41 Weeks Pregnant: Monitoring, Membrane Sweeps & Induction

41 Weeks Pregnant: Monitoring, Membrane Sweeps & Induction

At 41 weeks pregnant, your baby is late term, and it's still completely normal to be waiting. Your care team will keep a closer eye on you both now. Here's what to expect from monitoring, membrane sweeps and induction, and how to stay comfortable in the meantime.

Baby's size
Around 51cm long and 3.5kg on average, though healthy babies vary
Milestone
Late term
Common symptoms
Pelvic pressure, backache, haemorrhoids and broken sleep
This week
Extra monitoring and talking about induction

What's happening this week

Your baby is ready to be born. Maybe your dates were a little off, or your baby simply needs a few more days. They'll keep adding a little weight, and their hair and nails are still growing.

Skin

Maybe a little dry

Most of the vernix has gone, so your baby may be born with some dry or peeling skin. It's harmless and settles within a few weeks.

Placenta and fluid

Being checked

The amount of amniotic fluid naturally starts to reduce, and the placenta may work a little less efficiently. This is why extra monitoring is offered now.

Movements

Still important

Your baby should keep moving just as often. Contact your hospital straight away if movements slow down, stop or change.

Monitoring from 41 weeks

From around now, you'll usually have more frequent check-ups to make sure you and your baby are well.

CTG
Two belts around your tummy record your baby's heart rate and any contractions, usually for 20 to 40 minutes.
Ultrasound
A scan to check the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby, and sometimes their wellbeing.
Your health
Your blood pressure and urine, and questions about your baby's movements and how you're feeling.
Your options
A membrane sweep, if you haven't had one, and a plan for induction.Induction is usually offered between 41 and 42 weeks

Why induction is offered

Most babies arrive on their own before 42 weeks. But after 41 to 42 weeks, the risks for your baby, including stillbirth, slowly start to rise. That's why Australian hospitals usually offer an induction during this time. Your doctor or midwife will explain the benefits and risks for your situation, and it's always your choice. You may also be offered an induction for other reasons, such as pre-eclampsia, or if your waters break but labour doesn't start.

How induction works

An induction happens in hospital. The steps depend on how ready your cervix is, and not everyone needs every step.

  1. Checking your cervixFirst

    Your midwife or doctor examines you to see how soft and open your cervix is, and checks your baby's heart rate with a CTG.

  2. Softening your cervixIf needed

    A hormone gel or pessary (prostaglandin), or a small balloon catheter, helps soften and open your cervix. This can take several hours or overnight.

  3. Breaking your watersWhen your cervix is ready

    Your midwife or doctor makes a small opening in the bag of waters with a thin instrument. It shouldn't hurt, though it can feel uncomfortable.

  4. Oxytocin dripIf contractions don't start

    A synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin is given through a drip to start or strengthen contractions. Your baby is monitored closely.

Ask your care team any questions you have, such as how long it might take, what pain relief is available, and whether your support person can stay with you. Pack extra snacks and things to do, as an induction can take a while.

Symptoms at 41 weeks pregnant

  • Pelvic pressure. Your baby is pressing on your bladder and nerves, so you may need to wee often, including at night.
  • Haemorrhoids. Pressure can cause swollen veins around your bottom. Fibre, water, cold packs and pharmacist creams that are safe in pregnancy can help.
  • Leg cramps, backache and Braxton Hicks. These may feel stronger now. A warm bath and gentle stretches can help.
  • A show. A jelly-like discharge, often pink or streaked with blood, as your cervix starts to open.

Contact your hospital straight away if your baby's movements slow down, stop or change, even if you have an appointment coming up. Also call if your waters break, you have bleeding, strong regular contractions, a severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling.

Staying comfortable and positive

Waiting can be exhausting and frustrating. Rest when you can, take warm baths, keep up gentle walks, and go to sleep on your side with plenty of pillows. It's OK to feel disappointed if you need an induction, or relieved to have a plan. Talking it through with your partner, family or midwife can help. Whatever happens, the goal is a safe birth and a healthy baby, and you're nearly there.

Your to-do list for week 41

Helpful for this stage

The hospital bag listAdd extras for a longer staySee the list The postpartum recovery listCare for you after the birthSee the list Maternity padsFor the days after birthShop maternity pads

Week 41 FAQs

Is it normal to still be pregnant at 41 weeks?

Yes, it's very common, especially with a first baby. 41 weeks is called late term. Your care team will keep a closer eye on you and your baby, and talk to you about your options, including induction.

What monitoring will I have at 41 weeks?

Usually a CTG, which records your baby's heart rate and any contractions for 20 to 40 minutes, and an ultrasound to check the amount of amniotic fluid. Your blood pressure will also be checked, and you'll be asked about your baby's movements.

How long does an induction take?

It varies a lot. If your cervix needs softening first, this can take several hours or overnight, sometimes longer. Once labour is established, it often follows a similar pattern to labour that starts on its own.

Does induced labour hurt more?

Contractions started with an oxytocin drip can build up more quickly than in labour that starts on its own. All the usual pain relief options, including an epidural, are available, so talk to your midwife about what you'd like.

Can I say no to an induction?

Yes, it's your choice. Your doctor or midwife will explain the benefits and risks for you and your baby, including the rising risks after 41 to 42 weeks. If you decide to wait, you'll usually be offered more frequent monitoring.

This article is general information and isn't a substitute for advice from your doctor or midwife.

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