Fetal development 41 weeks of pregnancy • hello healthy

Embryo growth

How is the development of the fetus at week 41 of pregnancy?

Quoting from the Baby Center, at the 41st week of pregnancy, the large development of the fetus is now about the size of a jackfruit. The fetus is already more than 50 cm long and weighs about 3.6 kilograms.

This week, the fetus is ready to be born. It cannot remain in the mother's stomach so it must be born.

Most obstetricians will not allow a pregnancy to exceed 2 weeks of the estimated HPL (due date) that has been determined. This aims to prevent the risk of complications in the fetus and pregnant women.

Fetuses born at 41 weeks gestation or later will usually have dry skin, wrinkles, long nails, thick hair, and less sebum development around their body.

Babies born more than 2 weeks via HPL are also likely to be deficient in nutrients and their subcutaneous fat is also thinner. This needs to be considered in the development of the fetus at 41 weeks of gestation.

Changes to the Body

How will my body change at 41 weeks of fetal development?

It's hard not to worry when your due date is past and you haven't shown any signs of giving birth.

Apart from that, there are some signs of the 3rd trimester of pregnancy that can still decorate your days:

Pelvic pain

Quoting from What To Expect, the greater the gestational age, the lower the position of the fetus will be.

The lowering of the fetus will put pressure on the bladder and cervix. As a result, pregnant women will feel pain and pain in the pelvis because the fetus continues to develop.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are associated with a previous condition, pelvic pain. Excess pressure on the pelvis can also cause inflammation of the blood vessels in your rectum.

This can cause hemorrhoids in pregnant women which are sometimes not realized. Although they can be treated, hemorrhoids may worsen or break when the mother is straining during childbirth because they can cause bleeding.

First contraction

In the previous week some of the pregnant women had experienced contractions or false braxton hiks.

But at 41 weeks pregnant, you'll have your first serious contractions. As the fetus develops at week 41 of pregnancy, the mother will likely feel the actual contractions.

The first real contractions feel like menstrual cramps or back pain. Often times, pain will start in the back and spread to the front of the stomach. Contractions can also be felt in the front of the stomach only.

If during the development of the fetus at 41 weeks of pregnancy you feel contractions and are not sure if these contractions are a sign of childbirth, immediately contact your obstetrician.

A sign about to give birth

Mothers must also start to be aware of the signs of giving birth. Here are some signs:

The rupture of the amniotic fluid, which can be indicated by a burst of clear water from the vagina or water that flows gradually.
Frequent or painful contractions that don't stop.
Bleeding or stomach pain.

Call your doctor if you experience this during the 41 weeks gestation of the fetus.

What do I need to pay attention to in the development of the fetus at 41 weeks of gestation?

About 5 to 6 percent of pregnancy cases can continue past 3 weeks or more from the due date of HPL.

Babies born at more than 41 weeks of gestation, generally have dry skin and are overweight.

It is not recommended to leave the fetus in the womb for too long. This can increase the risk of infection of the uterus which can be dangerous and even cause the baby to be stillborn (still birth).

Visit to Doctor / Midwife

What should I discuss with the doctor at 41 weeks pregnant fetal development?

Ask your doctor about the development of the fetus at 41 weeks and the pregnancy you are having.

In this condition of late pregnancy, usually the doctor will tell you about the option of induction injections to stimulate labor. Induction medication will be given if your baby is not born the following week.

Most doctors will not let the mother delay delivery more than two weeks past the estimated HPL that has been determined. This condition will increase the risk of complications for you and your baby.

What tests do I need to know about?

The method your doctor uses to stimulate the labor process depends on the condition of your cervix.

If your cervix has not started to thin or has opened, it is considered that you are not ready for labor.

If this condition occurs, the doctor will use hormones or mechanical methods to ripen your cervix before induction.

Depending on the condition of the pregnancy this procedure can be performed by opening or tearing the membrane.

To trigger labor, your doctor may also use drugs such as oxytocin to start your contractions. If these methods still don't work, you may have to give birth by cesarean section.

Health and Safety

What do I need to know to maintain health and safety during pregnancy?

Given that at 41 weeks gestation is the time for the fetus to be born, there are several ways to maintain health during pregnancy until delivery arrives, including:

Prepare baby clothes

In addition to continuing to monitor the development of the fetus at the ready to give birth, which is 41 weeks of pregnancy, you can start to prepare your little one's clothes.

In the week leading up to delivery, it's a good idea to wash clothes, blankets, and other objects that will come in direct contact with the newborn's skin. This is because newborn skin is still fragile, sensitive, and irritated easily.

Although often overlooked, experts agree that washing baby items is an important routine that parents need to do.