How much do babies actually grow in the last week or two (e.g. from 40 to 41 weeks or 39 to 41 weeks)?


HotI, I'm not sure what your reasons are for being nervous, but my girl was my biggest at 4.77kg (10lb 8oz) and she did no damage coming out, even though it was quick and she had her hand against her face. I put it down to it being the first time I was 'coached' during pushing, being directed and encouraged to slow down and breathe. If that's one of your concerns, maybe asking for guidance to pant rather than heave-ho (like I did with the boys) might be worth considering.
It's not just for birth that i would prefer a smaller baby, my tummy muscles are quite damaged from previous pregnancies, and holding a bigger baby in is both more difficult and can lead to more damage. DS was bigger than your girl and i birthed in water. My pelvis opening to let him through hurt more than when he came out. I am not into coached pushing, but talking through with my midwife during my pregnancy allowed me to just breathe him out. I just hope that i can do that again, no matter how big baby is.