42 Weeks Pregnant
You’re 42 weeks pregnant — in the third trimester, and you're 2 weeks past your due date. Your baby is about the size of a watermelon this week.
★ Induction is usually recommended by now.
How big is your baby at 42 weeks?
Size of a
watermelon
Length
~51.7 cm
Weight
~3685 g
Last week your baby was about the size of a pumpkin; this week it's grown to roughly a watermelon.
Sizes are averages from standard fetal-growth references. Every baby grows at its own pace — your provider tracks yours at scans.
Baby development at week 42
Very few pregnancies reach 42 weeks, as most providers recommend induction by now to keep the baby safe, since the placenta becomes less efficient over time. The baby is fully developed and simply waiting. Close monitoring of the baby's wellbeing continues, and your team will guide the safest path to delivery. About the size of a watermelon.
Your body at 42 weeks
Common symptoms many people notice around week 42 include:
- Labour signs may finally arrive
- Significant physical discomfort
- Increased monitoring appointments
- Anticipation and fatigue
Symptoms vary enormously from person to person and pregnancy to pregnancy. Not having a symptom on this list is just as normal as having it.
Tips for week 42
- Induction is typically recommended by 42 weeks for safety
- Keep all monitoring appointments
- Discuss the delivery plan thoroughly with your care team
What trimester is 42 weeks?
Week 42 falls in the third trimester. As a quick map: the first trimester runs weeks 1–13, the second covers weeks 14–27, and the third is week 28 through birth (a due date is set at 40 weeks). Want your own dates? Our Pregnancy Due Date Calculator shows your due date and exactly how far along you are today.
The third trimester (weeks 28–40+) is about growth and getting ready for birth. Prenatal visits become more frequent, the baby gains most of its weight, and you'll watch for the signs of labour. Tiredness and physical discomfort tend to return as the due date approaches.
Frequently asked questions
- How many months is 42 weeks pregnant?
- 42 weeks pregnant is about 9+ months (past due). Pregnancy months don't divide evenly into 4-week blocks, so week-to-month conversions are approximate — most providers track pregnancy by week, not month.
- How big is the baby at 42 weeks?
- At 42 weeks, the baby is about the size of a watermelon, roughly 51.7 cm and around 3685 g. These are averages — healthy babies vary, and your provider tracks your baby's own growth curve at scans.
- What trimester is 42 weeks?
- Week 42 is in the third trimester. The first trimester is weeks 1–13, the second is weeks 14–27, and the third is weeks 28 to birth (around week 40).