what happens if your past your due date?

Question

hi im 37 weeks pregnant with my first baby and i was just wondering what happens if i go past my due date? what will my doctor do? how long will i have to wait to be induced? can i choose to be induced?

Answer 1

Most doctors will induce at 42 weeks or sooner if the baby is in stress or is growing to large for a natural birth.

Stress test are done weekly or 3 times a week when over due. (You sit and they hook up a monitor around your belly, checking tthe heart rates for about 45 minutes or less)

Congrats !!!!

Answer 2

It depends on your doctor, but the vast majority of doctors will induce during 41 weeks pregnancy and virtually all will induce by 42 weeks. This is because studies have shown increasing rates of problems for every few days past 42 weeks. If your female relatives have a history of going late, you may just have a longer gestational rate and can wait a little longer. If you are late, the doctor has you go for a stress test to see how the baby is doing. The primary reason for not going past 42 weeks is placenta degradation, (which can actually occur any time in the pregnancy, but more commonly after 42 weeks).

You do not want to be induced unless conditions are right for it. This is because the success rate is lower and it increases your chances for a c-section.

Typically, the doctor will apply a medication to your cervix to encourage contractions. There is also medication in your IV. Contractions from induction are reported as much more difficult than normal contractions, so an epidural is probably the way to go as well. I've included an article below which explains in pretty plain English, about inductions.

Answer 3

Some doctors will give you the choice of being induced. Since you're 37 weeks there shouldn't be a problem. If you go past your due date that's fine also. I think up to 2 weeks after your due date, then they'll induce. Can't remember for sure. You should not induce if you don't have to. If the baby is alright, then let him/her come when they're ready. Both times I was supposed to be induced I ended up going into labor that day, and I think it's a lot better. Also had no meds which I think have some kind of effect on the kid. Don't worry everything will be fine. Good luck to you and your little one.

Answer 4

It depends on the doctor/midwife and you. Ideally your doctor/midwife would already have discussed this with you though... for your next pregnancy I'd find someone who'll keep you informed of things throughout, well before they become issues.

My midwife says that if the baby is overdue, she'd have me do kick counts and perhaps an ultrasound to see whether the baby is still doing fine, but that as long as the baby is fine, nothing needs to be done. Babies tend to come out when they're ready. :)

Some doctors will allow you to be induced on your request, without a medical necessity, and others won't. If a doctor wants to induce you, you can refuse, but whether that's smart... it depends. Some doctors are induction-happy, inducing women that go just a day over 40 weeks... on average first-time moms give birth 8 days after 40 weeks, so... I wouldn't want to be induced until 42+ weeks, unless there was a medical necessity (=unlikely). Induction poses a risk to the baby... if it doesn't want to come out yet, it probably isn't quite ready yet, developmentally. Induction increases the risk of needing a cesarean as well.

Also, be aware that if your period used to be longer than 28 days, your due date is actually the same number of days later as your period is longer than 28 days. So, if your period used to be 35 days, then your due date is a week later than you think it is, because conception occurred a week later.

Answer 5

it depends on the doctor. Some will wait as late as 42 weeks. Now with my youngest I insisted on being induced at 39 weeks. But she was big and growing alot even the doc from 1 week to the next was like she is going to be a big baby, then the next problem was I had a 16 month old I was home with and was fearful og going into labor before my hubby could get home. His job at Fed Ex leaves him driving all over the place. The doc induced me! I was 39 weeks and was already in labor when I got there so talk to your doc about it and the reasons you may want to be induced.

Answer 6

My daughter was born 9 days past her sonogram due date. I had had false labor four times and sent home from the hospital. The night I finally went into labor I didn't want to go to the hospital just to be sent home again. The doctor finally told me to go that he would tell them to admit me and if I was not in labor he would induce me the next morning. Turns out I was in labor and she was born before the induction time the next morning. I think that the doctor is the one who will make the decision to induce labor and I am certain he will include your input in making that decision. The best of luck to you. Congratulations. I was so bewildered when i was late I was convinced that I would be pregnant forever and be in the Guinness Book of World Records-lol. As soon as labor really started I was ready to change my mind and leave-lol. good luck -k-

Answer 7

Due dates are +/- 2 weeks.

Some doctors will induce you after you reach your due date. Others won't unless there are signs that the baby is either too big or going into distress.

Answer 8

The doctors could wait till your 42 weeks pregnant and if you still haven't delivered they will induce the labor by making your water break....if worst comes to worst a c-section will be made.....but relax your baby will come when its ready...enjoy!

Answer 9

Even if youre overdue the doctors will try to wait until youre very uncomfortable or the baby is at risk. They will tell you about some "home remedies" like taking long strolls or having sex. You still have a lot of time before the birth. I wouldnt worry about it too much.

Answer 10

I've known people to be a few weeks after their due date... eventually they will force the baby out but for the next few weeks it should be fine. Best letting the doctor decide when is the best time.