WeMoms
9 Apr 2024

My baby at 41 weeks of pregnancy

Your Baby at 41 Weeks
As big as a pumpkin
Length
20.1
Weight
7.6
Reaching 41 weeks, you're truly in the final stretch! 
Your baby, akin to the size of a big pumpkin, is fully grown. 
Averaging around 7.9 pounds and stretching to about 20.4 inches, babies at this stage are primed for their grand entrance. 
It's important to remember that babies grow at their own pace, so variations in size are perfectly normal and expected.
What's new this week?
Baby's Changes Overview
Open 3D Baby to see all changes
  • Nail Growth: Baby’s nails might extend beyond their fingertips, ready for their first trim post-birth.

  • Weight Gain: Your baby continues to gain weight, enhancing those adorable baby fat rolls.

  • Lung Development: With fully matured lungs, your baby is prepared for their first breaths outside the womb.

  • Positioning for Birth: Movement may decrease as space becomes limited, but baby should be settling into a head-down position for birth.

  • Readiness for Delivery: As the due date passes, your baby remains snug but ready, with healthcare providers monitoring closely to ensure a safe delivery strategy.
They are snug in your womb, but movements and kicks are still a sign of their well-being. Your healthcare provider will closely monitor the baby’s position to decide the best course of action for a safe delivery.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
Helping baby's development
  • Prioritize Rest: Rest is crucial to gather strength for labor and the early days of parenthood.

  • Stay Hydrated: Keeping hydrated aids in overall health and can contribute to a smoother labor process.

  • Satisfy Cravings: It’s okay to indulge sensibly in your cravings as you await labor's start.

  • Maintain Gentle Activity: Light exercise can promote well-being and potentially encourage labor onset.

  • Comfort with Pillows: Utilize pillows for additional comfort and support as you find restful positions.

  • Personal Enjoyment: Relish quiet moments with activities like reading or watching favorite shows to relax and destress.

  • Embrace the Waiting: While anticipation is high, use this time to reflect, relax, and prepare mentally for the exciting changes ahead.
Top Asked Questions
What changes occur in my baby's skin?

By 41 weeks, your baby's skin becomes even smoother and less wrinkled due to the accumulation of fat. They may have shed most of the vernix caseosa.

Can my baby's hair and nails continue to grow in the last week of pregnancy?

Yes, your baby's hair and nails can continue to grow in the last week of pregnancy. You may notice that their nails are quite long.

Is my baby's position in the womb critical, and what if they are in a breech position?

While most babies are ideally positioned by 41 weeks, your healthcare provider will monitor their position. A breech position may require special attention during labor.

How does my baby's body temperature regulation work, and what happens after birth?

At 41 weeks, your baby is practicing temperature regulation in the womb. After birth, they will rely on external sources, like swaddling and clothing, to stay warm.

Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
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All I need to know
A
Autumn
9 Feb 2024

How far along were you when you had your first baby? I’m currently 40 weeks and 3 days and I had an induction scheduled for the day after his due date but I decided to change it to the day I turn 41 weeks.

1 comments
N
Nik
I was 10 days pate due and needed to be induced
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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L
Lashaunda
3 Feb 2024

Happy birthday to me I'm 41 and 29 weeks pregnant can't wait til my baby boy arrives in April

2 comments
W
Wanda💕💕🥰
Happy birthday 🥳🎉
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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L
Lashaunda
thank you
27 Mar 2024

Answer


T
Tuesdae
19 Jan 2024

37 weeks today my baby so healthy they want me to go 40weeks or 41 weeks I want this baby out like ugh 😒 n plus I had a c section now what if I don’t open they talking about u can get a c section at 39 weeks like wat 😒🙄

1 comments

T
Tafani
25 Nov 2023

I’ll never understand why they suggest inducing before the 41 weeks. Obviously it’s needed if your high risk or having complications but the baby is gonna come out, it has to 😂 let your body do what it does let your baby come when it’s ready. I’m hearing too often of people getting induced like way more than usual it’s crazy.

5 comments
B
Brittany
The reason why I’m getting induced at 39 weeks and 2 days cux im high risk 💯
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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A
Ashleyrenee
I’m getting induced at 39 weeks because I choose to im going through to much pain that I can’t handle and my ob agreed and told me if that’s what I want she can do it . Ppl don’t know what ppl go through to choose that option
27 Mar 2024

Answer


J
Janelle
25 Jun 2023

Do anybody know how to change to your baby is delivered to the amount of weeks you are .. idk how to change it .. my baby is 3 weeks old now and it still say 41 weeks 😭

1 comments
B
Brittany
You go to your profile and click on the one that says 41 weeks and it should ask you to change it!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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E
Erica
10 Jun 2023

Serious question ( no judgement) just simply asking as a tired mama lol but are you guys wanting to have your baby at 35 weeks cause your tired or is it a preference I never had my babies early first one 40 weeks to the day and second 41 weeks she was stubborn but is it dangerous to deliver that early I’m currently 35 almost 36 but I don’t want baby to come for lack of knowledge with having her before time

6 comments
E
Eshe 🧘🏾‍♀️
I don't feel like being tired or in pain is a good enough reason to want to have ur baby early. The least one could do is wait until 37.5 weeks. But my thing is if u can do 35 weeks, what's 5 more? It's nt like we will be pregnant forever. It's very temporary
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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E
Erica
That’s how I feel like I’m tired and over it as well but having a baby at 35 weeks doesn’t seem good to me
27 Mar 2024

Answer


R
Rais Kadeh
15 Mar 2023

I am being induced at 39 weeks and I am Sarced to be induced is it painful they don't want me to go into 41 weeks because my baby weights 6 pounds going into 7 pounds is it painful and worth it

12 comments
T
Tymerra
Don’t be mines wasn’t bad
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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R
Rais Kadeh
what did they do Monday they will give me one can it be on my due date or 3 days later
27 Mar 2024

Answer


J
Jayda
22 Feb 2023

On February 6, 2023 Weighing 7 lbs 9oz Born at 41 weeks & 2 days❤️🫶🏽

5 comments
J
Jayda
Thank you so much🥰
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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w
windy
My baby was born on February 6 as well 😘😘❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Angelica
11 Feb 2023

41 weeks 2 days and my baby is finally here! The longest 48 hours in labor 😭😭😭

2 comments
J
Jenaye
congratulations 🫶🏼
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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T
Tabitha
Congratulations 🎊
27 Mar 2024

Answer


E
Esha
23 Nov 2022

35 weeks feeling like I’m 41 weeks wheww honey iam tired come on baby boy mommy is so ready to meet you 🥰💙

4 comments
E
Esha
Girl I’m just like anyway now son when ever your ready to come out and play mommy is ready . I’m having contractions though idk how to really time them
27 Mar 2024

Answer

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