Your baby
If the placenta has worked at its best for forty-two weeks, an overdue baby looks little different from one born on time. All the downy hair has gone by now, and your child has lost the vernix as well. The skin may even look rather dry, particularly on the hands and feet.
Most children born at 42 weeks have done well for themselves in the womb and look pleasantly plump. The nails may also be on the long side, so you may have to file them straight away to stop your baby scratching.
You
That you are getting impatient is entirely understandable. By now you have probably had quite enough of that large bump. But above all you are becoming very curious about your child. What will he or she look like? What will that first sound be?
You may also be starting to worry. You had no doubt hoped for a spontaneous birth, perhaps at home. If you do not give birth this week, there is a good chance you will be induced. That happens in hospital. The gynaecologist will first check whether the cervix is ripe. If it is not, it is softened with a special gel.
If the cervix is ripe, contractions are brought on with a drip containing the hormone oxytocin. That gets contractions going for certain and the birth begins. It really will not be long now before you can hold your child in your arms.
Extra leave
If your baby only comes now, you are still entitled to 10 weeks' maternity leave — even though you have probably already had 8 weeks.
Third trimester
