If the labour delays after 40 weeks, you should immediately report it to the doctors. Monitoring the baby's movements and the placenta's function might reveal the reason for the delay. Depending on the baby’s condition, doctors may ask you to wait or start labour induction.
What is Post-term
When labour starts 2 weeks after the due date, it is called post-term. While the exact reason is unknown, doctors suggest, post-term birth happens due to previous post-term birth, obesity, primiparity, or hormonal imbalances.Post-term pregnancies are not suitable for either the baby or the mother. The risk of stillbirth is high after 40 weeks. Post-term pregnancies come with a risk of foetal mortality, meconium aspiration syndrome, macrosomia, and dysmaturity syndrome. Post-term babies might have behavioural problems and ADHD-related behaviours. Post-term labour can be avoided by monitoring foetal movements and promptly inducing labour.
The Reason Behind the Overdue
The due date is just an estimate to determine the labour. Labour arriving one or two days before or after the due date is normal and is generally considered healthy. If the baby arrives after 2 or 3 days, it is considered late-term. Below are a few reasons why babies may arrive late.- First-time labour may start later than the second time labour
- If your mother or grandmother delivered post due date
- A male baby may need more growth, resulting in overdue
- The placenta continues to nourish the baby
- Incorrect due date calculation
- Pregnancy post 30 years
Risks of Overdue Pregnancy
Babies born in a few days are generally healthy. But if days stretch into 1 or 2 weeks, the risks are high. Possible risks include:- Higher foetal weight or macrosomia
- Limited supply of nutrients to the baby due to an ageing placenta
- A decrease in amniotic fluid affects lung function
- High chances of foetal distress
- Need for cesarean or assisted delivery
How Doctors Monitor Overdue Pregnancy
Post the due date, you should be very careful about the foetal health. Monitoring the baby's movement and its internal functions helps assess the risk and need for labour induction. Doctors conduct various tests to make sure the baby is healthy and thriving.- Biophysical Profile: BPP checks foetal breathing movements, foetal body movements, muscle tone, amniotic fluid volume, and foetal heart rate.
- Amniotic Fluid Reflex: Amniotic fluid is necessary for the foetus. After 40 weeks, it naturally reduces signalling placental decline.
- Non-Stress Test: NST assesses the baby’s heart rate and movement.
- Cervical Tests: This test shows the readiness of the cervix, effacement, and the baby’s position.
Labour Induction- When and How it is Done
Labour induction is done when labour has not arrived after 2 weeks of the due date. Decrease in foetal movement, heart rate, amniotic fluid, and maternal complications, including gestational diabetes and hypertension, increases the need for labour induction. Labour induction is done in 3 ways:- Amniotomy: Breaking the water by manually separating the membranes around the cervix may induce labour within a few hours.
- Cervical Ripening: Medications may be applied or inserted to dilate and soften the cervix.
- Natural Methods: To manually separate the membranes, natural methods, including exercise, membrane sweeping, intercourse, and nipple stimulation, can be followed.
Manage Mental Health
If you are very eager to see your baby, these prolonged pregnancy weeks may stress you mentally. Understand these can be genetic or a miscalculated due date. During this time, all you need is support, rest, and patience.- Indulge in mindful activities that keep you busy and distracted from the baby
- Ask your partner and family member for support
- Look for trusted sources for information
- Use this extra time to rest and prepare for the baby
- Meal prep hygienic foods rich in nutrition for postpartum health
Nutrition, Hydration, and Relaxation
- Consider these delays as extra time to nourish yourself
- Indulge in frequent small meals filled with necessary prenatal nutrients
- Optimal hydration keeps your mind and body refreshed
- Choose enough rest and sleep, as you will need strength for labour pain
- Practice pelvic exercises, stretching, and flexibility training
Every pregnancy is different and follows its own unique pattern, shaped by your body and environment. At week 40, expect labour at any time. Paying attention to your body’s cues and trusting your instincts are essential.
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FAQs on The Big Week: What Happens If Your Baby Is Overdue
- How long is it safe for a baby to be overdue?
It is completely safe if you go past a few days after your due date. If the labour doesn't start even after 41 weeks, report it immediately to the doctor. Doctors monitor the baby's growth, heart rate and may recommend labour induction. - Can resting too much delay labour?
While resting is recommended during pregnancy, resting 24/7 is not ideal. Pregnant women should walk, engage in light activity, and stretch to improve blood circulation and cervical dilatation. Evidence suggests resting delays labour.
