42 Weeks Pregnant

Take heart

While you may feel as if this pregnancy has been going on forever, studies show that an estimated 70 percent of post-term pregnancies aren't post-term at all.

The frustrating mix-up is typically due to a miscalculation of the date of conception, usually thanks to irregular ovulation or a mom's uncertainty about the exact date of the last menstrual period.

Even if you do end up among the approximately 2 percent of women who are truly overdue, know that before this week is over, labor will begin naturally — or when your practitioner induces it.

Of course, you're probably sick of everyone calling to see if you've had the baby yet. But here's something to focus on as you wait: By this time next week, you'll be snuggling with your newborn.

Past your due date?

Okay, after all those weeks of preparation, do you sort of have that hurry-up-and-wait feeling? At 42 weeks pregnant, you know why they call you an expectant mother — and why now, in your 42nd long, long week, you may be calling yourself an overexpectant mother.

Don't be discouraged — and don't call the folks at Guinness to put yourself down as the longest pregnancy on record. It may be helpful to keep in mind that your estimated due date was just that — estimated.

So even though your baby seems to be overdue, there's a chance your dates, and not your baby, are just a little off the mark, especially if you didn't have an early ultrasound (before week 14) to date your pregnancy.

So hang in there and continue to watch for signs of impending labor — or get ready for an impending induction if your practitioner goes that route.

One prelabor sign to look for may be loose bowel movements. Some women experience mild diarrhea just prior to the onset of labor. Think of it as nature's enema — a way to empty your intestines to make room for the baby's passage through the birth canal. 

Here's a happier thought: By this time next week, you'll have a brand new beautiful baby to cuddle in your arms and keep you up at night. Good luck!

Postpartum doula

Once the baby comes home, a new mom can expect to be exhausted and overwhelmed. (So can a new dad, by the way.) Who do you call? A certified postpartum doula!

A doula will provide care for you and your baby, including breastfeeding advice, cooking, child care, errands and light cleaning. This miracle worker will teach and support you and your partner without judgment — and a doula won't laugh at your pathetic attempts at swaddling.

Such a pregnancy and postpartum helper knows all about emotional and physical recovery, infant soothing and coping skills, feeding, diapering — anything and everything that eases the tricky transition into parenthood.

The best way to find a postpartum doula is through word of mouth, so ask your pediatrician and your friends or check with DONA International.

Keep in mind that most doulas charge an hourly rate, so you can be flexible about when and how often your pregnancy companion comes to help. A few hours a day for the first couple of weeks might mean the difference between a mommy and a zombie.

Learn more about what to ask a doula before you hire one.