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Third trimester

41 Weeks Pregnant

A little past your due date

How your baby is developing

  • Your baby is fully developed and simply waiting to arrive — many babies come in the days after the due date.
  • There is less room now, but your baby usually keeps their own pattern of movement, which still matters.

What may be happening in your body

  • You may be past your due date now — on its own that's common and not a sign that something is wrong.
  • Backache and sleeping problems are still on the common-symptom list at this stage, and many people feel very tired.
  • Your baby usually keeps their own pattern of movement, which carries on in these days too.

How you may be feeling

  • Once you're past your date, impatience and a 'still waiting?' feeling can grow.
  • Constant check-ins from people around you can make that feeling heavier.
  • Waiting to meet your baby while not knowing how labour will start can keep your mind busy.

Worth remembering

A due date is only an estimate; going a little past it is common and does not, on its own, mean anything is wrong.

A closer look

What a due date really is

A due date is an estimate, not a deadline — many babies arrive in the days around it, and going a little past it is common. Under NHS (UK) guidance you may be offered a membrane sweep, and induction of labour is offered if labour has not started on its own by 41 weeks. Your own maternity care team will talk through monitoring and your options with you.

The last stretch of waiting

Once you're past the date, the days can feel even longer and impatience can peak. These feelings are very common. Many parents describe this as the hardest stretch of waiting — and one that does end.

What comes next

Your midwife or maternity team can talk through monitoring and your options if your pregnancy continues past this week.

Professional support

Services ParentSide defines for this stage. Each page explains what the service covers and which professionals are approved to provide it.

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Sources and updates

Sources

Last reviewed:
This content is based on estimated averages and general information; it does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned about yourself or your baby, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

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