Labour after 41 weeks

[Katyahol]

I am currently 40 + 5 and have had 2 unsuccessful sweeps, have induction planned for 41 + 3 but am worried about giving birth this late and if baby will be too big. Can anyone share their stories birthing after 41 weeks?

I was induced at 42 weeks. Dc was born 42+1. She was 8lbs 5oz. I was a big baby and DH weighed 10lbs so I was nervous about going over but it was fine.

I think in a lot of countries, average is actually deemed 41 weeks

42 weeks is a perfectly normal gestation.

Except in the case of gestational diabetes or pelvic abnormalities in the mother, we simply don't grow babies that are 'too big' to birth.

Anecdotally, larger babies can actually be easier to birth. My 9lb10 (born at 41+5) was much easier than my 8lb (born at 41+6) and I've read many similar experiences on Mumsnet.

Try not to worry, do you have any reason to believe you are having a 'big' baby anyway?

Not particularly, baby was measuring 7lb 7 at 39 weeks, I just seem to have put on a lot of weight these last few weeks!

I’m in the same situation would love to hear how your getting on?

I gave birth at 41+5, baby was 8lb 1oz and I had a very straightforward water birth

I went into labour naturally at 41 + 2, normal birth, he was my second baby and was 7lb 10oz.

I was induced with DS1 at 41+3 which didn’t work but he was born at 41+5 at 8lb 5oz.

DS2 came after a sweep at 41+4 and weighed 10lb.

With DS1 I had a second degree tear but DS2 I didn’t even have a stich and he was a much easier birth.