you do not observe cervical dilation. There are a couple of factors that also prevent cervical dilation such as large-size babies, posterior cervix, and breech babies.
4. What Are The Risks of Labor at 41 Weeks?
There are certain risks of labor at 41 weeks for mother and baby. The mother may face vaginal tearing, postpartum bleeding, and infection. On the other hand, the baby may experience postmaturity syndromes such as vernix caseosa, lanugo, and decreased fat.
