41 weeks pregnant
Going past your due date.
In short
At 41 weeks your baby is about the size of a watermelon, around 51.8 cm long. Going past your due date.
- Third trimester, week 41 of about 40.
- In Ireland, women with a straightforward pregnancy are offered an induction at 41 weeks, after a full talk about the benefits and risks.
Turn your baby round in 3D every week in the free Lullagram pregnancy section
Your baby's growth has slowed right down and they are ready for life outside. Babies born after their due date often have dry, peeling skin because the vernix has worn away.
How big is my baby at 41 weeks?
At 41 weeks your baby is about the size of a watermelon, around 51.8 cm long. Before about 14 weeks babies are measured from crown to rump; after that the figure is head to heel. These are typical figures from fetal growth charts. Your own baby may be bigger or smaller, and your scans are what count.
What is my baby doing at 41 weeks?
- Your baby's growth has slowed right down and they are ready for life outside.
- Babies born after their due date often have dry, peeling skin because the vernix has worn away.
- This peels off by itself within a few days, so there's no need to moisturise it.
- Your baby should keep moving in their usual pattern.
What changes for me at 41 weeks pregnant?
- Going past your due date is common and can feel frustrating.
- Braxton Hicks tightenings, backache and poor sleep may all carry on.
What is a good tip for this week?
Keep your hospital bag by the door and rest as much as you can.
What can a partner do this week?
Answer the "any news?" messages so they can rest.
What should I know in Ireland at 41 weeks?
- In Ireland, women with a straightforward pregnancy are offered an induction at 41 weeks, after a full talk about the benefits and risks.
- If you decide not to be induced yet, you should meet a senior midwife or obstetrician to agree a plan, which usually includes a scan to check the fluid around your baby.
- You can change your mind at any time. Contact your maternity unit if you have any concerns.
When to get help: If your baby's movements slow down, change or stop, contact your maternity unit straight away without waiting. HSE: when to get help.
Want these updates on your phone? The Lullagram app has a free pregnancy section with this week-by-week guide, Irish dates worked out from your due date, a contraction timer and more. When your baby arrives, the baby tracker is ready in the same app.
Guides for your pregnancy: pregnancy care in Ireland · maternity leave and benefit · hospital bag checklist · popular baby names · free IVF in Ireland · due date calculator
Sources and guidance
This page is written to be consistent with the official guidance below. It is general information for parents in Ireland, not medical advice. Links checked 23 September 2026.
A great app that has made them late night feeds and nappy changes easier. The fact my account links with my partner means we both know how baby is doing and takes away the guess work at night of what time baby is due or has been feed. Looking forward to using the other elements of the app as our little man grows.