Do first time mothers go full term or do they have babies early or late?

Question

My wife and I are hoping to have our 1st baby soon.

She has never been pregnant before, is very healthy and in her mid 20's.

Do first time mothers usually carry their baby til their due date?

Or do they usually give birth late?

Or do they five birth earlier?

My wife's mother carried all her babies about 2 weeks late, will this happen to my wife?

Answer 1

It is very common for a first pregnancy to go into labor 'late'. It isn't really late - a due date that is given is actually the midpoint of what is considered full term - 38-42 weeks.

Answer 2

It all depends on when the baby is ready, and if she is having a healthy normal pregnancy. Also remember that "40 weeks gestation" is also just an approximate number, and even the due date is a specific day, even that should be more like a "due week" so baby could actually be 40 weeks any time that week. A normal "term" is supposed to be anywhere from 38 to 42 weeks i think. First pregnancies will sometimes go longer than second and third, (and labor usually gets shorter too, thank god).

Answer 3

Its common for first time moms to carry til their due date or later, but everyone is different. I'm a first time Mom and I was induced at exactly 40 weeks. A friend of mine went 2 weeks early and she was a first time Mom. So you never really know. Just don't stress on that because then the baby will know and will probably make you wait longer : )

Answer 4

Awesome question!
Now you mentioned that your mother in law carried her own children to 2 weeks overdue. That could play a role in how long your wife carries her children, though don't totally go by that. It is very true that every pregnancy and childbirth are different. Myself, I was pretty much right on time with my son, he was born 4 days before the date I had been given from the doctor.
Basically, as long as your wife goes for her regular checkups and takes care of herself everything should be fine. If any problems do come up, I'm sure her doctor/ob-gyn would do everything possible to ensure a healthy newborn. Good Luck!

Answer 5

It depends on the mother. Some people say that if it's your first baby it might be really late but I dont think that's true. I had my first baby at 39 weeks. 1 week exactly before my due date. So you never know. If you want it to come sooner then you should try having sex and ejaculating in her. That's what did it for me. My husband and I had sex one night and out came baby the next morning! Good Luck and Conratulations!

Answer 6

First of all Congratulations! and how nice of you to be so involved with all the process.
Most first time moms are late, how late no one can know exactly but looking at her Moms history she might be late, on the other hand, every woman is different and so is each pregnancy, you should be on your toes around the day the Doctor said she might deliver and have everything ready to rush to the Hospital.
Good luck and may you have a healthy beautiful baby.

Answer 7

Just as every woman is different, every pregnancy is different as well. With my first child I delivered right on my due date. With my second however, I was three weeks early. Most people say that it is not uncommon for first time mothers to deliver after the fortieth week. Just remember your baby will come when he/she is ready, and not a moment before. You should probably get used to that, it's going to be the way it goes for quite some time. Congratulations

Answer 8

Most first time moms are late by about 2 weeks. I was early a weeks which is really rare for the first time. If her mother was late, your wife will probably be late as well, but remember every pregnancy is different. That is just the trend.

Answer 9

It is different for every mother and every pregnancy. It is entirely dependent on the health of the baby and the mother. There is absolutely no way to tell when your wife will have yours until it happens. (Unless there is medical intervention- ie: Cesarean) Just enjoy the pregnancy while it lasts - especially the part where you still get to sleep! You will miss that when the baby comes. Congratulations, btw.

Answer 10

everyone is different. i have 3 babies and the first 2 were exactly 5 days early. the third was 2 days early. the baby will come when it's ready. as long as your wife is eating right and resting and getting the right amount of exercise then i wouldn't worry about it. congratulations on your new addition.