Based on these statistics, you may be wondering how to calculate your due date and what factors might contribute to having an overdue baby.
The actual date of conception for a baby is hard to know, so gestational age is the most common way to calculate how far along a pregnancy is and predict your due date. Gestational age is measured using the first day of your last menstrual period; days or 40 weeks from this day is the average length for a pregnancy.
The weeks surrounding your estimated due date are your due date window, and birth is likely to happen at any time during that period. If you have no idea when your last period was, became pregnant while using oral contraceptives , or have extremely irregular menstrual cycles, your doctor will likely request an ultrasound to determine the gestational age of your baby.
The ultrasound allows your doctor to measure the crown-rump length CRL or the distance from one end of the fetus to the other. However, during the second and third trimesters babies grow at different speeds, so this ability to accurately estimate age based on baby size diminishes. When a labor extends beyond 41 weeks late term and beyond 42 weeks post term there are increased risks of certain health problems.
Some of the most common risks associated with a post term baby are:. If your due date has come and gone, you can rest assured that you will continue to receive medical care.
Your doctor may suggest some extra monitoring and medical tests to make sure that your baby is healthy. Many doctors will begin to recommend this around 40 or 41 weeks. In making a determination to recommend induction, your doctor will take into account things like your age and health history, the health of the pregnancy, and the birthing wishes of the parents-to-be.
If your doctor or midwife would like to induce you, there are many things you can do to help nudge your little one along that range from more natural methods to medical procedures.
Some methods of induction with varying effectiveness include:. You should have a discussion with your provider about which methods make sense in your particular situation.
Most babies are born within a few weeks of their due date. If you find yourself nearing the end of your estimated due date window with no signs of labor, there may be actions you can take to help nudge your baby into the world. Before doing so, you should always consult with your doctor or midwife.
They can discuss the benefits and risks of your specific health situation and offer guidance on the safest ways to help your little one arrive in your arms. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Decker R. Journal of Perinatal Medicine.
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. NHS Digital. When it comes to content, our aim is simple: every parent should have access to information they can trust.
All of our articles have been thoroughly researched and are based on the latest evidence from reputable and robust sources. We create our articles with NCT antenatal teachers, postnatal leaders and breastfeeding counsellors, as well as academics and representatives from relevant organisations and charities. Read more about our editorial review process. Overdue baby — what happens if my baby is late? Read time 11 minutes.
Email Post Tweet Post. Well, the story starts with the due date… When is a baby overdue or late? How accurate are due dates? Why are some babies overdue or late? What is a membrane sweep? What happens during a membrane sweep?
How likely is a membrane sweep to start labour? Can I do anything to start labour myself? What is induced labour? When and why would I be offered an induction? Induction of labour is offered in the following conditions: If a pregnancy lasts longer than 42 weeks, because of the increased risk of stillbirth and complications of labour. If you have specific conditions, such as diabetes , high blood pressure, obstetric cholestasis or pre-eclampsia.
If there are concerns about the growth of your baby and your healthcare team feel this would be the safest option for you and your baby. You are also likely to be offered an induction of labour in the tragic event of your baby dying in the womb. NICE, ; Thomas et al, What happens in an induction of labour? Induction of labour can be carried out in a hospital maternity unit in different ways.
What happens once labour starts? Is it more painful to induce labour? How else does induction affect labour? This page was last reviewed in June Further information Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: Show references.
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