WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Overdue Pregnancy: What to Do

Childbirth
Stages of labor
Overdue Pregnancy: What to Expect When You're Past Your Due Date
Feeling a bit like you've been waiting forever for your baby to arrive after your due date has come and gone? Don't fret, it's a common experience!
While that anticipated due date might feel like a magical moment, it's essentially an estimate of when you'll hit the 40-week mark in your pregnancy.
Keep in mind that this date doesn't predict exactly when your baby will make their grand entrance.
In reality, giving birth before or after the due date is entirely normal, with a pregnancy only considered "postterm" when it exceeds two weeks beyond the due date.
Why's the Hold-Up?
If you find yourself past your due date, a few factors could be at play.
  • First-timers might be more prone to an overdue pregnancy, as are those who've gone two weeks beyond their due date in a previous pregnancy.
  • If you're carrying a baby boy or if your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, there's a higher chance of extending past the due date. Keep in mind that miscalculations can also occur, stemming from confusion over the start of your last menstrual period or due to ultrasounds done after 22 weeks of pregnancy.
  • In rare cases, genetic factors or placental and baby-related issues might be influencing the delay.
No Worries, It Won't Last Forever!
Feeling restless and anxious? That's completely understandable.
The good news is that an overdue pregnancy doesn't hang around indefinitely.
Labor could kick in at any given moment, ending the waiting game and starting the exciting journey of childbirth.
The Risks of Postterm Pregnancy
Pregnancies stretching between 41 and 41 weeks and six days are labeled as late-term, while those that breach 42 weeks are considered postterm. While most postterm pregnancies go smoothly, some health risks could come into play, including:
  • Fetal Macrosomia: This refers to a larger-than-average baby size, which could increase the likelihood of interventions like forceps, vacuum devices, or even a C-section, since a bigger baby might encounter difficulties during delivery.
  • Postmaturity Syndrome: Marked by reduced fat beneath the baby's skin, decreased soft hair, and staining from the baby's first bowel movement, postmaturity syndrome can pose potential complications.
  • Low Amniotic Fluid: Inadequate amniotic fluid could impact the baby's heart rate and compress the umbilical cord during contractions.
Late-term and postterm pregnancies might also lead to delivery-related problems such as severe vaginal tears, infection, and postpartum bleeding.
Monitoring and Prompting Labor
As your due date drifts further away, your healthcare provider might suggest tests to ensure the safety of both you and your baby. These tests often include measuring the baby's heart rate (nonstress test) and an ultrasound examination to check for the baby's well-being. The levels of amniotic fluid are also assessed to maintain a comprehensive overview.
Based on the outcomes of these tests, your healthcare provider might advise labor induction, a process that stimulates uterine contractions before labor begins naturally.
Gearing Up for Labor
If you're eager to nudge labor along, your healthcare provider might recommend various methods, such as:
  • Cervix Ripening: This involves softening and expanding the cervix, which can be done through medications or a small catheter with an inflatable balloon.
  • Amniotic Sac Sweeping: Also known as membrane stripping, your provider can separate the amniotic sac from the cervix to encourage labor.
  • Amniotic Sac Rupture: Releasing amniotic fluid by creating an opening in the sac using a thin plastic hook.
  • Medication: A version of the hormone oxytocin, known as Pitocin, can be administered to trigger contractions.
These procedures are typically carried out in a hospital setting within the labor and delivery unit.
Staying Connected and Patient
Whether you're opting for a wait-and-see approach or scheduling an induction, staying in touch with your healthcare provider is key.
Educate yourself about the signs of labor, so you're prepared.
In the meantime, focus on embracing the final moments of your pregnancy journey – your baby's arrival is just around the corner!
Remember, every pregnancy is a unique experience, so stay positive and look forward to meeting your little one.
A
Aliyah
7 Jan 2024

😞 due date was supposed to be today but no signs of labor 💔 I was so excited to meet and hold my baby today. # overdue #tired

Childbirth Stages of labor
14 comments
M
Markesha Alexander
What have you tried to kick start labor
27 Mar 2024

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MamaBearTX2 ❤️
Nipple stimulation, sex, squats, and walking to help things progress
27 Mar 2024

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Maddie
5 Dec 2023

I'm officially overdue my due date was the third how do I get this baby out my doctor said if I don't have her bye Monday they have to induce me. Any tips??

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
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Jessica
Nothing has worked for me so far my induction is Friday 😩
27 Mar 2024

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Shaniyah
Try the Starbucks drink.
27 Mar 2024

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Shabraya russell
3 Dec 2023

I’m 40 weeks and 1 day pregnant, due date was yesterday what advice would you give to help the baby come ? I’ve done intercourse, walking miles, eating spicy foods.. nothing seems to be helping. Doctors told me to use these things plus more but she said no castor oil. #40weeks1day #overdue

Childbirth Stages of labor
7 comments
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Stacy ♥️🤞🏾
At this point edit it or or they will induce. That’s about it
27 Mar 2024

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Monica
I heard raspberry tea helps
27 Mar 2024

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Racha
26 Nov 2023

Hi ladies .. who went overdue date in the pregnancy tomorrow will start my 40 weeks 😩 and i’m not having contractions!!!! What do you think!!! Dr told me my baby not facing the cervix completely yet ….

Childbirth Stages of labor
5 comments
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Nakysier
I’m 40 Weeks Tmrw. I’m Goin In For A C-Section Monday Morning
27 Mar 2024

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Racha
Ii was suppssed to do c section bc the baby was the head up i went and put it the IV and everything and they did ultrasound for me the told me he flipped but not all the way in the cervic!!! Why you r having a c section ??
27 Mar 2024

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Bri
14 Jul 2023

How to induce labor at home?? (See below what I've already tried.) They want to induce me next Thursday if he hasn't come yet. I am now 2 days overdue and since this boy is already over 8lbs I'm starting to just need him out here lol. I haven't even had contractions yet and I've been dilated to a 2 for a week. I've tried: walking, curb walking, sex, midwives brew twice, the birthing ball most the day, raspberry leaf tea, chamomile tea, and now evening primrose oil, etc. What else to try ladies? Do tell

Childbirth Stages of labor
12 comments
A
Amanda
You've tried everything lol. I did a lot of nature trail walks and I guess more of a speed walk and it helped so much.
27 Mar 2024

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Angela
What did u experience when u dud midwives brew
27 Mar 2024

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lili
28 Jun 2023

i am getting really frustrated and im getting kind of agitated that my baby isnt born yet. shes 4 days overdue and i feel like my body is just trying so hard not to give up. i have my doctors appointment tomorrow.

Childbirth Stages of labor
4 comments
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Lauren
Yeah , maybe you should ask to be induced as well
27 Mar 2024

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Lauren
I just hope it’s the same day induction cuz I’m tired 😂😂
27 Mar 2024

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Shakiya
22 Jun 2023

We are 39 weeks today which means officially full term 🥳. These last few weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster for me. I’m so ready to go into labor but I’m also not wanting to rush my body. Idk what to do my doctor offered induction yesterday for this Friday. 🫣 I’m not sure if I want to wait or go for it. If I don’t do it Friday my doctor may not be the one delivering my baby if I go overdue or wait to schedule next week. Idk why I’m struggling so hard with this decision lol it’s just my first baby and I’m so nervous and unsure about everything..

Childbirth Stages of labor
3 comments
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Mc🌈👼🏽👶🏽🍼🤰♉👶🏽🤱🏼🩵🩷
If I was you I would wait being induced it isn't fun it all happens way to fast contractions suck but they 1000x worse I let you body tell you but what ever you decide is your choice ❤️ if you get induced baby be in your arms sooner
27 Mar 2024

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Shakiya
Yeah I’ve heard mixed opinions about induction but mainly that the contractions are worse. I just don’t know what to do because at this point it seems like I will go over due and I really don’t know if I trust another doctor to deliver my baby if my doctor can’t… I really like my doctor and I’m sure his colleagues are just as good but I kind of prefer him to be the one to deliver him. But idk I’m very indecisive right now lol.
27 Mar 2024

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Malajah
11 May 2023

So I’m 40 weeks and 5 days and honestly I have never been so exhausted and ready to meet my baby girl I never thought I would carry this long I’m the only one in my family to ever carry this long I just want to go into labor already and meet my little princess 💕 it’s time to come out I’m 5 days overdue!!

Childbirth Stages of labor
4 comments
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Jessica
I'm 40 weeks 1 day and I feel the same way.
27 Mar 2024

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Queen
Surprised their not talking about induction at this point. I know if your over due than your over ready to have your blessing(baby).
27 Mar 2024

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Delia
15 Oct 2022

Currently in labor still only 4cm dilated, but contractions were very painful and my pulse was very high so I got the epidural. I just want my first pregnancy to be relaxed and easy and so far after epidural it’s going perfect 🙌🏼🥰 . Can’t wait to meet my babygirl soon 🥰🥰❤️ #overdue #40weeks4days

Childbirth Stages of labor
3 comments
D
Delia
Thank you love 🥰🙌🏼
27 Mar 2024

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