View Full Version : Past my due date
samuelluvsliz
Jan 15, 2009, 11:45 AM
I am 40 weeks pregnant and my due date is today the 15th but I still have not gone into labor yet. This is my first baby and I am a little worried about this. I have my docs appt tomorrow and she told me last week that I still had a week after my due date before I was considered overdue. I really am scared of getting an induction if needed. Is there anything I can do to try and speed things up or has anyone gone that long after their due date before? I have been walking at the park and stuff but nothing is happening. Please advise!! :confused:
Alty
Jan 15, 2009, 12:09 PM
Very few babies are born on the official "due date", you have nothing to worry about.
Your doctor will probably wait a few days, or do a non stress test to determine if the baby is under stress because you are overdue. An ultra sound might be done to see if the babies environment is still okay.
You have nothing to worry about, most times mother nature takes care of it, you'll go into labor when baby is ready.
DoulaLC
Jan 15, 2009, 04:09 PM
Actually, you aren't considered "overdue" until you go passed the 42 week mark. However, many doctors these days don't let mothers go even to 42 weeks.
Term, for many, has been bumped up a week to 37-41 instead of what it used to be 38-42. One down side of this is the increase in inductions... which has shown a steady increase in the last several years.
Unless there is a true medical reason to step in, such as unfavorable results on something like a nonstress test as Altenweg mentioned, baby will come when ready. Some feel first pregnancies should actually be increased about a week simply because it is not uncommon for first pregnancies to go a little longer than others.
Nothing will get things going if your body isn't ready for it, even a medical induction will not go smoothly. There is some thought a few things may do the trick: frequent intercourse, nipple stimulation, accupressure points, etc..