Overdue pregnancy tips – And how it feels!

When you are pregnant, there is huge focus on your ‘due date’ – people will constantly ask you “When are you due?” and you hold onto that date. I suppose we must have something to go off, but I always find the focus on this date interesting since few babies actually arrive on their due date.

Read on for tips from a mum who went overdue and some overdue pregnancy tips when your baby arrives fashionably late!

Some babies arrive early, some of them far too early, which must be terrifying when there are complications; some (the minority) arrive around their due date and the rest are LATE. I was one of the late ones, arriving a week overdue apparently. This pattern seems to have continued as all three of my babies have been late.

My first child was two weeks overdue and I had to be induced. My second was nine days overdue and arrived, I think, following a sweep at 40 +7. I am currently waiting on baby number three to make an appearance, now three days overdue but showing no signs of coming out!

So what does it feel like to have overdue pregnancy symptoms? If I could sum it up in a few words I’d say: having overdue babies in pregnancy is uncomfortable, frustrating and a bit emotional. 

Much of this I think is caused by the focus on the due date and the approach of people around you. The latter stages of pregnancy can be uncomfortable anyway so apart from that, continuing for a longer period of time isn’t really any different. What you do feel when you go overdue however is a sense of disappointment and if you aren’t careful, others around you can compound that and bring you down.

One of the most frustrating things about being overdue is the number of texts, emails and Facebook posts you receive asking,

“Is there any news?”

I mean, honestly, how do people think these sorts of comments are helpful? You feel like responding:

“No there is no ****** news, because if there was you would know!”

If you already have children this can be made worse as you see people on a daily basis on the school run. The comments become more and more rude and insensitive as the days go by and it can make you not want to speak to anyone at all.

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Sometimes you feel as if you will be pregnant forever, or like me, as if you can’t go into labour on your own without some sort of intervention. This time I was prepared for being overdue again so I managed to arrange a sweep for my due date. Well that was three days ago and still no baby!

You become an expert in all the things that are supposed to help bring labour on. Each time I have added to these and so far this time have tried:

• Frantic floor scrubbing
• Frantic hoovering
• Bouncing on the trampoline
• Running up and down the stairs
• Sex
• Eating lots of pineapples
• Drive over speed bumps… quickly!
• Packing and repacking the hospital bag!

And … still no baby.

What can you do when your pregnancy is overdue? Overdue pregnancy tips

As much as you might hold on to one of these things working I think deep down babies just come when they are ready. With my first child I tried reflexology…I just fell asleep! But here are some things you can do to help spur the process on, if it helps at all!

Things to do while waiting for an overdue baby

Waiting for an overdue baby can feel challenging, but there are several things you can do to make the most of this time and help yourself stay comfortable and relaxed. Here are some options for when you are overdue:

1. Take advantage of this extra time to rest and prioritise self-care. Get plenty of sleep, practice relaxation techniques, and engage in activities that help you unwind, such as taking warm baths or practicing gentle prenatal yoga.
2. Light physical activity, such as walking or prenatal exercises approved by your doctor, can help keep you active and potentially encourage labour.
3. Use this time to spend quality time with your partner. Engage in activities together, such as going for walks, watching movies, or enjoying meals together. Strengthening your bond can help reduce any anxiety or impatience you may be feeling.
4. Use the extra time to prepare your home and nursery for the arrival of your baby. Organise baby essentials, wash and fold clothes, set up the cot, and make sure you have all the necessary supplies. This can help you feel more prepared and in control.
5. Reach out to family and friends for support and socialisation. Share your feelings about the upcoming arrival of your baby. Surrounding yourself with loved ones can help you feel supported and distract you from the waiting period.
6. Engage in hobbies or activities that bring you joy. Read books, watch movies, listen to music, or pursue creative projects like painting or crafting. Engaging in activities you enjoy can help pass the time and keep your mind occupied.
7. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, consider seeking support from a therapist, counsellor, or a support group for expectant parents. Talking to others who have been through a similar experience can provide reassurance and guidance.

As frustrating and emotional as it can be coping with being overdue, you won’t be pregnant forever and you will have your baby in your arms soon. So try to stay positive, keep busy and plan things everyday so you don’t find yourself sat around waiting for the baby to arrive.

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FAQ

I’m overdue 41 weeks pregnant mucus plug came out a week ago and have been having light contractions for the past 2 days. Why am I not going into active labor? The contractions are not getting stronger.

I’m not a medical expert, but I can offer some general information. It’s quite common for labour to be delayed or for contractions to be irregular. There may be a few reasons why you haven’t progressed to active labour yet, even after your mucus plug has come out and you’re experiencing contractions.

Here are a few possibilities:

1. Sometimes contractions can start and continue without progressing into active labour. This phases is known as early labour or prodromal labour and can last anywhere between a few hours to a few days before true active labour starts.
2. The position of the baby can influence the start of active labour. If your baby isn’t in an optimal position for birth then it may take longer for labour to progress. Sometimes the baby needs time to move into the correct position. Anecdotally, this happened to me with my fourth baby and I was 41+5 days before she turned into the perfect position for me to have my perfectly unassisted and quick birth.
3. Hormones can play a crucial role in labour. The hormonal balance in your body needs to be just right for labour to progress.
4. Every labour is unique. Some women may have longer labour and some give birth in five minutes. Babies come when they’re ready!

Is it dangerous if baby passes the due delivery date and is not born yet?

Other questions asked were:

• How long can you go over your due date?
• Can a baby stay in the womb for 12 months?
• How long can you go past your due date?
• What is the longest overdue pregnancy?
• What was the longest overdue baby?
• I’m long overdue past my due date. Should I be worried?
• When is pregnancy considered to be overdue?
• Complications of being overdue?
• How is my overdue pregnancy managed?
• What tests will I need to have if I’m overdue?
• What can I do to prevent going overdue?
• What Is an overdue pregnancy?
• How overdue can a baby be?

Due dates are rarely accurate so going overdue is quite common and doesn’t necessarily indicate danger. However, you should always speak to your doctor about monitoring your pregnancy and your baby’s health and wellbeing.

While most pregnancies last around 40 weeks, it’s normal for a pregnancy to last anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks. This time frame is known as the ‘term’ period. Once you pass 41 weeks though, your midwife / hospital may begin monitoring you to make sure everything is progressing well.

There are some risks attached to post-term pregnancies however, which is why hospitals tend to monitor you more closely. These risks include:

• The placenta may become less efficient in delivering oxygen and nutrients to the baby, which can affect the baby’s health
• The amniotic fluid may decrease which may impact the baby’s movements and wellbeing
• In some cases, babies may pass their first bowel movement which is called meconium in the womb. If the baby inhales or swallows the meconium, it may cause respiratory issues
• Babies continue to grow larger, increasing the risk of a difficult delivery or the need for a C section

Are there any benefits of baby being overdue?

While going past the due date can be a source of frustration, there are a few benefits associated with a baby being overdue:

1. The extra time in the womb can allow the baby’s organs and system to mature, particularly in the case of late preterm births (between 34 and 37 weeks). Babies born closer to full term may have a reduced risk of premature birth complications.
2. Babies born after the due date tend to be larger compared to those born earlier. This can be beneficial, especially if the baby is small or growth-restricted, as the extra time allows for further weight gain and development.
3. Babies born closer to full term or slightly overdue may have more developed lungs, reducing the risk of respiratory issues compared to those born prematurely.
4. Babies who are overdue may have a reduced likelihood of requiring admission to the NICU compared to premature babies. They may be better equipped to handle the transition to life outside the womb.

These potential benefits may vary depending on individual circumstances, and the decision about when to intervene or induce labour is ultimately based on a thorough evaluation of you and your baby’s health by your healthcare provider.

42 weeks pregnant and no signs of labor. What do I do?

Other questions asked:

• 40 weeks and 4 days pregnant no signs of labor. What do I do?
• Overdue pregnancy – how to bring on labour?
• 40 weeks 3 days pregnant and no signs of labour. What can I do to make baby come?
• 41 weeks pregnant, no sign labour. How do I go into labour when my baby is over the due date?
• 41 weeks pregnant no signs of labour. I need baby to come out. How?
• How do you get a baby out when overdue?
• What are the reasons for being overdue in pregnancy?
• My baby is overdue what can I do?
• How can I speed up my labor when overdue?
• I’m 3 days past due date. Should I be worried?
• What causes pregnancy to go overdue?
• How to get overdue babies out?
• How much do overdue babies develop in pregnancy?

If you’re 42 weeks pregnant and haven’t experienced any signs of labour yet then contact your health care provider so they can assess your situation and guide you to the next steps. They may want to perform tests and check the wellbeing of your baby.

They may want to discuss options for induction, depending on your circumstances. Induction involves artificially starting labour by stimulating contractions using the hormone oxytocin. They will explain the risks and benefits of induction so you can make an informed decision.

While it is tough to be 42 weeks overdue (I totally understand as I was 42 weeks twice!) it’s important to stay cam and be patient. The baby will come when they are ready and your hospital will make sure you and your baby’s health is a priority.

Keep an open line of communication with your doctor and if you don’t want to be induced, consider options of induction by Dilapan or c section. Otherwise, good luck and I you manage to start labour on its own!

How much weight does a baby gain when overdue?

It’s difficult to determine the exact weight a baby will gain when they’re overdue as each pregnancy is unique. However, it has been shown that babies continue to gain weight during the last weeks of pregnancy, whether you have a late baby or not.

In the latter stages of pregnancy, your baby’s weight will tend to slow down but this rate of weight gain may depend on factors such as genetics, maternal health and nutrition.

If you are worried about your baby’s weight, contact your doctor who will perform an ultrasound and other tests to estimate your baby’s weight. They will also look at their overall health and decide whether it’s ok to proceed.

Remember that the estimates provided by ultrasounds or other methods can have a margin of error, and they are just estimates. Instead rely on the expertise of your healthcare provider and maintain open communication throughout the pregnancy.

How often are babies born on their due date?

Other questions asked were:

• What are the overdue baby statistics?

On average, about 70% to 80% of pregnancies reach 40 weeks of gestation. However, these percentages vary depending on various factors, including the population studied and the specific criteria used to define “past due” or “overdue.”

First-time mothers tend to have a slightly higher likelihood of going past their due dates compared to women who have had previous pregnancies.

The likelihood of going past the due date can also vary among different ethnic and cultural groups. For example, some studies have suggested that pregnancies among certain Asian populations tend to have a higher proportion of post-term pregnancies.

Advanced maternal age (typically defined as being 35 years or older) is associated with a slightly increased risk of post-term pregnancy.

The estimated due date is calculated based on various factors, such as the date of the last menstrual period and ultrasound measurements. However, due dates are estimates and not precise predictors of when labour will begin. Therefore, some pregnancies may appear to go past their due dates simply because the estimated date was slightly off.

It’s important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and the duration of pregnancy can vary. If you have concerns about the length of your pregnancy, it is best to talk to your doctor, who can assess your pregnancy and provide appropriate support.

Can induction cause an overdue pregnancy?

Induction is medical intervention to stimulate contractions and initiate labour when it has not started naturally. Induction is sometimes recommended for overdue pregnancies to mitigate the potential risks associated with overdue pregnancies.

Induction may not always be successful in causing labour to start immediately and its success depends on several factors, including the readiness of the cervix for labour and the body’s response to the induction which uses prostaglandins or synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) to break the water (amniotomy), or a combination of all of these.

Discuss the benefits and risks of induction with your doctor. For example, induction may increase the chances of more intense contractions or the use of medical interventions like pain relief medication or continuous foetal monitoring.

Ultimately, the decision to induce labour is a collaborative one between you and your doctor, and it is based on weighing the potential benefits against the risks associated with waiting longer for labour to start naturally.