If you’re 43 weeks pregnant, you’re probably feeling a mix of emotions. On one hand, you’re excited to meet your baby very soon, yet, on the other hand, you may be wondering if it’s safe to go past your due date. Rest assured, 43 weeks pregnant is actually considered normal. Only about 5% of babies are born on their actual due date. So there’s no need to worry if you’re still carrying your little one at 43 weeks – especially if you are working with a veteran midwife.
Let’s not kid ourselves, it is important to keep an eye on your health and your baby’s health at this point in your pregnancy – as it would be at any point. Your doctor or midwife will likely be monitoring you more closely now, and may even induce labor if necessary (though this is only common among medical doctors, as midwives don’t induce). But as long as everyone is healthy, there’s no reason to rush things along unnecessarily. This is something a veteran midwife can attest to.
So take a deep breath and enjoy these last few days or weeks of pregnancy! Before you know it, you’ll be holding your beautiful new baby in your arms. But until then, if you need some reassurance going beyond 42 or 43 weeks pregnant – I can help. I went 43 weeks pregnant and 3 days before my son graced my arms in a waterbirth. So at 43 weeks pregnant no signs of labor or inklings!
There wasn’t much information out there because it seems like induction occurs before the body is naturally ready. Contrary to popular belief, “due dates” are just an estimate – not iron-clad proof that your baby is ready. I trusted my gut, my midwife, and thankfully…my body. Did I have a prolonged pregnancy or a postterm pregnancy? Sure, but is being 43 weeks pregnant dangerous?
Why my baby needed 3 “extra” weeks. What causes a baby to be overdue? Well, this is what happened to me because I really don’t know about how far past due date can you go nowadays.
When I was 12 weeks pregnant, I broke my ankle. I avoided anesthesia and only did a nerve block during surgery. AFTER surgery was a whole other ball game. I was prescribed opioids and accompanying painkillers. For exactly THREE WEEKS I had to take them to manage the pain (one metal plate and 6 screws, please and thank you). I felt like God placed my baby boy into a state of “calm” and sheltered him during that time when he just paused growing.
Those drugs could’ve very easily caused a miscarriage, deformities, and who knows what else. But come his “birth”day, past 43 weeks pregnant – my midwife in no way said that my baby was a late-term baby – rather, he looked just like a typical 38-40 week old baby boy! The amniotic fluid was clear and the baby’s Apgar score was a 10. Trust. Your. Body. <-
So, yes, in answer to your question, being 42 weeks pregnant or even 43 weeks pregnant CAN be “normal” for YOU. It doesn’t happen often or people just don’t write about it, but just know, you aren’t the only mama to experience this and still have a healthy, happy baby come into your arms shortly thereafter (or when your body says it’s time).” While you wait for your bundle – the following may help ease your worries, fears, concerns, or just.. WTF about being 42 or 43 weeks pregnant!
Don’t compare your pregnancy to others – every pregnancy is different
Being 43 weeks pregnant can be an overwhelming and even lonely experience. As your hormones fluctuate, the wait can often leave you feeling anxious and worn out. You may feel the urge to compare your pregnancy journey to others, but it is important to remember that there is no such thing as a “perfect” pregnancy. Every woman’s body has different needs and different levels of comfort. Every pregnancy brings with it a unique set of challenges, so try not to put undue pressure on yourself by comparing your body or experiences to someone else’s.
Instead, focus on nurturing yourself and taking care of your own needs – rest when you are tired and take time for the self-care activities that make you feel good. And above all else, remember that whatever challenges come with making a baby, it will all be worth it in the end. Every pregnancy is beautiful in its own way – permit yourself to enjoy this special time – your baby is coming!
43 Weeks Pregnant? Still, Take Time for Yourself – Instead of Worrying
Get a massage, journal your love for your new baby, & Immerse yourself in positive affirmations
Being a parent is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. After all, you have to take care of so many tasks that involve the well-being and safety of your baby, not to mention ensuring that you set aside enough time for family activities and self-care. To help keep yourself healthy during this hectic period of life – especially if you are 42 weeks pregnant or 43 weeks pregnant and (undoubtedly anxiously) awaiting your child, I recommend taking some time for yourself each day to do something that uplifts you emotionally and physically.
For example, invest and treat yourself to a therapeutic massage – however short or long it may be; this will help alleviate any built-up tension from being constantly on the go. Most massage establishments have pregnancy pillows to accommodate your bodacious bump.
Journal about why you love your little one – and focus your thoughts on your new baby to come.
You could also try incorporating positive affirmations into your daily routine. Studies show that positive affirmations increase self-esteem and boost moods throughout the day (overriding any worry). Taking just ten minutes per day for these practices can make a big difference in how you feel about being 43 weeks pregnant with seemingly no end in sight!
If a loving parent is the best gift your baby can have, then taking a few moments each day to reset and recharge your mindset will give them (and you) the happiest birthing experience once the day comes.
Write down your love for your little one. Give yourself the chance to take some time for the both of you as they finish their time in your womb, preparing to meet the world. Write down how you feel about this little bundle, staying in their first sanctuary for all these months. Write down what you want to say to them to later share when they are older. How much fun will that be reflecting back on this time!?
And lastly don’t let outside opinions define how you feel about yourself and your pregnancy, embrace positive affirmations! Only by understanding your own body and why your baby needs this extra time, can you truly be content in who you are and surround yourself with those who make you feel supported in your journey to becoming a new mom. Taking some time out to really connect with your womb and body is not selfish; it is essential – this is what will help you feel more at ease going into or even beyond 43 weeks pregnant.
Stay active and eat healthily – both will help you feel better mentally and physically
For 43-week-pregnant women, feeling good is paramount – mentally, emotionally, and physically. There are many ways to approach this with staying active and eating healthy being two of the most effective ones. One way to do both – improve one’s mental attitude while taking care of physical health – is through exercise and nutrition.
Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean strenuous physical activity; something simpler that drives up blood circulation is just as good at getting one’s metabolism working properly. Taking slow but regular walks in nature or doing a 20-minute yoga session are some examples of what 43 week-pregnant women can embrace.
Going for walks in nature or a session of gentle yoga would be great options here! On top of that, eating healthy (think traditional diets that are nutrient-dense with small bites throughout the day) boosts your body’s ability to cope with the impending birthday. Eating a balanced diet full of raw dairy, soured grains, and pastured meats and eggs, with organic vegetables, provide you with essential vitamins and minerals that help support mental clarity and stress reduction, energy levels, and overall well-being for you and your baby.
And there need not be any hard rules when it comes to recipes – simple dishes like salads or a cup of fruit with raw cottage cheese will still do the job without lethargy setting in due to boredom from preparing the same dishes every day over & over again!
The approach doesn’t have to be restrictive either – you can opt for quick and nutritious meals like homemade salads or veggie soups throughout the day. All in all, taking steps towards caring for both our physical health as well as our mental health will work wonders when it comes to how you feel at 43 weeks pregnant!
Connect with other moms-to-be who have worked with a midwife
Pregnancy is an exciting, but an often intimidating experience for many mothers-to-be. It’s completely understandable if you are freaking out a bit at 43 weeks pregnant and it doesn’t seem like baby is going to make their grand entrance! Having someone knowledgeable and understanding to turn to for encouragement can make all the difference during this crucial time leading up to the big day. Many mothers have found that working with a veteran midwife made them feel more at ease and empowered throughout the past 42 weeks of pregnancy.
For first-time moms-to-be or those new to midwifery care, talking with other women who have experienced these vital 9-10 months with a midwife is an invaluable resource. There are support groups around the country, both online and offline, where women can connect and share their stories of navigating each trimester successfully; as well as offer each other comfort and words of encouragement along their journey.
Be sure to also be mindful of the atmosphere of these groups. If you find that they are Negative Nancys, there to complain about the system or spread unhealthy rumors of midwifery horror stories—stay away from those! That is NOT you and their “story” is NOT your story.
While like any form of medical care, it’s important to do your own research on what type of birthing plan works best for you after 43 weeks of pregnancy. Connecting with other moms-to-be who have worked with a midwife can be especially beneficial for soon-to-be moms in making informed decisions about how they want their birth to go and be monitored.
If you’re expecting a baby and looking for support outside of conventional medicine, connecting with other moms-to-be who have worked with a midwife can be extremely helpful. They can provide firsthand experience about what the past 40 weeks to 43 weeks of pregnancy felt like and what to expect during delivery. Furthermore, fellow mothers can offer insight about their partnership with the midwife – from their prenatal care choices to the advice they received throughout their pregnancy.
While working with a professional is important, there is something special about sharing your journey with other women who can relate directly to everything you’re feeling and experiencing during pregnancy beyond 43 weeks (like I wish I had).
With this in mind, think about reaching out to past patients the midwives worked with and building relationships with them before starting your own labor journey. You never know how much another mother may bring to your birthing experience and reassurance beyond that!
Talk to your partner about how you’re feeling past 43 weeks pregnant – they can offer support and understanding
43 weeks pregnant is certainly a milestone, and feeling an overwhelming blend of excitement, anticipation, and exhaustion is normal, don’t forget that. Talking to your partner about those emotions can be incredibly helpful, don’t be shy to share! Not only will they be able to offer you support and understanding as you process your feelings, but they might also help clear up any misunderstandings or assumptions that may have developed between the two of you. Remember, there’s nothing to solve, only share.
Plus, by voicing your worries and concerns, your partner might be able to provide some comforting advice and assistance in helping to alleviate any trepidations you have about this upcoming transition. Seeing as being so far along is a time filled with so much joyous expectation (as well as a bit of anxiousness!), talking honestly with your partner can really take some pressure off – which makes this special moment even more memorable.
The 43rd week of pregnancy is an incredible journey that deserves all the love, care, and openness from both partners – especially when it comes to communicating emotions. So make sure not to forget about having those heartfelt conversations! After all, 43 weeks pregnant marks the very beginning of parenthood (again) – one that should definitely be shared like never before since this is new and doesn’t happen very often!
No Matter how hard this 43rd week of pregnancy gets or how overwhelming it feels at times; don’t forget that talking to your partner can shoot up happiness and create powerful bonding moments. Yes, yes, it’s time to get this baby out, but I also gotta say, still enjoy every moment of being, yes… even 43 weeks pregnant! Open up those conversations today and further enjoy a stronger bond together tomorrow – who knows… maybe your baby will be here by then *wink wink*.
Keep a journal of your pregnancy journey
It can be therapeutic to write down your thoughts, especially if you are past 42 weeks pregnant.
For some expecting mothers past 42 weeks pregnant, the surge of emotions can be daunting and it’s natural to feel frustrated or even scared about the lack of certainty lost at this point. Writing down all your thoughts and feelings in a journal can be an incredibly therapeutic tool for anyone dealing with a pregnancy beyond 42 weeks.
You don’t need to be a skilled writer or have any past experience with writing – simply jotting down your reflections and musings is enough. Heck, forgo the complete sentences, just write!
It’s also important to remember that there’s no timeline or deadline when it comes to pregnancy: Every journey is different, and you should prioritize looking after yourself and managing your own health as best you can so you can celebrate the birth when it finally arrives. A journal can serve as a safe private space where you can record past stories, and moments of joy and sorrow – all while keeping track of your crucial milestones such as prenatal visits, ultrasounds (if you get them), positive pregnancy test results, and more.
This form of self-expression has been shown to contribute immensely to one’s well-being both during pregnancy and beyond. So why not give it a try – grab some paper (or your favorite word processor) then start writing! Who knows what surprises await on this enchanting, yet prolonged baby journey!
Don’t worry if your pregnancy doesn’t fit into the conventional due date framework and timeline. Pregnancies don’t have “over” due dates, they have due months – they’ll be ‘due’ to arrive sometime in {this} month! This means that your pregnancy is unique and doesn’t necessarily follow the same timeline as someone else’s. You’re likely wondering how you can possibly know when your baby will be born, and we totally understand that!
The best answer we can give you is to relax and trust your body. A veteran midwife will be able to help guide you through your pregnancy, labor, and delivery; so please find peace in knowing that you’re in good hands.
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