Many women go beyond their expected due date. But the number who have what is called a "prolonged pregnancy", a pregnancy that lasts longer than 42 weeks, is thought to be about 4 per cent (MIDIRS 2008: 2). For a long time, obstetricians decided on a baby's expected date of birth by calculating 280 days from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period. This is called "Naegele's Rule". However, calculation only works if you have very regular periods and always ovulate in the middle of your cycle. As we all know, this isn't true for everyone. If Naegele's Rule is used, women tend to be given an earlier "estimated date of delivery" (EDD) than if their EDD is based on their baby's measurements taken from a dating scan. However research suggests that if Naegele's Rule was changed slightly so that 283 days instead of 280 were added to the first day of the mother's last menstrual period, it would be as accurate as ultrasound for estimating her due date.
Why induce?
The reason obstetricians worry so much about "post maturity" (going over your dates) is that the very small number of babies who die unexpectedly while they are still inside the uterus (womb) increases after 42 weeks of pregnancy, and increases again after 43 weeks. However, the numbers are still very small. In the UK, the risk of stillbirth is about 1 per 3000 pregnancies at 39 weeks, 4 per 3000 at 42 weeks and 8 per 3000 at 43 weeks (Hilder et al 1998). Obstetricians aren't sure whether more babies die because the pregnancy has gone on a long time or because there's something wrong with the mothers or babies that makes the pregnancy go on an unusually long time
What happens when you're overdue?
When you go to the clinic for your 41 weeks appointment, your obstetrician will check that your due date is correct, by confirming when you had your last period, whether your cycle normally lasts 28 days and referring to your dating ultrasound scan, if you chose to have one. She will examine your bump to check the position and size of your baby, and with your permission, she may carry out an internal examination to see whether your cervix feels ready for labour (that is, soft and stretchy). She may offer to sweep your membranes to see if this will trigger labour (NCCWCH 2008: 61). Finally, she will discuss with you whether it would be better for your baby to continue inside the uterus or to be induced. If you decide to go for induction, you will be given a date to come into hospital.
What are your choices?
If, after talking to your obstetrician, you're not sure about having an induction, you could ask for a day or two to consider. See what your midwife thinks and talk to friends who have had an induction. Find out how your partner feels. Research shows that membrane sweeping increases the chances of labour starting naturally within 48 hours (Boulvain et al 2005). Current guidelines recommend that all women are offered one when they are 41 weeks pregnant (NCCWCH 2008: 61) (and that women expecting their first baby are offered one at 40 weeks). Ask your midwife or doctor for more information.
Coping strategies after 40 weeks
• Have something planned for every day. Don't stay at home wondering whether you can feel anything happening. Get out of the house - but not too far! • If you haven't already stocked up the freezer, do so now. After your baby is born, you'll be really glad you've got lots of food in the house. (Try our tasty freezable recipes for new mums.) • Tell friends and relatives not to ring every day to find out what's happening - say you'll call them when the big event has taken place! • Go out for lots of last-minute treats with your partner. It won't be so easy after your baby's born. • Rest - if you're finding it difficult to sleep at night, take a nap during the day. Put your feet up. Play some music. Don't fret if you can't sleep, dozing is fine. Build up your energy stores for labour. (Read more about sleep in the last months of pregnancy.) • If you think your labour has started, but you're not sure, phone your midwife and ask for advice. Don't hesitate to give her a call if you're worried. (Remind yourself of the signs of labour.)
Well this is What the Website have to say about overdue. I dun know whether to be worried or not . Since i'm Not over 41 Weeks yet & i have Gone thru this b4 wen pregnant with ayie(ayie was 3 days overdue). if i still have not go in Labour Monday i wud have to take appoinment already to c doctor bt i really dun want to for induction. I want it to come naturally. Let's c what happens laa. . No use for me being over worried.
The LaDyY
Called Fizah
Age 20
Born On 8th Of June
Married To a LoviNg HusBand
Mother to 3 Wonderful Kids
