41 weeks pregnant, or 39 weeks after conception: the possibility of an induction

Reviewed by

EFELYA With more than 25 expert practitioners.

You are nearing the end of your pregnancy and your baby's organs are ready to function outside of the womb. Some of them will have to adapt, particularly the heart and lungs. When your baby is born, the organs change from functioning in a liquid environment to air. Oxygenation of the fetus, performed by the placenta during intrauterine life, is now performed by the lungs, which have become autonomous.

If your due date has come and gone, do not worry. This is common for most women as the due date is just an estimate. Your baby may just need a few more days. However, as you approach 42 weeks, you should discuss labour induction with your practitioner.

One thing is certain, you will meet your baby really soon.