Your Pregnancy: Week 41 for Mom
By: ePregnancy
Yep, Still Pregnant
Still with us? That's okay, because lots of other expectant mamas are, too! 80% of women give birth 2 weeks late or 2 weeks early, so you definitely are not alone.
This week your doctor may suggest a biophysical profile, just to make sure your little imp is thriving. The profile pairs an ultrasound with a non-stress test to assess the general health of your baby. The ultrasound portion of the test will work just like every other ultrasound you've had over the course of this pregnancy: a technician taking measurements of your amniotic fluid, and checking out your baby's muscle tone and breathing motions. The non-stress test involves attaching two belts to your bump: one will measure your contractions and the other measures the fetal heartrate. The technician will track the baby's movement, heart rate and heart reactivity for a period of 20 to 30 minutes. If the little one seems unresponsive, she may just be asleep, so your nurse may use a little buzzer to wake her up. If your doctor feels that you or your fetus are not doing well, you may be induced or scheduled for a c-section. Otherwise, you'll go home and continue the wait!
Your most important job right now is to keep taking care of yourself -- which means resting up. If you are still working, cut back on anything that might drain you. If you can, take small naps during the day. And remember, you won't be pregnant forever (even though it feels that way right now).
Overheard on the Forum
Hallie, mother to a beautiful baby girl: My daughter was born 1 week and a day late. I wondered how I would know labor from all the pain I was feeling. It felt like period cramps at first, and just discomfort. So I went down the line of tricks to see if it's false labor or not, and still a few hours later, I had pains that would come and go. By the morning, they were a lot more intense and closer together, that's when I called the midwife. Look for contractions that don't let up when you change what you are doing. The day will be here before you know it!
