It is important to remember that the due date is an estimate. Talk with your provider to help you understand how your due date was determined. If you knew you last menstrual period, it was probably based on that. If you did not know your last menstrual period, then if an early ultrasound was performed – it was probably based on this.
Your due date is set at 40 weeks, which can be a bit confusing because we always talk about pregnancy lasting “nine months.” But 40 weeks is actually 10 months. By using your last menstrual period to set your due date, you did not actually conceive until two weeks later when you would have ovulated (or released your egg).
Most babies arrive within two weeks before or up to two weeks after your due date. Most women feel a natural labor is less painful than an induced labor. It is good to be patient as long as everything is going well with your pregnancy. If your pregnancy gets to 41 weeks, your provider will usually order more testing to make sure it is OK to wait longer before having your baby. About 5 to 10 percent of pregnancies will go longer than 42 weeks, but we recommend inducing at 42 weeks because there starts to be increased risks to the baby by going longer than that.
As you get close to your due date, your provider may check your cervix. No matter what your cervix is, it still does not predict when you will go into labor. At 39 weeks or beyond, you can discuss with your provider if your membranes should be stripped. If your body is close to being in labor, this might help get things going. This is a simple procedure where a gloved finger is inserted into the cervix and a gentle ‘sweep’ of the finger slightly separates the membranes from the lower part of the uterus. Some women think this is painful while others do not. 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. Some light spotting is OK, but if it is heavier bleeding, then you should contact your provider.
Although there is no proof that sex can start labor, there is a good reason why it might. With sexual activity a woman’s orgasm will cause oxytocin, which is a hormone that causes the uterus to contract. Semen also contains prostaglandins, which can help soften the cervix. These are hormone-like substances that are like the medications used to induce labor.
Talk with your provider to discuss your options if you are overdue.
…
Posted In Health Information, Pregnancy, Women's
