Canada's Largest & Oldest Cord Blood Bank
Hang in there, momma! You are now officially in a “post term” pregnancy. Only a handful of moms make it to this stage.
This Week’s Highlights
You will receive an ultrasound
Your labour may be induced
Your healthcare provider will closely monitor your baby
Your Baby at 42 Weeks
Only 2% of expectant moms are truly overdue. About 70% of the time, moms who think they are “post term” are actually in their term window, because due date is an estimate.
This week you will be scheduled for another ultrasound, so your healthcare provider can continue to monitor your baby. Post term babies are often bigger and more alert, since they’ve had an extra bit of time to continue maturing.
Pregancy Tip
Get more sleep. Take advantage of this extra time to catch some much-needed Zs before the baby. If you are having trouble falling asleep, try to relax as much as possible.
How Your Body is Changing at 42 Weeks
This is probably your last week of pregnancy. If your labour doesn’t start naturally, your healthcare provider will recommend an induction to make sure you don’t run into any post term complications.
We mentioned several different induction methods last week; again the method of choice will depend on your pregnancy. For instance, your healthcare provider may choose to rupture your amniotic sac with a small needle to induce labour, or use a balloon (called the Foley bulb) to help your cervix dilate faster.
Take your time to read up on these induction methods, so you can make an informed decision when/if the time comes.
How Far Along are You?
42 weeks in, o weeks to go! You are at the end of your pregnancy.
How Cord Blood Banking Works
Cord blood banking is easier than you think. When a parent decides to preserve their baby’s stem cells, they will need to register online to receive a collection kit.
Once you register, the collection kit will be shipped right to your house. All you have to do is remember to bring it to the hospital on the day of delivery.
After the baby is born, and the umbilical cord is cut according to the birth plan of the mother, your healthcare provider will collect the leftover blood in the umbilical cord and the cord itself. Watch this 2 minutes webinar to learn the process →
Natural Ways to Induce Labour
Walking – Walking and your upright posture can help your baby move down in your pelvis into a better position. It is also thought that the pressure of your baby’s head on your cervix when you walk stimulates the release of oxytocin, the hormone that triggers contractions.
Sex – Orgasms can release oxytocin, the hormone that triggers contractions, jump starting labour. In addition, sperm contains prostaglandins, hormones that dilate and thin out the cervix.
Spicy food – It is believed that spicy food may irritate the lining of the stomach, resulting in contractions.
Nipple stimulation – Again as with sex, nipple stimulation may lead to oxytocin release, jump starting labour.
Give Your Baby a Gift that Lasts a Lifetime.
