I've always heard that first baby's are usually overdue.?

Question

Is this true? Does it have anything to do with the size of the woman? Also how far will they let you travel in your last month?

I'm wondering about the traveling because the baby is due January 5 and my family lives 3 hours away and I really would like to see them for christmas but if it's not possible that is alright. I do know the hospitals and actually have an OBGYN there since I lived there for so long.

Answer 1

I delivered at 39 weeks so no not true for everyone...it mostly depends on the womans body and the baby...I would check with my doctor before traveling a far distance...Good luck and congrats

Answer 2

This is not always true. My first was born at 38 weeks and my second at 36. It's not recommended to travel in your last month due to the fact that you can go into labor at any time and you dont want to be far from your dr. and hospital if that were to happen!

Answer 3

Driving in a car for 3 hours when you are 8 months will be very hard on you! You will have poor circulation in your legs by then and sitting too long isn't good. If you go, make frequent stops on the way!! As for first babies being overdue, there is not scientific proof. My first was actually 2 weeks early and I was induced (not because of medical issues but because I was ready)!

Answer 4

My sister had her first early. My best friend had her's exactly on her due date. My mom had my sister (who was her first) early as well.

the due date is mostly something that helps you know the ammount of time that you have to prepare. The actual date of birth can be as early as 24 weeks (although that is extremely premature, but can still grow to be healthy. that is just the earliest recorded live healthy birth known at this day and age).

when it comes to traveling, your doctor will suggest you don't, especially if you don't want to deliver in an unfamiliar hospital with a doctor that doesn't know your medical history.

Answer 5

I was seven days overdue... it all depends on when you're body is ready to do it. I think being induced is a risk, and I wouldn't let my doctor do it... as far as traveling, you can travel anywhere as long as there's a hospital somewhere. Any hospital will deliver your baby, but if you have had any complications, then don't go anywhere.... you want the doctor that knows your complications to deliver your child...

Answer 6

I was 2 1/2 weeks overdue on my first child. My doctor had done a ultrasound when I was 40 weeks and they told me that they could let me go as far as 43 weeks. I guess it is depending on if the mother is safe as well as the baby.

Answer 7

I was put on bed rest at 24 weeks b/c of risk of preterm labor so, no, this is not true. I am 5'7" and was at my ideal weight before I got pregnant. A few weeks later, preeclamsia (toxemia) kicked in and they ended up having to induce me at 36 weeks. I was already dilated to a 4 when they induced me and had been at a 3 for over a month. I didn't fit any of the possible reasons they give for preterm labor either.

Answer 8

It is true statistically but ONLY for pregnancies that are not overmanaged. Sweeping membranes, repeated ultrasounds, and many other things can impact this -not to the benefit of the baby. I am 5'2" and I went the textbook 10 days over, of course I was assuming I would go 10 days over as I am aware of the inaccuracy of Naegle's rule -the rule commonly used to determine due dates. Good ol' Naegle in the proud tradition in obstetrics did not do any studies, nope he DECIDED that as women's monthly cycles ought to be tied to the moon (the "perfect" 28 day cycle) pregnancy ought to be 10 lunar months (280 days from LMP)

Here is a study on it:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2342739&dopt=Abstract

As for "let" you travel, you are an adult and perfectly capable of making your own decisions regarding the risks of travel.

Answer 9

No that is not true. I have 4 children and a 5th on the way and my children or never over do.

As far as traveling it is not s good idea to travel far in your last month of pregnancy because you can go into labor.

Answer 10

It may have to do with the woman's health or size of baby but everyone is diffrent and i was a week early with my first.The doctor really doesnt really put restrictions on your traveling but advise in your last couple of weeks not to travel that far. i live in texas and had less than a week from my due date and went to florida so really its your choice Good luck!