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Ready for birth
Pregnancy

Ready for birth

2 min readWeek 42
Key takeaways
2 min
  • Prepare for delivery after your due date as it's completely normal, with babies continuing to gain weight and develop protective vernix coating.
  • Expect your newborn to display natural reflexes like grasping and rooting that help them adapt to life outside the womb.
  • Choose your baby's name while understanding their physical development - they'll likely have hair and rounded features at birth.
  • Monitor fetal development through ultrasounds which show clear head, limb, and body positioning as birth approaches.
  • Plan for temporary newborn characteristics like swollen genitals due to hormones that normalize within days after birth.

Babies born after their due date are completely normal, often arriving 1-2 weeks late. During this final stage, babies continue developing protective vernix coating, gaining weight, and preparing natural reflexes like grasping and rooting that help them thrive after birth.

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Ready for birth

The baby will be born any day now. Delivering after the due date is not unusual, so you and your partner shouldn’t worry. The time will come before you know it. 

During this time in utero, the baby continues to gain weight. They most likely have hair on their head and their body is rounded and fleshy.

The baby’s body is covered with a waxy lubricant that protects the skin and helps them pass more easily through the birth canal [1].

Newborn babies usually have large genitals because they swell under the influence of hormones. However, they change to their normal size in a short time [2].

The newborn will have many reflexes and skills that will help them master their new world. For example, if you put your finger in the baby's palm, they will squeeze it tightly.

The baby will instinctively reach for the mother’s breast and find her nipples because they smell like the amniotic fluid that surrounds them in utero [3].

What we can see on an ultrasound

In this picture, the baby is lying on their back, with the right side toward the screen. The head, arms, legs, and stomach are visible.

Ready for birth - Ready for birth
Frequently asked questions

While specific 2026 rankings aren't finalized, current trending baby names include Luna, Oliver, Emma, and Liam. Consider choosing a name that reflects your family's values and cultural background.

Many parents finalize baby names during the third trimester or even after seeing their baby at birth. You typically have several days to weeks after birth to officially register the name.

Yes, delivering after the due date is very common and normal. Babies can safely arrive up to 42 weeks, and many first-time mothers deliver 1-2 weeks past their due date.

Newborns have several important reflexes including the grasp reflex, rooting reflex for breastfeeding, and Moro reflex. These natural responses help babies survive and adapt to their new environment.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Meet our medical experts

Medically reviewed content

Reviewed by healthcare professionals · Updated September 3, 2024

This article is based on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources.

  1. You and your baby at 41 weeks pregnant. NHS.
  2. 40 weeks: fetal development. BabyCenter.

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