41 Weeks Pregnant

Baby at 41 Weeks Pregnant 🚼

Well, you're "past" your due date, and baby isn't budging. Cheers, mama! You must make a cozy home. And hey, I can't blame the little guy or gal for not wanting to leave and face the cold, bright, and loud world.

Not much is changing with baby at this point, although s/he's probably consuming more and more of their vernix and losing more and more lanugo. S/he may also gain an ounce or two as they prepare for departure.

So what exactly triggers labor to begin? Well, several studies point to certain factors, but no one knows for sure.

One study out of UT Southwestern Medical Center showed that baby's lungs release different proteins that set up an inflammatory process in mama's uterus, triggering labor. Another study found that changes in the telomeres, the parts of DNA that control aging, show up in baby's amniotic fluid when it's time for baby to make his debut.

Either way, baby *will* come. Remember, statistically, if this is your first baby, you are most likely to give birth about a week past your due date. Hold the vision, mama. You've got this!

You at 41 Weeks Pregnant 🚺

I think I can... I think I can... I think I can... ❤️ Are you doing your birth affirmations, mama?

If not, know that this is a good time to get into a positive head space as you prepare to welcome baby. Drink your Labor Day tea, eat your dates, and get extra rest while you can. If your doctor or midwife start talking about induction, ask if you can try some of these tips to naturally induce labor first. You also want to be sure you have a good Bishop Score so that the induction is, in fact, successful.

Know that your (and baby's) day will come! And oh how sweet it will be!