40 Weeks and Over
Your baby at 41 weeks
Because of the hormones in your body, the baby's genitals may look swollen when they're born, but they'll soon settle down to their normal size.
You at 41 weeks
If you've had a baby before, you'll be offered a membrane sweep at your 41-week appointment.
A membrane sweep involves having a vaginal (internal) examination that stimulates the cervix (neck of your womb) to produce hormones that may trigger natural labour. You do not have to have this – you can discuss it with your midwife.
You at 42 weeks
In most pregnancies, labour naturally starts by 42 weeks.
If your pregnancy lasts longer than 42 weeks and you decide not to have your labour induced, you should be offered increased monitoring to check your baby's wellbeing.
There's a higher risk of stillbirth if you go over 42 weeks pregnant, although most babies remain healthy.
At the moment, there's no way to reliably predict which babies are at increased risk of stillbirth, so induction is offered if you do not go into labour by 42 weeks.
You can find more information on pregnancy in the 'Your Pregnancy and Birth book'.
Last Updated: 21/07/2023 10:58:41
The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by
NHS website
nhs.uk