Being Overdue

Why labor is late

As the exact trigger that sets off labor is
unknown, it's not clear why some women are
overdue. You are more likely to be overdue if this
is your first baby, if you've had an overdue baby
before, or if the condition runs in your family.
Some think it's more common in well nourished
women, and there is even evidence that
pregnancies are longer in the summer than in the
winter. If your due date was figured out from an
early ultrasound, this gives a more accurate
dating of pregnancy than the date of your last
menstrual period, and you'll be less likely to be
classified as overdue.

What will be done

After 41 weeks, there is a slightly increased risk
to your baby's health that may be due to the
reduced efficiency of the placenta. After 42 weeks
the risk increases, but is still small. Depending on
hospital policy, you will be offered an induction
around 41 weeks (see Induction of Labor). The
following may also be done.
Stripping the membranes
After 40 weeks, your doctor may do an internal
examination to "strip the membranes." She'll
insert a gloved finger into the cervix and pull the
membranes in a circular pattern. This can soften
the cervix and increase the chance of you going
into labor by 30 percent in the next 48 hours. It's
safe for you and your baby, but can cause cramps
and slight bleeding.
Assessments after 42 weeks
Many doctors induce labor by 41 or 42 weeks. If
your pregnancy goes beyond 42 weeks and you
don't want to be induced, your doctor may offer
monitoring with scans to measure the baby's
pulse and volume of fluid around the baby; or you
may have a NST (see Monitoring During Labor)
once or twice a week until labor to pick up any
signs that the placenta is failing. If a problem is
found, you'll be advised to have a cesarean or an
induction of labor.
Going over your due date can be
stressful, but it may help to remind
yourself that it's also extremely
common and quite normal.
How you're feeling
You might find the physical and mental stress of
being pregnant beyond your due date considerable
but it can help to know that unless you have a
medical condition, being overdue does not
significantly increase your health risks. You may
worry that your baby will grow too large, causing
difficulty in labor, but your baby isn't likely to put
on enough weight in the last week or so to make
a big difference and most overdue babies have a

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